Elevator support rail

Types of elevator support rails

Elevator support rails refer to elevator parts that support the guidance system intended to hold the elevator car or counterweight. It is primarily fixed on the wall of the hoistway. There are various types of elevator support rails as follows:

• T45 elevator support rail

  The T45 elevator support rail has a trapezoidal shape. Its dimensions include a height of 100 mm, a width of 76 mm, and a web thickness of 10 mm. This T45 elevator support rail is commonly used in residential or small commercial elevators where the load requirements are moderate. The trapezoidal shape provides adequate support and guidance for the elevator car.

• T50 elevator support rail

  For T50 elevator support rails, the height is 120 mm, the width is 90 mm, and the web thickness is 12 mm. Similar to the T45 elevator rail, the T50 elevator support rail is designed with a trapezoidal shape. Nevertheless, it is better to use the T50 elevator support rail in mid-rise buildings or commercial spaces with slightly higher load capacities than small residential settings. The T50 rail offers smooth guidance and support for the elevator cars' movement.

• T60 elevator support rail

  The T60 elevator support rail is L-shaped. Its height measures 150 mm, while its width is 100 mm. Additionally, the web thickness is 16 mm. The L-shaped design provides robust support and firm guidance for heavy-duty elevators. The T60 elevator support rail is often applied in high-rise buildings or commercial elevators with heavy loads and frequent usage.

• T70 elevator support rail

  Similar to the T60, the T70 elevator support rail has a height of 180 mm and a width of 120 mm. It is suitable for use in applications that demand substantial load-bearing capacity and durability. The T70 elevator support rail is ideal for high-traffic areas likelarge institutions or business premises.

Specification and Maintenance of Elevator Support Rails

Key specifications are as follows.

• Material

  The support rail must be made of a material with good strength to bear the weight of the lift car and cargo constantly. Common materials are high-strength carbon steel and stainless steel.

• Length

  The length of a support rail will match the lift height of a building. For short elevators, 1.5m to 5m is a typical range. Longer rails are custom-made for more giant elevators. The whole elevator system must fit in the shaft.

• Cross-sectional shape

  Often, support rails have an I-shaped cross-section, with two parallel flanges and a vertical web in-between. Other shapes include L-shape and T-shape.

• Load capacity

  This refers to the maximum weight that an elevator support rail can bear. Manufacturers will test the rails to define this load capacity. For example, rails meant for residential elevators will have lower load capacities than those for freight elevators. A heavy load could bend or break the rail.

• Number of rails

  One elevator requires more than one support rail. Typically, four to six rails support a vertical elevator car. Elevators ensure that the load is shared evenly. In general, the more giant the elevator, the more support rails it will have.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures an elevator's smooth ride and long life. Routine checks are critical for safety. Here are steps for the regular maintenance of elevator support rails.

• Daily inspection: Check the bolts and nuts that fix the elevators to the support rails. Ensure they are not loose or worn. Fix or replace any damaged parts immediately.
• Weekly lubrication: Apply grease to the rail and elevator guide shoes. Lubricate the contact points between the support rail and guide shoes. This reduces friction and wear between moving parts.
• Monthly cleaning: Remove dust and dirt from the support rails. Use a vacuum cleaner and a lint-free cloth to wipe the rails clean. Ensure no debris is left on the rail that can affect the ride smoothness.
• Quarterly alignment check: Check the position of the support rails and align them, if necessary, to ensure the elevator moves well. Look for rail twisting or bending that can affect alignment. Straighten any twisted parts or replace bent ones.
• Half-yearly load tests: Perform load tests regularly. Examine the support rails to ensure they are in good condition to bear the weight. During load tests, the maximum load the support rails can bear should be tested. The frequency of tests will depend on how much use the elevator gets each day.

Scenarios of elevator support rails

The elevator support rail is primarily used for supporting the elevator cab and counterweight. However, it has some diverse applications in various industries and sectors.

• Elevator system: The main application of support rails is to provide support and guidance for elevators. They are mainly used in buildings with multiple floors. Moreover, as the backbone of the elevator system, support rails make it possible for elevators to travel long distances vertically with stability. Besides, they allow for smooth and precise positioning and operation.
• Material handling system: As automation systems used for vertical transportation of products and materials in manufacturing and production facilities, support rails can serve as the guiding and supportive structure for automated carts or hoists.
• Specialized vehicles: Support rails are also utilized in some specialized vehicles. For instance, some military vehicles or high-performance cars that are designed for off-road use may adopt an elevator support rail-like suspension system to improve the vehicle's ability to adapt to different road conditions. This provides a safe driving experience for the vehicle even in harsh environments like sand or snow.
• Amusement rides: Support rails are also used on some amusement facilities and rides, like elevator roller coasters. Support rails provide stable guidance for the speedy and thrilling operation of the ride. Meanwhile, they ensure the safety of riders.
• Medical equipment: Elevator support rails can also be found in medical equipment like patient lifts. They may function as the support structure that helps to move and elevate the patients safely and smoothly. This provides comfort and convenience for both the caregiver and the patient.
• Snowmobiles: Snowmobiles are vehicles that ride on a stretched rubber belt, which provides the same function as an elevator support rail. Some snowmobiles are made of aluminum elevator support rails, allowing the rubber belt to move freely and smoothly.

How to Choose Elevator Support Rails

When selecting the elevator guide rail supports, buyers need to look into a few factors critically. These are the areas they need to focus on when selecting the elevator support rail:

• Carrying Capacity and Weight:

  Elevator support rails must be able to support the weight of the elevator as well as the load it is meant to carry. The rail's carrying capacity is directly proportional to its weight. It's important for buyers to know that the heavier the elevator guide rail, the higher its carrying capacity. However, this doesn't denote that light support rails are inadequate. Buyers can always consult with the manufacturers or suppliers to see if the weight and capacity of the rail correspond with each other.

• Material Coating:

  A galvanized coating offers enhanced corrosion protection compared to a simple zinc coating. This is because it typically has higher coating levels, exceeding the minimums specified in the ASTM A123 standard. A galvanized coating can provide protection for about 50 years in rural environments, 30 years in urban environments, and a mere 5 years in severely industrial environments, according to some manufacturers.

• Length Required:

  The length of elevator guide supports needed is determined by the height of the elevator shaft. Longer shafts will require more length. Long rails may need to be spliced together, which can increase installation costs. The length also determines how many supports are needed to stabilize the elevator.

• Type of Elevator:

  The kind of elevator support buyer is purchasing the rail for determines the type to go for. For instance, a counterweight elevator will need a different support rail from a freight elevator support rail.

• Budget:

  The cost of the elevator guide rail is important for many buyers. Heavier and longer rails made from special alloys typically cost more. Buyers can get support rails that meet their needs without overspending on their budget. To do this, they should get quotes from different suppliers and manufacturers and negotiate the price.

• Quality and Standards:

  Quality is extremely important when it comes to elevators and their parts. Low-quality elevator rails can cause the elevator cab to derail. Buyers are encouraged to ensure that the support rails they go for conform to international standards. This is a great way to ensure the quality of the product.

Elevator Support Rail Q&A

Q1: Which material is used to make elevator support rails?

A1: Different materials are used to make elevator support rails to meet various preferences and needs. It is common to find elevator support rails made of carbon steel. This can be plain carbon steel or low-alloy carbon steel. Some elevator rails are made of stainless steel so they can be resistant to rust or corrosion. Aluminum is also a common material used to manufacture elevator support rails because of its lightweight property.

Q2: Are elevator support rails sold separately?

A2: Yes, elevator support rails are sold separately. This is especially useful to individuals who need to replace a damaged support rail. It also comes in handy for those installing a new elevator that requires a specific type or style of elevator support rail.

Q3: What are the standard lengths of elevator support rails?

A3: Elevator support rails typically come in standard lengths of 2,500mm, 3,000mm, and 3,500mm. Custom lengths are also available upon request. The standard lengths are chosen to suit various elevator designs and architectural considerations.

Q4: What are the different types of elevator support rails?

A4: Elevator support rails can be classified based on their design and functionality. The most common type of elevator support rail is the T-shaped elevator rail. T-shaped elevator support rails are popular because they offer great stability and control for the elevator car and counterweight. Another common type of elevator support rail is the U-shaped rail. Just like the T-shaped rails, U-shaped elevator support rails provide the necessary guidance and support for the elevator car to move smoothly along the vertical shaft.