Respect for the deceased is a universal language of human emotion. The columbarium serves as a quiet expression of this respect in the physical world.  

Different cultures have diverse ways of honoring the departed. Traditional Chinese culture emphasizes "resting in peace underground," while Japan is known for its dense columbarium towers, and Europe often features memorial gardens beside churches. Despite these variations, the respect and remembrance for the deceased are emotions shared across the globe.  

As a carrier of these emotions, the design and production of columbariums must balance functionality, cultural sensitivity, and timelessness.  

 01 Cultural Differences and Common Ground  

The design of columbariums is deeply influenced by local **funerary cultures**. Customs and beliefs vary across regions, and these differences are directly reflected in the appearance, color choices, and decorative patterns of columbariums.  

In China, traditional beliefs and customs often require columbariums to incorporate elements of specific cultural significance, such as golden hues and auspicious cloud patterns. In contrast, European designs tend to favor minimalism, emphasizing functionality and harmony with the environment.  

Despite these differences in cultural expression, the universal respect for the deceased translates into common requirements for columbarium quality: **durability**, **aesthetics**, and **security**.  

02 A Global Perspective on Material Selection  

The choice of materials for columbariums impacts their appearance, durability, and load-bearing capacity. Manufacturers in different cultural contexts have developed unique material application systems based on local needs and resource availability.  

In the Chinese market, **national standard high-quality aluminum alloy** (such as 6063 aluminum alloy) is a mainstream choice due to its fire resistance, corrosion resistance, and ability to remain deformation-free for up to 50 years. European manufacturers, on the other hand, prefer combinations of **stainless steel** and **glass** to create modern memorial spaces.  

**Galvanized steel** is another commonly used material. Its surface undergoes nine pre-treatment processes, including degreasing, derusting, and phosphating, followed by electrostatic spraying technology, ensuring excellent anti-corrosion performance.  

In recent years, the application of **composite materials** has gradually increased, combining the advantages of multiple materials to maintain structural stability while enhancing aesthetics.  

 03 Advancements in Production Techniques  

The production process of columbariums has evolved from traditional manual craftsmanship to modern automated manufacturing. The **one-time stamping forming process** is currently the mainstream technology, significantly simplifying the production流程 and improving product strength and consistency.  

This process includes steps such as flattening pre-treatment, stamping forming, and bending and rolling. PLC control systems and sensor positioning ensure the precision of stamping.  

The **plug-in frame structure** is an important technological innovation, making transportation and installation more convenient while ensuring structural stability. This design eliminates the need for on-site welding, reducing installation time and labor costs.  

**Surface treatment technology** is also crucial. The electrostatic spraying process uses the principle of electrostatic adsorption to evenly apply powder coatings to the material surface. The product is then heated, insulated, and naturally cooled to form a long-lasting protective layer.  

04 Antibacterial and Anti-Corrosion Technologies  

In enclosed columbarium environments, **antibacterial and anti-corrosion** properties are important yet often overlooked technical requirements. Modern technology addresses this issue through various methods.  

One innovative approach involves adding silicone antibacterial agents during the refining of transparent silicone, which is then used to fully cover the surface of decorated galvanized steel plates. This method does not hinder the overall visual effect while providing strong antibacterial action.  

Another solution is the use of **antibacterial plastic**, where antibacterial agents are directly added during production, making the columbarium surface resistant to microorganisms and mold.  

The choice of materials is also critical. Aluminum alloy and stainless steel possess natural anti-corrosion properties, while galvanized steel enhances its corrosion resistance through surface treatment technologies.  

05 Load-Bearing and Safety Considerations  

The **load-bearing capacity** of columbariums is a core indicator of safety. Each niche must be able to withstand a pressure of at least 1,500 kg.  

The design of the frame structure is crucial. The **plug-in frame structure** not only facilitates transportation and installation but also provides high stability and load-bearing capacity.  

The tray design is also meticulously calculated. Advanced trays consist of two interlocking plates, with folded reinforcing ribs and clamping slots in the middle, significantly enhancing load-bearing capacity.  

The base height should be no less than 100 mm, with superior waterproof and moisture-proof performance, while also being aesthetically treated.  

06 Customization and Personalization Needs  

In the global market, the demand for **customized columbariums** is growing. Different regions and faith groups have specific requirements for styles, dimensions, and decorative patterns.  

In terms of size, besides the standard single-niche design (e.g., 530 mm × 330 mm × 340 mm), double-niche and multi-niche layouts are also available to meet the spatial planning needs of different venues.  

Decorative styles are even more diverse, ranging from minimalist to classical, modern to traditional. Panel decorative patterns can be installed according to customer preferences, with some even featuring special techniques such as LED flash panels, pure aluminum cast integrated doors, and gold foil applications.  

**Numbering systems** and **identification methods** also vary across cultures. Some cultures require sliding lock cover designs, while others may prioritize the overall appearance.  

 07 Analysis of Global Pricing Factors  

The **price variation** for columbariums is significant, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, influenced by multiple factors.  

**Material costs** are one of the primary factors. Aluminum alloy is more expensive but offers superior performance, galvanized steel is relatively affordable, and stainless steel falls somewhere in between.  

The complexity of **production techniques** also affects pricing. The one-time stamping forming process, despite high initial investment, reduces costs in large-scale production. Handcrafted or small-batch custom products naturally come at a higher price.  

**Decorative elements** and **personalization needs** can also increase costs. Special surface treatments, decorative patterns, or custom sizes will drive up prices.  

It is worth noting that in the global market, Chinese manufacturers, leveraging mature supply chains and technological innovation, offer highly cost-effective solutions. For example, several manufacturers in Zhangshu City, Jiangxi Province, have developed specialized production technologies.  

In the industrial zone of Zhangshu City, Jiangxi Province, an engineer at a columbarium production factory has just received a thank-you email from a French cemetery manager.  

The manager particularly praised the **sliding lock cover design**—a small detail that maintains a neat appearance while facilitating daily management.  

In the workshop, workers are preparing an order for Indonesia. Special moisture-proof treatment requirements necessitate two additional processes for this batch of products. Not far away, Japanese clients are touring the newly developed **antibacterial silicone coating technology**.  

These seemingly ordinary metal sheets, through design, stamping, forming, and surface treatment, will ultimately become vessels that carry the shared respect and remembrance for the deceased across different cultures.