Types of Elevator Cabs
The classification of elevator cab types is based on various criteria. In recent years, with advances in technology, the design of cabs has changed dramatically, and diverse raw materials are used in their construction.
Generally, elevator cabs are divided into two types: semi-cabs and full-cabs. Semi-cabs, which are mostly used in lifts, have less safety, while full-cabs, used in elevators and lifts, offer more safety.
Elevator cab types, as the part of the elevator directly used by people, have special importance in the beauty and security of the elevator, and care must be taken in their selection. Elevator cabs are made of different materials and have various types depending on the usage and the type of door. Cabs also come in different varieties based on the type of application and other factors, which we will introduce in the rest of the article.
Types of Elevator Cabs by Material
Elevator cab types can vary in terms of the material they are made of. Below, we explain some types of cabs based on their structural material:
Full-Steel Cab: A full-steel elevator cab is a type of cab that is entirely made of steel. Steel is an iron alloy with added chromium and nickel, which gives it high resistance to corrosion and rust.
Semi-Steel Cab: A semi-steel elevator cab is a type of cab made of a combination of steel and other materials. In this type of cab, parts of the cab structure are made of steel, and other parts are made of other materials such as wood, glass, or plastic.
Wooden Cabs: These types of cabs are made of wood and, due to their warm and natural appearance, are usually used in residential buildings or hotels. The wood used is typically fir wood, beech wood, or various wood types depending on the design and style.
Glass Cabs: These types of cabs are made of glass and have a transparent and beautiful appearance. These cabs are usually used in modern buildings to display an open space or a beautiful view.
MDF Cab: An MDF elevator cab is a type of cab made using wooden materials with an MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) covering. MDF is a type of pressed wood with wood fibers and resin, produced under high pressure and heat, and then covered with an MDF veneer.
Panorama Cab: The design of these cabs is such that their entire body is made of glass. When choosing these types of cabs, you must pay attention to laminate, which is the material used in the construction of the cab glass. While many people believe that glass has low resistance, laminated glass is highly impact-resistant and does not shatter, and has high pressure tolerance. An important point is that a VPB film is used, which completely prevents the glass from falling apart upon breakage.
Formica Cab: Formica elevator cabs are considered the simplest and, at the same time, the cheapest type of cab. In this type of elevator cab, forms are used instead of MDF. This type of cab is highly similar in appearance to MDF cabs. However, in recent years, this type of cab has been used less frequently in elevator installation and commissioning projects.
These models have less aesthetic appeal compared to other elevator cabs. However, in terms of resistance, their material is very strong. Therefore, they are prioritized based on the customer’s taste.
It is important to know that the choice of elevator cab material depends on various factors, including the desired appearance and design, the installation environment, and the need for safety and resistance. Each type of material has its own characteristics and advantages.
For example, some of the advantages of metal cabs include high resistance to impact and abrasion, long lifespan, and the ability to structure and design diversely. Also, wooden cabs have more attractiveness and elegance due to their natural appearance. Glass cabs are popular because of their transparency and the display of beautiful views and a greater feeling of freedom.
In any case, to choose the right material for the elevator cab, it is best to consult with specialists and engineers in elevator design and installation (Cabin Plus) so that you can choose the best option based on your needs and constraints.
Types of Elevator Cabs Based on Their Doors
Elevator cab types based on their doors can be divided into the following categories:
Elevator Cab with Fully Automatic Door
An elevator cab with a fully automatic door is a type of cab where the opening and closing of the doors are done completely automatically. In this type of elevator cab, electronic or hydraulic mechanisms control the doors to open and close automatically.
Automatic elevator cab doors usually operate using sensors and intelligent control systems. These sensors can detect the presence of people, obstacles, or other signals and automatically open or close the doors. This type of elevator cab is highly regarded for its speed and ease of use and is used as a standard in large buildings and companies.
An elevator cab with a fully automatic door provides features that include ease of entry and exit, high speed of travel, greater safety, and avoidance of collisions with the doors. This type of cab is used for buildings with high traffic and a need for fast and efficient transport of people.
Elevator Cab with Semi-Automatic Door
Another type of elevator cab is the cab with a semi-automatic door. In this type of elevator cab, the door is opened manually by reaching for the door handle or grip. However, for closing the door, a system is used that keeps the door automatically closed. Usually, in this type of cab, the door closes automatically after entering and exiting the elevator to ensure the safety and security of passengers.
An elevator cab with a semi-automatic door can be suitable for specific cases that do not require an automatic door but also need a level of automation. This type of cab may be used in some buildings where an automatic door cannot be installed.
Elevator Cab with Central Fully Automatic Door
One of the types of elevator cabs is the central fully automatic type. An elevator cab with a central fully automatic door is a special type of elevator cab that uses a central system for door operation. In this type of cab, the doors operate completely automatically, and their control is managed by the central system.
The central system in these cabs is an intelligent control system that controls the opening and closing of the doors using sensors and advanced control systems. This system is usually located in the control room and is controlled by a central controller, known as the central unit. An elevator cab with a central fully automatic door has advanced performance and the ability to perform door opening and closing operations quickly and accurately.
Elevator Cab with Manual Door
In this type of cab, the opening and closing of the doors are done manually by people. In this case, the door operation is carried out by handles, locks, and conventional mechanisms. These types of cabs are less frequently used and are typically employed in smaller buildings or in buildings where the installation of an automatic door is not possible due to limiting factors.
The classification of elevator cab types based on the door, as one of the important factors in determining the operation and use of the elevator, is chosen based on the needs and constraints of each project.
Types of Elevator Cabs Based on Interior Decorations
Another method of classifying types of elevator cabs is based on interior decorations. If you intend to learn about different types of interior decorations, be sure to read this section to the end.
Formica Steel Cab and Decorations: In this type of elevator cab, Formica Steel materials are used for the decorations and the cab body. Formica Steel is a composite material that combines the aesthetic qualities and resistance of metal.
MDF Steel Cab and Decorations: In this type of elevator cab, MDF Steel materials are used for the decorations and the cab body. MDF Steel is a type of wooden panel that, with a steel coating on it, provides a stylish and resistant appearance to the elevator cab.
Full-Steel Cab and Decorations: In this type of elevator cab, the cab body and decorations are made entirely of steel. This type of cab is popular due to the resistance that steel provides.
Gold, Smoke/Grey, and Patterned Full-Steel Cab and Decorations: In this model of elevator cab types, the cab body and decorations are made entirely of steel and are designed in gold, smoke/grey, or with specific patterns. These types of cabs are popular due to their unique appearance.
Glass (PANORAMA) Cab and Decorations: This type of elevator cab, known as a Glass (PANORAMA) cab, is usually used on the exterior of buildings or in commercial centers.
How to Design an Elevator Cab
As mentioned, various materials and designs can be used in the interior design of elevator cab types. Some cabs are made of steel, either full-steel or semi-steel, while some cabs are made of MDF.
Also, in some cases, glass and mirror are used in the cab design for more beauty. However, for constructing a sturdy, durable, and beautiful cab, the use of steel is recommended. Steel has high resistance and a wide variety of designs. In full-steel cabs, the interior covering of the cab is made entirely of scratch-resistant and non-magnetic stainless steel with wheat-grain, mirror, brushed, gold, smoke/grey, and patterned designs. Also, the skirting, moldings, and strips are made of steel sheets.
Elevator cab types with designs such as gold mirror steel, champagne steel, smoke/grey mirror steel, and high-quality and beautiful patterned steels are designed and are most commonly used in luxurious and upscale buildings.
Full-steel cabs are highly resistant to pressure and impact and therefore have a longer lifespan. Consequently, the price of full-steel cabs is often higher than Formica steel and MDF steel cabs. The price of a full-steel cab depends on the design, dimensions, the steel used, and other factors, and is determined accordingly.
Important Points in Designing Different Types of Elevator Cabs
The cab wall thickness should be at least 1.5 mm, while the cab roof and floor thickness should be at least 2 mm. The cab floor must be non-combustible and capable of bearing the pressure and weight of passengers and cargo.
The interior of the cab must always be lit when stationary and have low light in standby mode. The alarm bell and emergency stop buttons must be placed at the nearest point to the floor of the elevator cab types (approximate height of 89 cm).
The highest button must not exceed a height of 137 cm from the cab floor. According to the European Standard EN-81, the necessary area for one standing person inside the cab is approximately 0.28 m
2
. Except for the cab entrance door, emergency hatch, and ventilation location, the other sections must be completely covered.
The cab must stop horizontally at every floor and remain fixed at the floor level during the entry and exit of passengers and cargo. Also, the total weight of the cab must be determined with respect to the elevator motor’s power, which is of high importance.
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