名词解释1:OEM是Original Equipment Manufacture(原始设备制造商)的缩写，它是指一种"代工生产"方式，其含义是生产者不直接生产产品，而是利用自己掌握的"关键的核心技术"，负责设计和开发、控制销售"渠道"，具体的加工任务交给别的企业去做的方式。这种方式是在电子产业大量发展起来以后才在世界范围内逐步生成的一种普遍现象，微软、IBM等国际上的主要大企业均采用这种方式。
名词解释2:OEM是英文Original Equipment Manufacturer的缩写,按照字面意思,应翻译称原始设备制造商,指一家厂家根据另一家厂商的要求,为其生产产品和产品配件,亦称为定牌生产或授权贴牌生产.即可代表外委加工,也可代表转包合同加工.国内习惯称为协作生产,三来加工 OEM能为您带来什么 OEM客户就意味着市场,OEM客户越多,你的产品的市场占有率就越高. 有专家认为,OEM是全球经济一体化产业分工日趋细化的产物.它能为企业加大其拥有资源在创新能力方面的配置,尽可能地减少在固定资产方面的投入. 目前在国内,当一个制造商要延伸自己的品牌时,摆在其面前的路有三条:要么自己搞;要么兼并一些相关企业;要么输出管理,输出品牌,做定牌生产,进行所谓的"虚拟经营".在实际操作中,大多数企业倾向于采用第三种做法. 企业在掌握产品核心技术和建立了成熟的营销网络后,可不再直接投资进行生产,而是以通过让其它企业代为生产的方式来完成其产品的生产任务.这样,只需支付材料成本费和加工费,而不必承担设备折旧,自建工厂和生产管理的风险,还可随时根据市场变化灵活的按需下单.由此可促进成品业务形成新的经营优势,培养和壮大企业内在的扩张力,提高经营能力和管理水平,从而走向更高层次的资本运营. 实例:无锡小天鹅大部分的中小制造企业则因没有资本的市场运作机制和金融的支持,多数无法获得大量资金投入市场营销和广告推广,致使原本质量不错的产品很难在市场上占有一席之地.因此,通过OEM合作便可使小企业能借助大型企业的品牌效应,营销网络而增加生产量,扩大销售额和赢得更大经济利益,并且还能通过引入知名品牌的生产工艺流程而提高自身的生产制造管理水平.实例:创维集团,格兰仕站在这个立场上,我们可以重新审视OEM带给中国家电业的机会.一方面,它可以使国内现有的生产线和劳动力资源充分运转起来,满足企业短期利益的需要;另一方面,企业可能通过OEM,向外方学习经验,学习技术,学习管理,为锻造自己的品牌争取时间,以支持企业的长期利益.与此同时,国内企业之间通过对OEM的运用,可以加速品牌资源的重组.国内家电企业应通过OEM这种生产方式使工厂充分运转起来,提高内部管理水平,产品质量,锻炼工人的素质,中国加入WTO以后,国际级家电企业将对国内品牌构成很大的威胁,虽然这个过渡期可能会比较长,国内家电企业这种技工贸一体的经营模式还会持续一段时间,但这是一个必然趋势.
值得一提的是,在国际市场上,还有一种OEM模式,即强手与强手之间的OEM.在国外,一家知名的家电企业可以同时为十几家企业做OEM,对方可能是同样知名的家电企业.一个名牌请另一个名牌为自己定牌生产的,一定是自己想进入,但目前没有完全把握的领域,而对方则一定是在该领域有优势的企业,定牌生产实际上就是一种投石问路的过程.当这样的OEM在强手之间你来我往的时候,就有了共同拓宽市场,做大市场的作用.这样的OEM属于另外一种境界.实例:IBM为Dell提供OEM生产 东芝甘做第二名第一名留给小天鹅
2007年12月11日星期二
Penis pumps are very popular today for penis enlargement
You may feel a little lack of self confidence with the size of your penis. Many men have the goal of having a larger penis. It's a fact that the larger your penis is the more attractive and more aroused women will be. Some cases men will have a penis smaller than 2 inches which is known as a micropenis. This is a very unusual condition and it can affect your whole life. You don't have to walk around with lack of self confidence and feeling like less of a man. You don't need to have expensive surgeries that often can leave your penis scarred and disfigured.
Penis enlargement surgeries cost thousands of dollars. With surgery, you risk not only having infections, disfigurement and scarring, but you also risk your life. Any surgery you undergo can be potentially fatal, regardless of what you operate on.
There are other alternatives that are less invasive and less painful. Pumping your penis to enlarge the size of it is nothing new. There are many cultures that practice a variety of methods to enlarge the penis. Penis pumps and penis enlargement has been practiced for many thousands of years. It goes back centuries in the past. It is said that the first penis pump was discovered and invented by a man named Sean Di Ciccio during the 1800s. Even back in the 1800s, men had problems with their penis size and wanted to take steps to enlarge their penis. It was also found by a woman named Margaret Mead, a well known anthropologist, that many males increased their penis size with the assistance of sleeves that were made out of plant fiber. They then placed this on their penis on one side, and on the other side they placed a heavy object to stretch it. This is much easier and much better than some surgical procedure that risks infection and loss of feeling. Yes, you can actually lose sensation with penis enlargement surgery. With loss of sensation, love making will not be as much fun and it could affect your love life tremendously. You don't want to risk that. You don't have to. You can have increased size in your penis and still keep all of the sensation. That's the reason you probably want to increase your size anyway, is to enhance your sex life.
Through technological advancements, the process of increasing your penis has become mechanized and more sophisticated. The first pieces of equipment that were mechanized were by American and European companies. They were the precursors to the penis pumps. Penis pumps are a cylinder that is fitted over your penis with the assistance of a motorized pump that creates a suction action. This draws blood into your penis and makes it become engorged. Through the repeated process of this, it can increase the size and length of your penis. It can also help you last longer when making love with the lady of your life. The bigger you are, the more attractive you are.
Penis enlargement surgeries cost thousands of dollars. With surgery, you risk not only having infections, disfigurement and scarring, but you also risk your life. Any surgery you undergo can be potentially fatal, regardless of what you operate on.
There are other alternatives that are less invasive and less painful. Pumping your penis to enlarge the size of it is nothing new. There are many cultures that practice a variety of methods to enlarge the penis. Penis pumps and penis enlargement has been practiced for many thousands of years. It goes back centuries in the past. It is said that the first penis pump was discovered and invented by a man named Sean Di Ciccio during the 1800s. Even back in the 1800s, men had problems with their penis size and wanted to take steps to enlarge their penis. It was also found by a woman named Margaret Mead, a well known anthropologist, that many males increased their penis size with the assistance of sleeves that were made out of plant fiber. They then placed this on their penis on one side, and on the other side they placed a heavy object to stretch it. This is much easier and much better than some surgical procedure that risks infection and loss of feeling. Yes, you can actually lose sensation with penis enlargement surgery. With loss of sensation, love making will not be as much fun and it could affect your love life tremendously. You don't want to risk that. You don't have to. You can have increased size in your penis and still keep all of the sensation. That's the reason you probably want to increase your size anyway, is to enhance your sex life.
Through technological advancements, the process of increasing your penis has become mechanized and more sophisticated. The first pieces of equipment that were mechanized were by American and European companies. They were the precursors to the penis pumps. Penis pumps are a cylinder that is fitted over your penis with the assistance of a motorized pump that creates a suction action. This draws blood into your penis and makes it become engorged. Through the repeated process of this, it can increase the size and length of your penis. It can also help you last longer when making love with the lady of your life. The bigger you are, the more attractive you are.
Adjusting Your Diet to Reflect Your Menopause Needs
Are you approaching menopause? There are so many changes that happen to a woman as she nears this phase of her life.
In order to deal with these changes, it is important for a you to change your her diet to cope with the changes to your body. As we get older, our bodies require different foods. While this does not mean that you can no longer enjoy the foods you once did, you must learn how to incorporate foods with the necessary nutrients into your diet.
There are even some foods that can help you deal with your menopause symptoms. For example, choosing foods with high potassium content, like bananas, will help you balance water and salt retention issues. Dried fruits like figs and apricots can do the same thing. You may also want to add dark, leafy green vegetables to your diet like cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach and collard greens. Try to increase the amount of "right" whole grains in your diet, like soy beans, brown rice, wheat germ, and lentils.
In addition to adding these foods to your life, you may also want to increase your consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines, trout, tuna, salmon, and herring are just a few examples of foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have also shown that eating soy products can be quite beneficial to women going through menopause. Yogurt, tofu, soybeans, and soy milk can help in this area. Nuts work well with your new nutritional needs, so throw in some sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.
Choosing the right kinds of oil is an important part of your diet planning: include flaxseed and canola oils.
Try seaweed - it's great on rice or as an additional vegetable. Kimbu, Arame, Nori, and Wakame (available at your local health market in the seaweed section) are other helpful choices since they have naturally occurring chemicals and hormones that are very good at combating natural menopause symptoms.
These foods are not only helpful for menopause; they are part of an overall healthier diet. As we age, blood pressure rises, as does the risk of higher cholesterol levels. These diet changes can help us to improve our overall health. Instead of fighting with the side effects of prescription drugs, you can handle these risks by eating well and maintaining your ideal body weight, which can help your heart deal with its age as well. Remember that you don't have to strictly hew to your new diet, just a tendency in these directions can improve your overall health.
There is little reason why you can't have a slice of your birthday cake, or sneak a cookie in with your afternoon coffee once in a while. You might even try learning to bake with different kinds of ingredients. As you start working on your diet, you may not even notice the sheer number of things that have changed as you will be changing, too. You may feel better, have more energy, and have more concentration. These diet changes will help you to have fewer hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, and other menopause symptoms.
In order to deal with these changes, it is important for a you to change your her diet to cope with the changes to your body. As we get older, our bodies require different foods. While this does not mean that you can no longer enjoy the foods you once did, you must learn how to incorporate foods with the necessary nutrients into your diet.
There are even some foods that can help you deal with your menopause symptoms. For example, choosing foods with high potassium content, like bananas, will help you balance water and salt retention issues. Dried fruits like figs and apricots can do the same thing. You may also want to add dark, leafy green vegetables to your diet like cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach and collard greens. Try to increase the amount of "right" whole grains in your diet, like soy beans, brown rice, wheat germ, and lentils.
In addition to adding these foods to your life, you may also want to increase your consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines, trout, tuna, salmon, and herring are just a few examples of foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have also shown that eating soy products can be quite beneficial to women going through menopause. Yogurt, tofu, soybeans, and soy milk can help in this area. Nuts work well with your new nutritional needs, so throw in some sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.
Choosing the right kinds of oil is an important part of your diet planning: include flaxseed and canola oils.
Try seaweed - it's great on rice or as an additional vegetable. Kimbu, Arame, Nori, and Wakame (available at your local health market in the seaweed section) are other helpful choices since they have naturally occurring chemicals and hormones that are very good at combating natural menopause symptoms.
These foods are not only helpful for menopause; they are part of an overall healthier diet. As we age, blood pressure rises, as does the risk of higher cholesterol levels. These diet changes can help us to improve our overall health. Instead of fighting with the side effects of prescription drugs, you can handle these risks by eating well and maintaining your ideal body weight, which can help your heart deal with its age as well. Remember that you don't have to strictly hew to your new diet, just a tendency in these directions can improve your overall health.
There is little reason why you can't have a slice of your birthday cake, or sneak a cookie in with your afternoon coffee once in a while. You might even try learning to bake with different kinds of ingredients. As you start working on your diet, you may not even notice the sheer number of things that have changed as you will be changing, too. You may feel better, have more energy, and have more concentration. These diet changes will help you to have fewer hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, and other menopause symptoms.
2007年12月10日星期一
Gastric and duodenal ulcer treatments
The gastric and duodenal ulcer are known, in medical terms, as peptic ulcer. There are several treatments available for an ulcer. But there are things that your doctor must take into consideration before giving you an ulcer treatment.
In order to be more effective, the treatment for an ulcer will be given to you by your doctor considering:
- your age, what is your health state at the moment and your medical history;
- the extent of the ulcer is also very important;
- what medications you tolerate and what kind of procedures;
- your opinion is also asked for when giving you your ulcer treatment;
The main thing that doctors tell an ulcer patient is to change his/ her lifestyle. That means that if you have an ulcer, spicy foods and acidic foods must be avoided. If you have foods that you believe that increase the ulcer symptoms, you should try to avoid those as well. There has been shown that there isn' t a diet in particular that will help with the ulcer, but certain things should be avoided. Furthermore, smoking is very bad for ulcer. This habit dealys the healing of the ulcer and also increases the risk of recurrence in your ulcer. So it is best that you stop smoking if you have an ulcer. Besides these changes that you have to make regarding your style of life, you will also be given an ulcer treatment involving medications. There are several medication types thare are given to ulcer patients. There are medications called H2 blockers against ulcer. What these drugs do is reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces. They block histamine, which are the most powerful stimulant of the secretion
of acid, which causes the ulcer. The pump inhibitors are also drugs used against an ulcer, which also block the production of acid in your body. To protect the walls from the acid, your body also produces a mucous substance, which can be distroyed by bacteria. To protect this coating and heal ulcer, there are medications called acid pump inhibitors. Because the main cause of an ulcer is a bacteria, when doctors give you an ulcer treatment, along with these medications they also prescribe antibiotics.
In almost all ulcer cases, with the help of this ulcer treatment, patients will heal very quickly. Furthermore, if given a proper ulcer treatment, the risk of recurrence is almost eradicated. However, there are cases of ulcer when the treatment does not work. For these ulcer cases and for those that develop some complications, the only solution available is surgery.
In order to be more effective, the treatment for an ulcer will be given to you by your doctor considering:
- your age, what is your health state at the moment and your medical history;
- the extent of the ulcer is also very important;
- what medications you tolerate and what kind of procedures;
- your opinion is also asked for when giving you your ulcer treatment;
The main thing that doctors tell an ulcer patient is to change his/ her lifestyle. That means that if you have an ulcer, spicy foods and acidic foods must be avoided. If you have foods that you believe that increase the ulcer symptoms, you should try to avoid those as well. There has been shown that there isn' t a diet in particular that will help with the ulcer, but certain things should be avoided. Furthermore, smoking is very bad for ulcer. This habit dealys the healing of the ulcer and also increases the risk of recurrence in your ulcer. So it is best that you stop smoking if you have an ulcer. Besides these changes that you have to make regarding your style of life, you will also be given an ulcer treatment involving medications. There are several medication types thare are given to ulcer patients. There are medications called H2 blockers against ulcer. What these drugs do is reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces. They block histamine, which are the most powerful stimulant of the secretion
of acid, which causes the ulcer. The pump inhibitors are also drugs used against an ulcer, which also block the production of acid in your body. To protect the walls from the acid, your body also produces a mucous substance, which can be distroyed by bacteria. To protect this coating and heal ulcer, there are medications called acid pump inhibitors. Because the main cause of an ulcer is a bacteria, when doctors give you an ulcer treatment, along with these medications they also prescribe antibiotics.
In almost all ulcer cases, with the help of this ulcer treatment, patients will heal very quickly. Furthermore, if given a proper ulcer treatment, the risk of recurrence is almost eradicated. However, there are cases of ulcer when the treatment does not work. For these ulcer cases and for those that develop some complications, the only solution available is surgery.
New BMW 1 Series Coupe Makes U.S. Debut
The much awaited BMW 1 Series Coupe model has finally arrived in the United States and made its official North American debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. This high performance BMW coupe model is scheduled to arrive in BMW dealer showrooms all over the U.S. starting in the spring of 2008. Only two model variants of the BMW 1 Series Coupe will be available in the U.S. market, the BMW 128i and the BMW 135i. However, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of BMW 1 Series Coupe is not yet announced.
The BMW 1 Series Coupe unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show is powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 230 horsepower and produces 200 lb-ft of torque. A more engine powerful variant for the 135i Coupe is equipped with BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and pulls out an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 rpm. These engines feature the most highly advanced fuel systems like Valvetronic valvetrain management, direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers, and on-demand engine coolant.
The all new BMW 1 Series Coupe for the U.S. market features a sporty and aggressive appearance with its muscular stance. The coupe's long hood and long wheelbase embodies the exterior design characteristics of BMW models. Other exterior highlights of the BMW 1 Series Coupe unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show include M Aerodynamic Kit, trunklid with integrated spoiler, and lip spoiler.
Moving inside, BMW 1 Series Coupe comes with a wide range of interior amenities and in-car technologies including high-quality Leatherette or rich Boston Leather, upholstery, 60/40 split rear seat, iDrive system with the optional Navigation system, Galvanized pearl gloss, sports steering wheel, SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system and Bluetooth interface, auxiliary input jack, and USB port for connection of media players. BMW also offers optional buckets seats with finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.
On the technical side, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe comes with high quality suspension components with aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. Other technical features include BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and BMW active Steering, 18-inch wheels and performance tires, Sports Suspension and high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear. Watch out for other European vehicle models (like Saab models equipped with Saab tail lights) bound for the U.S. market.
2007年12月9日星期日
Swedish Credit Unions; Scam or Real
Today on the internet we see numerous entities selling Swedish Credit Unions. The presentation is obtain what is basically a bank inexpensively and operate it offshore using a Panama Financial Services Company which does not let you operate as a bank. Will this work, theoretically yes. Practically the Swedish Credit Union will break down when it comes to the correspondent bank. What is usually done is an ordinary bank account is opened with a bank that has correspondent banks. Please bear in mind the fees to open a correspondent bank account usually are in the $200,000 + range. When your Swedish Credit Union starts pumping through 40 or so wires a week the correspondent bank, the bank that you have is using, will think their customer bank is operating as a correspondent bank and find some excuse to cut them off if they do not drop your account. Remember they want people to pay $200,000 to have a correspondent bank. Having the wires go through a Panama Financial Services Company mitigates the situation some since the credit union name does not appear in the wires. If one were to say process 3 or 4 wires a week with say three or four checks and the wires and checks were all made out to the financial services company, not a credit union, the scenario would probably have a reasonably long life. Of course you now really don't need the credit union.
Bank Secrecy
Missing altogether. The Swedish Credit Unions do not have bank secrecy since they are from Sweden which is not a privacy jurisdiction. The Swedish authorities do not have reportage requirement for these companies but rest assured they can conduct an audit or request and require books and records readily because these entities are subject to Swedish taxation at a rate of about 30%. If one failed to comply they could cancel your corporation or credit union if you wish to name it such, or worse even going after you personally for fraud, income tax evasion, etc. Not a comforting thought. I should say the Panama Financial Services Company bank account would be covered by bank secrecy in Panama. If the Swedish Government alleged that you were operating some sort of financial institution like a bank taking deposits and making loans in Panama through this Panama Financial Services Corporation along with a corporation named as a credit union in Sweden, the Panamanian authorities would think you were trying to evade buying a Bank License (expensive licenses) and shut you down. Would they turn records over to the Swedish? That would depend on the allegations and if there was criminal case on file in Sweden for money laundering. If such a case was in the Swedish Criminal Courts I think under the circumstances the records would likely be turned over. Panama would likely deem you to be operating beyond the scope of a Financial Services Company if the Swedish government was complaining about one of their credit union named corporations, I would not think the Panama Government would be standing up for your company.
Legal Structure
The name of this so called Swedish Credit Union is an EKONOMISK FRENING. It is an economic association actually and what the sellers of these structures do is name them as a credit union like; ABC Credit Union and sell them for inflated prices as a credit union just because the Swedes allow you to use credit union in the name, it is nothing like the American Credit Union. It is almost an oversight in the law that has been exploited.
Practical Applications
None that we know of. No bank is going to let you push a high volume of wires through the system. The wires will be a dead giveaway to the correspondent banks outside of Sweden and you will be cut off.
Suggestion
Forget this one. It is not really a scam, but it is not really a credit union per se either. It will not work in the banking system so drop this one.
Bank Secrecy
Missing altogether. The Swedish Credit Unions do not have bank secrecy since they are from Sweden which is not a privacy jurisdiction. The Swedish authorities do not have reportage requirement for these companies but rest assured they can conduct an audit or request and require books and records readily because these entities are subject to Swedish taxation at a rate of about 30%. If one failed to comply they could cancel your corporation or credit union if you wish to name it such, or worse even going after you personally for fraud, income tax evasion, etc. Not a comforting thought. I should say the Panama Financial Services Company bank account would be covered by bank secrecy in Panama. If the Swedish Government alleged that you were operating some sort of financial institution like a bank taking deposits and making loans in Panama through this Panama Financial Services Corporation along with a corporation named as a credit union in Sweden, the Panamanian authorities would think you were trying to evade buying a Bank License (expensive licenses) and shut you down. Would they turn records over to the Swedish? That would depend on the allegations and if there was criminal case on file in Sweden for money laundering. If such a case was in the Swedish Criminal Courts I think under the circumstances the records would likely be turned over. Panama would likely deem you to be operating beyond the scope of a Financial Services Company if the Swedish government was complaining about one of their credit union named corporations, I would not think the Panama Government would be standing up for your company.
Legal Structure
The name of this so called Swedish Credit Union is an EKONOMISK FRENING. It is an economic association actually and what the sellers of these structures do is name them as a credit union like; ABC Credit Union and sell them for inflated prices as a credit union just because the Swedes allow you to use credit union in the name, it is nothing like the American Credit Union. It is almost an oversight in the law that has been exploited.
Practical Applications
None that we know of. No bank is going to let you push a high volume of wires through the system. The wires will be a dead giveaway to the correspondent banks outside of Sweden and you will be cut off.
Suggestion
Forget this one. It is not really a scam, but it is not really a credit union per se either. It will not work in the banking system so drop this one.
Home Building - Bathtub Basics
Many times a bathtub is just one of those items that gets casually sketched on a blueprint and... when it's too late... you find yourself with a less than enjoyable bathing experience. This can all be avoided with a little thought and planning, because there are so many options to choose from. Don't get shorted when it comes to length, water capacity and accessories. Be sure to discuss your tub as soon as possible with the contractor because it's usually installed in the first stage of construction. As far as household fixtures go, the bathroom ranks among the top ten as far as durability and life span (well over 50 years), so it's worth the investment to get a high quality, accessorized tub. By knowing your bathtub basics, you will be giving yourself years and years of "Calgon" moments. Bathtubs start around $300 for a basic model or up to $2000 for a top-of-the-line whirlpool tub.
Function
The most important thing to consider when choosing a bathtub is comfort. Tubs are being designed in every conceivable size and shape and come in a variety of materials. The best way to choose one is to think about how you'll want to use it and then don't be shy - go to several showrooms and sit in a few models to find out what feels comfortable.
Size
You'll want to think about whether you want a tub for you or a tub for two. Then you'll need to think about ergonomics. If you're a petite person, you might want a shallow tub with built-in armrests and a contoured back rest. If you're tall and/or heavy you should go for a tub that is extra wide and shallow so you be totally immersed without contorting your body. A standard tube is 14 to 17 inches deep, a European style is 18 inches deep and a Japanese or Greek tub is 22 inches deep or more. Of course if one of you is tall and the other is short, you may have to compromise with a bigger tub that has more accessories to accommodate a smaller person.
Tub Styles
When it comes to picking out your tub, there are several different styles to choose from, including built-in, freestanding, soaking, and whirlpool.
Alcove tubs are enclosed on three sides with only the front exposed. This remains the common type of bathtub in the U.S. Common is the key word here - because these tubs have limited finishes and style and are fairly shallow because they're usually combined with a shower. When purchasing an alcove tub, be sure to specify if you want the drain to be on the left or right wall, ask about matching shower doors and choose your tub surround (a wall kit). Note: it's best to go with a waterproof material such as ceramic tile or waterproof paint, if your shower is attached. Depending on your preference, you can have a shower door installed or use a shower curtain.
Tub and shower combinations are very popular because they satisfy two needs using the same floor space. Generally, a contractor tiles the walls around the tub with ceramic tile to form a shower enclosure. It's great on saving space, but can be a challenge to clean every day because of the grout lines. Another option is going with a manufactured tub and shower combination like a one-piece or sectional acrylic over fiberglass unit. If properly installed, they should never leak, but over time the color will fade. You can use either a shower door or curtain on these units.
Floor mounted sunken tubs are easy to get into but very difficult to get out of because of the high step. This makes it extremely dangerous, which is why most drop-ins are deck-mounted in a separate frame in much the same way that sinks are installed in countertops. Most of these baths are designed with integral faucet ledges for easy access. This type of model requires extra carpentry and adds to the cost. These units are great for soaking and usually easy to clean (unless they're corner units), but are costly to repair because the plumbing is hidden behind a wall.
Corner Tubs are designed to set off a room and can be either customized or a standard drop-in tub built into an angled deck in the corner. They can be made to stand alone, or fitted into the room against your vanities or cabinets. Note: Some models aren't suitable for an overhead shower.
Garden tubs - which have richly origins - are basically a large, deep tub that has no integrated shower or whirlpool. Simply put - they're used only for soaking.
Roman tubs (also known as bathing pools) is a term used for any type of tub where the filler spout rises off the deck rather than through the walls of the tub or room. These tubs are much deeper than the standard American bathtub and like the Garden tub - its has no integrated showers or jets.
Japanese tubs (Ofuro) consists of a tub deep enough for the bather to immerse the body up to the neck when sitting. Although traditionally made of wood, tile, or, more rarely, metal, these tubs are now being manufactured out of polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass.
Freestanding tubs. Back in the old days, the only type of bathtub found in American homes was the roll-top, cast-iron claw foot. Manufactures have given this century old classic - a new make-over. The design remains true to form - a slope back and straight front, but the feet can be ball and claw, pedestal or legged. As for material, you can choose from cast iron, porcelain on steel and acrylic. The exterior of the tub is available in a wide range of colors and as for the length you can choose from 4 to 6 feet. Remember these tubs are freestanding so their pipes are exposed.
Whirlpools are specialty soaker tubs fitted with piping, an electric pump and water jets to circulate water throughout the tub to give you a nice massage. With the new demand in these comfort tubs, manufactures are offering a multitude of sizes, styles, colors and designs. Generally speaking they're made of fiberglass/acrylic or cast iron because of their durable nature. Dont be fooled by looks, some of these whirlpools are so compact that you wont fit in it comfortable. Dont be shy... test the comfort level of your whirlpool by hopping in it before you buy it. Whirlpool tubs are offered in two basic types: alcove (which look like ordinary bathtubs) and drop-in model (installed in the same fashion as a drop-in bathtub).
Bathtub materials
Tubs come in a variety of materials as well sizes, colors and styles. The choice and combination of materials should be based on your needs, tastes and budget. Bathtubs are made from porcelain on steel, acrylic, fiberglass/ gel coat, composite, cast iron, cultured marble and wood.
Porcelain on Steel (POS) is one of the most common and reasonably priced tubs available. The POS is made up of one thin stamped steel shell, which is coated with a heat-fused porcelain enamel. The advantages to these tubs are that they are resistant to acid, corrosion and abrasion, flame proof and colorfast (they generally maintain their original color and high gloss). The drawback is that if the surface gets chipped it will rust.
Acrylic is vacuum-molded from sheets of colored acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, which makes it resistant to chips and cracks. It is economical and lightweight, and it can be repaired if damaged. It has a natural luster, and a non-porous finish that is easy to clean, but it's subject to scratching and can discolor over time. Some manufacturers make a grade of acrylic that is said to be durable enough to be able to be hit with a hammer and not crack.
Fiberglass/Gel coat (FRP) is usually the least expensive material for bathtubs. It is lightweight, easy to install, and can be molded into a variety of shapes. Though similar in appearance to acrylic, FRP is different from acrylic. While the surface of an acrylic unit is vacuum formed from a single sheet of solid plastic, a Gelcoat surface is formed by spraying a pigmented polyester resin onto a mold. Thick layers of fiberglass and foam insulation underscore the sleek and stylish lines of gelcoat units, but dont be fooled by appearances, this material is much thinner and less durable than acrylic. While the finish won't last as long as other materials (it shows wear after 10 to 15 years), and can scratch or fade, it can be easily repaired.
Cast iron is enamel coated and considered the most durable bathtub material available - it is also the most expensive. The word "cast" simply identifies the method used to produce the finished product, and not to describe the material itself. The casting method involves pouring the iron in a molten or liquid form into a mold which defines the shape of the finished product. Because it's such a thick material its surface is resistant to chemicals, chipping, scratching and dents. It's nice to know when you make an investment like this, that you generally get a lifetime warranty.
Cultured marble is a man-made product, manufactured from crushed lime stone and polyester resin, with a gel coated finish. The gel coat is specially formulated to produce a tough, durable, transparent surface resistant to normal wear. This unique process produces a unique range of colors, patterns and veining.
Wood is certainly not the preferred tub material since water and wood do not make for a long-term partnership. It may look grand for several years, but eventually it will warp, crack and/or rot. In many areas of the U.S. wooden tubs dont even cut the code (local building code that is).
Mosaic/Ceramic tile is truly a custom tub, where contractors can design and build a custom tub lined with ceramic or mosaic tile. It is imperative that this type of job be done by professionals who are experienced in installing custom built baths. Less than perfect work could result in a dangerous and leaky tub.
Function
The most important thing to consider when choosing a bathtub is comfort. Tubs are being designed in every conceivable size and shape and come in a variety of materials. The best way to choose one is to think about how you'll want to use it and then don't be shy - go to several showrooms and sit in a few models to find out what feels comfortable.
Size
You'll want to think about whether you want a tub for you or a tub for two. Then you'll need to think about ergonomics. If you're a petite person, you might want a shallow tub with built-in armrests and a contoured back rest. If you're tall and/or heavy you should go for a tub that is extra wide and shallow so you be totally immersed without contorting your body. A standard tube is 14 to 17 inches deep, a European style is 18 inches deep and a Japanese or Greek tub is 22 inches deep or more. Of course if one of you is tall and the other is short, you may have to compromise with a bigger tub that has more accessories to accommodate a smaller person.
Tub Styles
When it comes to picking out your tub, there are several different styles to choose from, including built-in, freestanding, soaking, and whirlpool.
Alcove tubs are enclosed on three sides with only the front exposed. This remains the common type of bathtub in the U.S. Common is the key word here - because these tubs have limited finishes and style and are fairly shallow because they're usually combined with a shower. When purchasing an alcove tub, be sure to specify if you want the drain to be on the left or right wall, ask about matching shower doors and choose your tub surround (a wall kit). Note: it's best to go with a waterproof material such as ceramic tile or waterproof paint, if your shower is attached. Depending on your preference, you can have a shower door installed or use a shower curtain.
Tub and shower combinations are very popular because they satisfy two needs using the same floor space. Generally, a contractor tiles the walls around the tub with ceramic tile to form a shower enclosure. It's great on saving space, but can be a challenge to clean every day because of the grout lines. Another option is going with a manufactured tub and shower combination like a one-piece or sectional acrylic over fiberglass unit. If properly installed, they should never leak, but over time the color will fade. You can use either a shower door or curtain on these units.
Floor mounted sunken tubs are easy to get into but very difficult to get out of because of the high step. This makes it extremely dangerous, which is why most drop-ins are deck-mounted in a separate frame in much the same way that sinks are installed in countertops. Most of these baths are designed with integral faucet ledges for easy access. This type of model requires extra carpentry and adds to the cost. These units are great for soaking and usually easy to clean (unless they're corner units), but are costly to repair because the plumbing is hidden behind a wall.
Corner Tubs are designed to set off a room and can be either customized or a standard drop-in tub built into an angled deck in the corner. They can be made to stand alone, or fitted into the room against your vanities or cabinets. Note: Some models aren't suitable for an overhead shower.
Garden tubs - which have richly origins - are basically a large, deep tub that has no integrated shower or whirlpool. Simply put - they're used only for soaking.
Roman tubs (also known as bathing pools) is a term used for any type of tub where the filler spout rises off the deck rather than through the walls of the tub or room. These tubs are much deeper than the standard American bathtub and like the Garden tub - its has no integrated showers or jets.
Japanese tubs (Ofuro) consists of a tub deep enough for the bather to immerse the body up to the neck when sitting. Although traditionally made of wood, tile, or, more rarely, metal, these tubs are now being manufactured out of polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass.
Freestanding tubs. Back in the old days, the only type of bathtub found in American homes was the roll-top, cast-iron claw foot. Manufactures have given this century old classic - a new make-over. The design remains true to form - a slope back and straight front, but the feet can be ball and claw, pedestal or legged. As for material, you can choose from cast iron, porcelain on steel and acrylic. The exterior of the tub is available in a wide range of colors and as for the length you can choose from 4 to 6 feet. Remember these tubs are freestanding so their pipes are exposed.
Whirlpools are specialty soaker tubs fitted with piping, an electric pump and water jets to circulate water throughout the tub to give you a nice massage. With the new demand in these comfort tubs, manufactures are offering a multitude of sizes, styles, colors and designs. Generally speaking they're made of fiberglass/acrylic or cast iron because of their durable nature. Dont be fooled by looks, some of these whirlpools are so compact that you wont fit in it comfortable. Dont be shy... test the comfort level of your whirlpool by hopping in it before you buy it. Whirlpool tubs are offered in two basic types: alcove (which look like ordinary bathtubs) and drop-in model (installed in the same fashion as a drop-in bathtub).
Bathtub materials
Tubs come in a variety of materials as well sizes, colors and styles. The choice and combination of materials should be based on your needs, tastes and budget. Bathtubs are made from porcelain on steel, acrylic, fiberglass/ gel coat, composite, cast iron, cultured marble and wood.
Porcelain on Steel (POS) is one of the most common and reasonably priced tubs available. The POS is made up of one thin stamped steel shell, which is coated with a heat-fused porcelain enamel. The advantages to these tubs are that they are resistant to acid, corrosion and abrasion, flame proof and colorfast (they generally maintain their original color and high gloss). The drawback is that if the surface gets chipped it will rust.
Acrylic is vacuum-molded from sheets of colored acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, which makes it resistant to chips and cracks. It is economical and lightweight, and it can be repaired if damaged. It has a natural luster, and a non-porous finish that is easy to clean, but it's subject to scratching and can discolor over time. Some manufacturers make a grade of acrylic that is said to be durable enough to be able to be hit with a hammer and not crack.
Fiberglass/Gel coat (FRP) is usually the least expensive material for bathtubs. It is lightweight, easy to install, and can be molded into a variety of shapes. Though similar in appearance to acrylic, FRP is different from acrylic. While the surface of an acrylic unit is vacuum formed from a single sheet of solid plastic, a Gelcoat surface is formed by spraying a pigmented polyester resin onto a mold. Thick layers of fiberglass and foam insulation underscore the sleek and stylish lines of gelcoat units, but dont be fooled by appearances, this material is much thinner and less durable than acrylic. While the finish won't last as long as other materials (it shows wear after 10 to 15 years), and can scratch or fade, it can be easily repaired.
Cast iron is enamel coated and considered the most durable bathtub material available - it is also the most expensive. The word "cast" simply identifies the method used to produce the finished product, and not to describe the material itself. The casting method involves pouring the iron in a molten or liquid form into a mold which defines the shape of the finished product. Because it's such a thick material its surface is resistant to chemicals, chipping, scratching and dents. It's nice to know when you make an investment like this, that you generally get a lifetime warranty.
Cultured marble is a man-made product, manufactured from crushed lime stone and polyester resin, with a gel coated finish. The gel coat is specially formulated to produce a tough, durable, transparent surface resistant to normal wear. This unique process produces a unique range of colors, patterns and veining.
Wood is certainly not the preferred tub material since water and wood do not make for a long-term partnership. It may look grand for several years, but eventually it will warp, crack and/or rot. In many areas of the U.S. wooden tubs dont even cut the code (local building code that is).
Mosaic/Ceramic tile is truly a custom tub, where contractors can design and build a custom tub lined with ceramic or mosaic tile. It is imperative that this type of job be done by professionals who are experienced in installing custom built baths. Less than perfect work could result in a dangerous and leaky tub.
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