Check *Everything* Before You Buy - Pump/Sump Switch (4K)

[tsbrownie]

You have to check before you buy, even when buying the same model from the same brand. Comparing 2 float switches by the same company made years apart. One was working after 7 years, the other started sticking after 1. They had changed key components....
This can lead to a tank not filling or a sump pump not starting / flooding.

[Toolmaker51]

The tapered leaf is rather typical for molded parts; visible parting line, relieved areas, only enough polishing to release part, has that fiber reinforced plastic appearance. That 'delta' of round spots are ejector pin marks, where the part has some mass to resist deforming at that time. Molds are liquid cooled, with heater zones, so parts are still pretty hot. By eliminating the cross pins for mold-in-place, they are now so short because now it'll squeeze into the frame, saving 3 seconds. The depressions even out cooling by reducing thick areas. The depressions right next to that shows a bit of 'sink'. The smaller 'tit' is from the inlet, this could be a 20-50 cavity mold with channels leading from the nozzle.

Your analysis is correct. I'd bet the new switch only shares a hint of the original part number, was subject to overboard cost cutting measures; including assembly labor. All indicators that stem from offshoring mentality, no matter where it comes from. I'd also bet the four slide making the stainless leaf is operative somewhere, still cranking out parts.

[piper184]

It is one thing to use a cheap import knock off to squeeze a little more use out of something that is approaching end of life anyway. It is quite another thing to pay for OEM replacements only to find it superseded to the same cheap import knock off in an OEM box.
Just another unintended consequence of a disposable society. Maybe not so unintended...
The worst part of this is the original quality is not available at any cost.

[Toolmaker51]

It is one thing to use a cheap import knock off to squeeze a little more use out of something that is approaching end of life anyway. It is quite another thing to pay for OEM replacements only to find it superseded to the same cheap import knock off in an OEM box.
Just another unintended consequence of a disposable society. Maybe not so unintended...
The worst part of this is the original quality is not available at any cost.

Entirely possible they aren't knock-offs; knock-offs are other brands. Greater possibility of counterfeit product. Right down to the original 'looking' box.