It may be hard to believe, but glass elevators aren’t really made of glass. They may look like cylinder tubes of crystal and fragile to the touch, but they are actually quite strong and durable! Pneumatic, clear, see-through elevators are made to be beautiful as well as strong, and the materials used in building these elevators were chosen specifically for their durable characteristics. Here is a breakdown on the materials used to build each part of a pneumatic elevator.
Hoist Cylinder – The hoist cylinder is the largest part of the elevator. It is the “shaft” that the passenger car travels through and is also the backbone of the system as a whole. The hoist cylinder in a pneumatic, see-through elevator is made from clear polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is 252 times more durable than glass, which is a good thing, since a shaft made of this material will be supporting and protecting the elevator car. Polycarbonate was made to resemble glass in transparency yet exceed its properties in durability. Polycarbonate material is not just used in pneumatic elevators but also used to make eyeglasses, bulletproof windows, and DVDs. Even though this material is strong, it is also extremely light, making it ideal for the hoist cylinder of pneumatic elevators. Sheets of polycarbonate are attached to a small aluminum frame to create the cylinder hoist way. The top of the hoist chamber is capped in steel to keep the chamber airtight.
Passenger Car – The passenger car is made of steel, aluminum and polycarbonate materials. The passenger car is equipped with an airtight joint on its roof to ensure air pressure for the passenger is normal. All passenger cars feature controls and also have an anchoring system that secures the car each time it stops at a different floor. The top and bottom of the passenger car are made of steel for support.
Suction Assembly – In order for the pneumatic elevator to operate, a vacuum must be created in the hoist cylinder. The suction assembly, which contains vacuum turbines, can be found in various places on the pneumatic elevator. Sometimes, the assembly unit is attached on the car itself, and sometimes, it is fastened to the roof of the hoist cylinder. Regardless, the suction assembly is most often made of fiberglass or steel.
It is good for the consumer that pneumatic, see-through elevators are not made of glass. Although specialty glass elevators can be manufactured and installed if desired, clear polycarbonate and aluminum materials are much cheaper and stronger.
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If you’re interested in receiving more information about our Vision Glass Elevators, contact us via phone or our Instant Quote to learn more. Increase your mobility without your home losing it’s style
Glass elevators add functionality as well as style to the home or business. These elevators are a center point for attention; a conversation piece, a work of art. The clear panel construction prevents these elevators from overwhelming a room. Rather, they compliment the space. Riding in these elevators is a treat. The 360 degree view is exciting.
For all Vision Elevator’s products, mechanical parts are backed by a 10-year warranty, electrical by a three-year warranty, and labour for a one-year warranty. Our support far surpasses competitors’, who offer one- to three-year warranties at best.
For addressing these needs, Vision Elevators offers America’s Best Warranty and 24/7 telephone support. Customers can reach us at any time for answers to questions, and parts and maintenance are supported by one of the most extensive warranties in the industry.
We often refer to Vision Elevators as ‘glass elevators’ but in fact the clear panels are made of clear polycarbonate. The term glass is used for quick recognition of the type of elevator. If you want your elevator constructed of true glass, please discuss with your sales representative. This can be done with some models. Please understand that this adds considerable cost to the elevator.
These glass elevators are provided by Nationwide Lifts. With office located across the country, Nationwide Lifts is sure to have a team available to assist with your questions.
