What Materials and Features Distinguish Cheap from Premium Lighters?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the materials and features that differentiate cheap lighters from premium ones, specifically focusing on the construction, functionality, and design aspects of cigarette lighters. Participants explore the types of metals and plastics used, the durability of these materials, and the reasons behind price differences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the metal used in the exterior of lighters and the type of plastic that holds the lighter fluid, questioning the melting point of these materials when in use.
  • Another participant suggests that cheap lighters are typically made from inexpensive materials like tin or plated steel for the metal and polystyrene or polypropylene for the plastic, emphasizing cost-effectiveness.
  • It is noted that Zippo lighters use naptha oil and a wick instead of butane, designed for longevity and potentially as a fashion accessory, which contributes to their higher price.
  • A later reply reiterates the distinction between gas and liquid lighters, asserting that plastic lighters may burn out, while metal ones do not melt under normal use conditions.
  • This participant also mentions that real Zippo lighters can be identified by their weight, heat resistance, and windproof capabilities, contrasting them with imitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the materials and features of lighters, with some agreeing on the general characteristics of cheap versus premium lighters, while others provide differing views on specific materials and their properties.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about material properties and performance under heat are not fully explored, and there is a lack of consensus on the specific characteristics that define quality in lighters.

prathu41
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was just curious to know what a cigarette lighter made of what metal they use in the exterior where the light comes out.what kind of plastic is used to hold the liquid?will the metal melt off if its switched on for a while? what's the difference between a $1 lighter and the $24 zippo lighter , other than the price?
 
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Not sure why this is in General Physics, but oh well. The answer to most of your questions is:
Whatever's cheap, while still being capable of doing the job.

Metal: probably tin or plated steel, something that's cheap, easy to work with, and won't severely oxidize when the lighter is used, or worse yet, melt under the likely flame temperature.

Plastic: polystyrene or polypropylene or something similar that'll resist the pressure they put the butane under, and won't be dissolved by the same lighter fluid. Oh yeah, did I mention cheap?

The Zippo (and similar lighters) aren't designed to be disposable lighters (they also use naptha oil, and a wick instead of liquidified butane). They're designed to last a long(ish) time, and possibly be used even as a fashion accessory. You're paying for all of the above, and probably for the brand name and premium as well.
 
tanx for the info
 
prathu41 said:
was just curious to know what a cigarette lighter made of what metal they use in the exterior where the light comes out.what kind of plastic is used to hold the liquid?will the metal melt off if its switched on for a while? what's the difference between a $1 lighter and the $24 zippo lighter , other than the price?

the lighter can divide two type: gas lighter and liquid lighter, it will burn out if it made of plastic, the metal will not melt off its switched on for a while.the price for a real zippo lighter at least over $1, you can distinguish from its weight heat resistant grade and flame,wind prevent capacity, such as, the weight of the real is more lighter than the imitation. and it will burn itself off even if I have bought one of http://www.uxsight.com/category/168555/cigarette-lighter.html" from a website store, I'd like to share with you, you can have a look if you are free.
 
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