Stainless Steel Cladding for Elevator Cabins: Aesthetic and Functionality for Any Project!
Stainless Steel Cladding for Elevator Cabins
Elevator cabins are an important component in both modern and elegant buildings, where aesthetic appeal is a key element, as well as in more industrial structures where functionality and wear resistance are essential. The selection of the right cladding is crucial not only for aesthetics reason, but also for safety and durability over time. In this article, we will explore the types of stainless steel cladding for elevator cabins, analyzing the advantages, maintenance, cleaning, and best practices for their installation
Advantages of Stainless Steel Cladding for Elevator Cabins
Stainless steel cladding offers many advantages, making it an ideal choice for modern, functional, and flexible applications. Below we have tried to summarize the most important benefits:
1. Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steels are generally highly resistant to corrosion due to the natural presence of high levels of chromium, which forms a protective layer on the surface. When chromium oxidizes in contact with oxygen, it forms chromium oxide, preventing further oxidation (passivation). The choice of the most suitable AISI grade, along with the addition of possible surface treatments (such as brushed finishes, SuperMirror polishing, PVD coloring, etc.), makes stainless steels even more resistant in humid environments or areas subject to temperature variations, extending the lifespan of elevator cabins.
2. Ease to Maintenance
Stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. They do not require special treatments and can be cleaned with common detergents, maintaining a shiny and hygienic appearance over time. In case of deterioration or damage to part of the cladding, individual panels can be easily replaced with new ones, thus modernizing only the parts that actually need it.
3. Modern Aesthetic
Decorative and rigidized stainless steel, as well as SuperMirror stainless steel and PVD-colored stainless steel, give elevator cabins an elegant and contemporary look. Their many types of finishes (shiny, brushed, SuperMirror polished, PVD colored, etc.) along with patterns (embossed, decorative, etched, anti-slip certified, deformed, hammered, etc.) integrate excellently with different architectural styles, making the cabins as distinctive design element.
4. Durability
Stainless steel is a strong and durable material, resistant to impact and wear. This makes it ideal for frequent use in public or high-traffic environments, where elevator cabins may undergo repeated stresses over time.
Decorative and textured stainless steel sheets produced by MTS, thanks to their patterns or surface deformations, are more resistant to wear and potential damage compared to standard stainless steel sheets.
Thus, embossing and patterned stainless steels are among the most commonly used in the elevator industry.
5. Scratch Resistance
Decorated and rigidized stainless steel surfaces are more resistant to scratches than other types of stainless steel. The presence of surface textures or patterns makes the sheets stiffer, and even if scratched, they tend to retain their original appearance, helping to preserve the overall aesthetic of the cabin. In addition to this, if there are visible scratches, only the damaged parts need to be replaced, ensuring significant cost savings.
6. Safety
Stainless steel is non-flammable and has good heat resistance. Additionally, stainless steel cannot break or shatter, ensuring complete absence of fragility. These properties contribute to making elevator cabins safer.
7. Customization Options
Stainless steel surfaces can be easily customized with different finishes, treatments, and surface patterns, such as:
- SuperMirror N8 or Mirror 7 polishing
- Surface embossing or texturing to create rigidized and patterned stainless steel (5WL-6WL-7WL)
- Decorative surfaces for creating raised patterns on one side, with aesthetic-functional benefits (Linen, Square, Leather, Diamond, Bead Blasted, Striped, etc.)
- PVD coloring (on brush or Mirror finishes)
- Anti-fingerprint finish (only applicable to brushed, bead blasted, rigidized and decorated finishes)
- Etching, which creates different "patterns" on stainless steel sheets
- Scotch-brite or brushing finishes in different "grains," and anti-directional brushed finishes
- Deformation or hydroforming to produce sheets with three-dimensional effects and irregular wave patterns
This allows elevator cabins to be adapted to the specific aesthetic-functional needs of any building or project.
8. Sustainability
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable. Choosing stainless steel cladding contributes to more sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of new constructions.
9. Added Value and Exclusivity
Stainless steel cladding in elevator cabins can increase the overall value of the building in which it is installed. The quality and aesthetics of these materials can attract potential buyers or tenants, as they serve as an excellent showcase for prestigious buildings or simply for upscale residences.
PVD-colored stainless steels further enhance elevator cabins, thanks to their unique properties (see article on PVD colored steels) and their design elements that uniquely furnish the cabin.
Elevator cabins with stainless steel cladding offer a combination of durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for projects of any size and type.
Types of Stainless Steel Used for Elevator Cladding
The stainless steel sheets with finishes and surface patterns from MTS-METALSPECIALI have been used by the elevator industry for over 70 years. The meticulous attention to quality, along with the seriousness and history of the company, has made MTS stainless steels a reference point for the entire elevator market.
MTS-Metalspeciali was the first company in Italy to stand out by developing the concept of special finishes and surfaces on stainless steel sheets and coils.
Among MTS's product range, there are different types of stainless steels used for elevator cabin cladding, including:
1. Rigidized Stainless Steel
Also known as embossed or textured stainless steel, it is produced by cold rolling on both sides of the sheets, using specific pairs of opposing rollers to mechanically imprint a pattern.
This process results in stainless steel sheets with unique characteristics, including greater rigidity and stability, wear resistance, weight reduction, scratch functionality, reduced friction, hygienic properties, and ease of cleaning.
The rigidized models include 5WL, 6WL, 7WL, and Quilted patterns.
Rigidized stainless steel sheets are perfect for elevator cabins where high functionality, superior design, and greater durability over time are required.
Embossed stainless steel finishes are primarily used to clad elevator cabins and doors, as well as for profiles and flooring.
All patterned stainless steel models can be subsequently colored with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technology.
- Decorative Stainless Steel
Decorative stainless steel sheets are made by putting the sheets under a single roller, which mechanically embosses various patterns on to one side of the surface.
Decorated stainless steel is characterized by a wide range of patterns, such as Linen, Square, Diamond, Leather, Check’s, Austenite, etc., offering a wide range of applications across different industries.
Decorative stainless steel sheets are frequently used in the elevator industry due to their modern and appealing design, higher resistance to damage in high-traffic areas, and technical-functional features such as anti-slip functionality, low maintenance, heat resistance, hygiene, and ease of cleaning.
Decorated stainless steel is primarily used to clad elevator cabins and doors but is also commonly used for cabin flooring, push-button panels, and entry thresholds.
All models of decorated stainless steel can be subsequently colored with PVD technology.
- SuperMirror Stainless Steel
Also known as polished mirror stainless steel, SuperMirror is a finish that exudes timeless elegance!
SuperMirror stainless steel sheets are produced through a specific polishing process that results in a flawless surface with maximum gloss and reflectivity, along with very low levels of roughness.
The production process for SuperMirror stainless steel is long and costly, requiring specific "recipes" and the constant presence of operators who ensure the perfection of the surface, monitoring each step.
Despite its delicate nature, SuperMirror is widely used in the elevator industry because it does not shatter, has excellent heat resistance, allows for weight reduction in cabins, is hygienic and has an excellent aesthetic finish.
The SuperMirror finish can also be subsequently colored with PVD technology.
- PVD Colored Stainless Steel
PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition, a cutting-edge technology that applies a thin layer of color to stainless steel sheets in various finishes (Mirror or Brushing) and tones. The result is a unique aesthetic impact with consistent color across the entire surface.
PVD-colored stainless steel is used in elevator projects requiring elegance and sophistication. PVD-colored stainless steel sheets are commonly used for elevator cabin and door cladding, button panels, displays, and profiles.
The main colors obtainable with PVD coloring on stainless steel include gold, champagne, bronze, copper, blue, green, purple, and black.
- Bead Blasted (or Sandblasted) Stainless Steel
Bead blasted is a surface treatment where microspheres of glass or ceramic are deposed onto the stainless steel sheets. This process removes surface contamination or old coatings, creating a matte and uniform finish on the entire surface of the stainless steel sheets.
Glass or ceramic microspheres can vary in characteristics, shape, and size: finer microspheres result in a smoother surface, while larger microspheres produce a rougher texture.
Sandblasted can be applied to BA or 2B finishes, and the stainless steel can be subsequently colored with PVD technology.
This finish is highly demanded in the elevator industry because, when combined with PVD coloring, it offers the perfect mix of high-quality and functional expectations.
- Certified Anti-Slip Stainless Steel (R11-R12-R13)
These stainless steel sheets are used in areas requiring certified anti-slip properties according to legal standards.
Unlike typical "almond" textured stainless steel sheets, which may offer some anti-slip properties, certified anti-slip stainless steel sheets are exclusively produced by MTS-METALSPECIALI.
These sheets are available with different levels of anti-slip certification (R11, R12, R13), ensuring a safe and compliant solution for elevator cabins and other high-traffic areas where safety is paramount.
The anti-slip stainless steel sheets compliant with the law were a unique innovation, the result of years of specific studies by the entire MTS team: these sheets were specifically designed for elevator cabins, where it was often necessary to have a flooring non-slip with low weight, thus lightening the entire structure.
Unlike checkerboard stainless steel whose minimum thickness is 3+2mm, the anti-slip stainless steel sheets designed by MTS are produced starting from very thin thicknesses (0.8mm) up to thicknesses of 10mm, allowing for great application versatility based on the project.
In addition to this, our certified anti-slip sheets are produced with different patterns, a perfect combination for anyone who needs appreciable aesthetics without sacrificing safety.
Installation Process of Stainless Steel Cladding
Installing stainless steel cladding requires attention to detail and specialized expertise. Typically, the process includes:
1. Cabin Preparation: Verifying structural conditions and measuring the cabin.
2. Cutting, Bending, Welding, and Final Adjustments: The steel is cut and shaped according to the project specifications before being installed.
3. Installation: The stainless steel panels are fitted and welded into the elevator cabin's structural framework.
4. Removal of PVC Protection and Delivery: The final stage before delivery involves removing the PVC laser-fiber protection from all the stainless steel panels to ensure a flawless finish.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Stainless Steel Elevator Cabins
Stainless steel surfaces, though highly durable, require regular care to maintain their shine and appearance:
- Removing Dust and Debris: Regularly use a soft, dry, non-abrasive cloth to remove dust and prevent surface damage.
- Cleaning with Mild Detergents: Use specific stainless steel cleaners or a mild soap and water solution to remove smudges and stains.
- Removing Limescale and Smudges: For stubborn marks, a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar can be applied, or a cleaner specifically for stainless steel can be used.
- Polishing: After cleaning, apply a stainless steel polish to restore shine and prevent fingerprints.
Design and Customization of Stainless Steel Elevator Cabins
Stainless steel elevator cabins can be customized in many ways, thanks to the versatility of materials produced by MTS. Different finishes, panels, and integrated lighting can turn an elevator cabin into a distinctive design element.
Safety and Durability of Stainless Steel Cladding
Safety is a priority in elevator cabins, and stainless steel cladding helps ensure maximum protection. Stainless steel resists impact and stress, reducing the risk of structural damage.
Additionally, high-quality materials ensure compliance with safety standards.
Why Choose MTS-METALSPECIALI for Your Elevator Cladding?
Since 1941, MTS-METALSPECIALI has been a trusted partner in the elevator industry.
We offer a wide range of stainless steel models and finishes, with custom solutions to meet your specific needs.
Our extensive experience and cutting-edge production lines (including the new SuperMirror polishing line installed in 2024) guarantee superior quality and consistency across all products.
With our flexibility and vast stock, we can offer tailored solutions for projects of any size and scope, even for minimal order quantities.
For more information or personalized advice, contact us today! Let us help you create a unique and high-quality elevator cabin design.
