Fontana Aviation Touchless Faucets — Materials & Finish for Marine-Like Humidity

Aircraft lavatories are exposed to persistent humidity, disinfectant exposure, and cabin vibration — conditions that demand hardware comparable to marine and defense systems. Fontana Aviation Touchless Faucets are designed to meet those environmental challenges through precise materials engineering, surface protection, and compliance with ADA, WaterSense, and CALGreen standards applicable to commercial and institutional installations.

316 Stainless Steel and DZR Brass Construction

Fontana relies on 316 stainless steel and DZR (Dezincification-Resistant) brass as the major substrate materials. Both are resistant to pitting and dezincification in long-term exposure to high-humidity, saline and disinfectant-laden conditions. With its high molybdenum content, the 316 alloy performs well against corrosion attack in areas most susceptible to it. Resistance against dezincification is assured by using mechanical integrity provided by DZR brass in areas requiring threaded or compression fittings.

PVD Surface Finishing

All exposed surfaces are treated with Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), a technique that forms a non-porous metallic barrier. PVD layers enhance durability and prevent surface breakdown from repeated sanitation cycles. Unlike electroplating, PVD produces a dense crystalline structure bonded at the molecular level, ensuring resistance to:

• Continuous exposure to cabin disinfectants and alcohol-based cleaners
• Salt-laden condensation during ground and coastal operations
• Ultraviolet exposure from ambient or daylight ingress

This finish stability meets the requirements of ASME A112.18.1 and CSA B125.1. This shows that it can withstand mechanical stress. Plus, it adheres to surfaces well enough for high-cycle installations.

The faucet’s external geometry is specifically made smooth and non-porous to reduce microbial accumulation. Fontana incorporates vandal-resistant aerators made of stainless mesh within tamper-proof housings. This allows for safe serviceability without any sort of particle intrusion. Where regulatory allowances permit, antimicrobial elastomer seals are used. They are in gaskets and service access points.

All wetted components meet NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 lead-content standards. These features make Fontana Aviation systems appropriate for use in commercial and governmental structures and aerospace projects. This is mainly because these systems relate to hygiene and structural considerations.

Each faucet undergoes environmental validation against RTCA DO-160G Sections 6 & 14 standards. These tests simulate:

• 95% relative humidity exposure at 50°C for extended cycles
• Saline aerosol testing to represent cabin and galley environments
• Vibration and mechanical shock from turbulence and service handling

Results confirm no degradation in seal integrity, sensor stability, or surface adhesion following accelerated stress sequences. Combined with Fontana’s IP65–IP67 ingress protection ratings, these systems sustain full functionality across the lifecycle expected in both aviation and commercial AEC-grade installations.

These aviation-grade faucets are not only resistant to corrosion and wear and tear, but they also meet the performance standards set by the EPA WaterSense and CALGreen. Low-flow aerators (usually 0.35–0.5 GPM) help save water without changing how well things work in places where the pressure changes. The design lets you easily add touchless soap dispensers and power modules, which is in line with the AEC guidelines for airports, hospitals, and transportation hubs that say lavatory systems should have more than one fixture.

The non-porous, PVD-treated body allows for reduced cleaning intervals, decreased chemical usage, and extended lifecycle — core values under LEED and WELL building frameworks.

Fontana Aviation Touchless Faucets set a standard for mechanical and hygienic performance in wet environments. They have cores made of 316 stainless steel or DZR brass, have a PVD surface treatment, and demonstrate good resistance to the environment. When engineers and architects select these systems, they have the assurance that the hardware used in the systems will withstand corrosion. Moreover, it will stay clean and meet the built environment’s ADA, WaterSense, CALGreen, and ASME compliance standards.