Steel Frame Glass Elevator

Besides high-end aluminum frames, SS400 steel elevator frames still hold a significant position thanks to their reasonable price, flexibility in construction, and excellent ability to optimize shaft space, especially for glass - enclosed home elevators .

In the article below, THANGMAYNIDEC will provide a comprehensive overview of the technical specifications, detailed pricing, and considerations when choosing this type of steel to help customers gain the most comprehensive understanding and make the most suitable decision for themselves.

What is a Steel Elevator Frame?

The steel frame elevator system is an independent load-bearing structure, designed to completely replace the traditional method of constructing elevator shafts using reinforced concrete columns and brickwork. This frame receives and distributes all static loads from the equipment (cabin, counterweight, traction machine) as well as dynamic loads generated during elevator operation (especially with cable-driven elevator systems).

The steel used for elevator frames is SS400 steel, which has the following characteristics:

• SS400 steel material: This is a standard hot-rolled structural steel grade, possessing extremely high tensile strength, excellent resistance to deformation, bending, and torsional forces. Using SS400 steel eliminates vibration, ensuring smooth and absolutely safe elevator operation for decades.
• C120x120x40mm dimensions: Using C-shaped steel profiles with specifications of 120x120x40mm is a technically intelligent solution. This cross-section ensures superior load-bearing capacity while maximizing usable space compared to pouring conventional concrete columns.

Basic Structure of the Steel Elevator Frame

To ensure absolute safety and high aesthetic appeal for architectural spaces, the steel frame system at THANGMAYNIDEC is designed and manufactured with strict technical standards, ensuring durability over time.

The steel frame in a glass elevator consists of the following parts: Main load-bearing columns, bracing beams, and surface coating.

• Main load-bearing column system (SS400 steel reinforcement): The elevator frame uses SS400 main load-bearing steel reinforcement with C120x120x40mm dimensions. This type of steel has excellent load-bearing capacity, ensuring stability and sturdiness for the entire elevator structure during operation.
• Horizontal bracing system: The entire bracing system and floor door beams are precisely fabricated and tightly interconnected to create a monolithic elevator shaft frame, effectively preventing vibration.
• Surface protection technology: The entire steel frame and aluminum profiles are coated with high-quality electrostatic powder coating from the JOTUN brand. This coating not only provides a variety of colors (Gray/Cream/Porcelain White) but also helps prevent rust, resist dust accumulation, and maintain aesthetic durability over time.

Comparison of Common Elevator Frame Types Used Today

Currently, elevators in Vietnam mainly use three types of frames: steel, aluminum, and concrete. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each frame type? Which frame type is most suitable for your family?

Comparison of Concrete, Aluminum, and Steel Elevator Frames:

Concrete Elevator Frame: A method of constructing an elevator shaft using concrete columns and surrounding brick walls.

Advantage:

• High durability: Reinforced concrete structures are intrinsically linked to the lifespan of a building.
• Good sound insulation: Thick brick walls help block noise from the engine and cabin movement better than other types of frames.

Disadvantages:

• Space-consuming: The thickness of the brick walls and concrete columns significantly reduces the elevator shaft area as well as the cabin area.
• Long construction time: You have to wait for the concrete to dry, build and plaster, it's very dusty and can affect daily life, especially if it's a house renovation.
• The interior view isn't aesthetically pleasing: Because glass elevators are inherently transparent, seeing through them makes it easy to see the brick walls, which detracts from the overall look.

Aluminum Elevator Frame : A method of constructing elevator frames using aluminum alloy profiles (T6061).

Advantage:

• Beautiful appearance, durable over time: The surface is shiny, rust-resistant, elegant, and has modern colors, making it very suitable for high-end home elevators.
• Extremely fast installation: The parts are pre-fabricated at the factory, ready for assembly on-site, with no welding or dust.
• Space optimization: The very thin aluminum frame allows for a significantly larger cabin compared to a concrete pit of the same size.

Disadvantages:

• High cost: Aluminum profile systems are typically much more expensive than steel frames.
• Load capacity limit: Not suitable for heavy-duty elevators or high-intensity cargo elevators (under 300kg).

Elevator Steel Frame : Using SS400 steel to form the frame, creating a strong load-bearing system for future use.

Advantage:

• This is a cost-effective option that overcomes most of the problems of the other two frame types: balancing cost, durability, and aesthetics. Steel frames are both strong and much thinner than concrete, while being cheaper than aluminum.
• High flexibility: Easy to construct in any terrain, including renovated houses and small townhouses. The structure can be customized on-site if there are minor construction discrepancies.
• Easy to combine: Easily fitted with glass, faux stone plastic panels, or aluminum composite panels, creating a luxurious and modern look for the house.

Disadvantages:

• Welding technical requirements: If the welder's skills are poor or the anti-rust paint application is inadequate, the frame is prone to rusting over time (the powder coating needs to be carefully controlled).
• Sound insulation: Inferior to concrete pit frames without accompanying sound-absorbing layers.

How to Choose a Frame for an Elevator?

Depending on your needs, budget, and the size of your house, choose the options that best suit you.

When should you choose a concrete frame?

Concrete frames are a traditional solution, suitable for the following types of structures:

• New construction: When a house is in the floor and wall construction phase, designing the concrete elevator shaft from the beginning will be consistent with the overall structure of the building. Furthermore, in new construction, the space allocated for the elevator shaft will be more generous, addressing the drawback of having a small cabin area.
• Cost savings on structural work: You don't need to allocate extra budget for expensive steel/aluminum framing systems, and you can utilize existing building materials at the construction site.

When Should You Choose an Aluminum Frame?

The T6061 aluminum alloy frame would be the choice for customers who prioritize aesthetics and have a slightly larger budget.

• For a durable and long-lasting staircase: With its glossy surface, modern colors, and compact design, the aluminum frame is perfectly suited for high-end villas, penthouses, or shophouses.

• Renovated houses often lack space: Using this method for elevator installation will save significantly more space compared to traditional, bulky concrete frames.

When Should You Choose a Steel Frame for an Elevator?

• For small and narrow house renovations: Thanks to optimized cross-sectional dimensions (such as C120x120x40mm steel), the steel frame helps to maximize the use of the elevator shaft area, making it suitable for narrow townhouses and old terraced houses that are very limited in space.
• For customers seeking cost optimization: SS400 steel frames offer exceptional strength and durability over the years at 25% less cost than frames made entirely of aluminum.

Installation suggestions:

With the advantages mentioned above, the THANGMAYNIDEC team has researched and developed a solution that simultaneously leverages both advantages: combining aluminum and steel frames, using only aluminum for the front panel and high-strength steel for the other three. This solution saves up to 18.75% of the total frame cost compared to using all aluminum, while also significantly increasing load-bearing capacity due to the use of steel on three sides.

Key Considerations When Choosing Elevator Steel Frames

Once you've decided to install a steel frame for your glass elevator, please note the following details that THANGMAYNIDEC advises:

Material Specifications and Steel Thickness:

Ask the supplier to clearly confirm the type of steel.

For home elevators, SS400 steel with a cross-section of C120x120x40mm is the ideal standard.

The steel thickness must ensure good compressive and bending strength, avoiding the use of thin or impure steel that is prone to deformation over time, causing elevator vibration during operation.

Surface Treatment Technology

Steel is very susceptible to rust in humid tropical climates, especially in areas with sharp edges or scratches.

A standard frame system must undergo thorough surface treatment (removing rust and grease) before applying a high-quality powder coating (e.g., Jotun paint). This coating is not only for aesthetics but also acts as a protective shield against corrosion, ensuring the structure remains robust for decades.

On-site Construction Techniques:

The steel frame is erected through an assembly process. The positions of the base plates and bolts connecting the stair frame to the concrete floor beams of the building must be carefully checked. All welds must be meticulously executed, then inspected for penetration, and treated with anti-rust coating immediately after completion.

Construction Unit Competency Certificate:

Prioritize suppliers with their own manufacturing facilities (like THANGMAYNIDEC) instead of intermediaries. This allows you to control the quality of the steel input, the closed-loop powder coating process, and most importantly, ensures long-term warranty and maintenance for the elevator system.

Latest Steel Frame Elevator Designs 2026

Below, THANGMAYNIDEC would like to introduce to our customers some models of glass elevators with steel frames. You can view and refer to them; they may help you choose a suitable elevator for your family.

Mini Glass Elevator 200kg -The smallest elevator, installation area from 0.85m² ^.

This product line is ideal for home renovations with limited space, requiring a minimum installation size of 850x1000mm.

Load capacity : 200kg - suitable for 1-2 people inside the cabin.

Door Opening Type: Elevators with hinged doors (manual/automatic doors)

Frame Material: Aluminum/Steel Frame with Tempered Glass

Pit: 100mm/no pit

Price: Ranges from 350,000,000 to 550,000,000 VND

Mini Glass Elevator 250kg - the most popular elevator for home renovations, meeting all transportation needs.

This product line is particularly suitable for home renovations, with a larger area than the 200kg line, and a minimum installation size of 1000x1200mm .

Load capacity : 250kg - comfortably accommodates 2-3 people inside the cabin.

Door Opening Type: Elevators with hinged doors (manual/automatic doors)

Frame Material: Aluminum/Steel Frame with Tempered Glass

Pit: 100mm/no pit

Price: Ranges from 380,000,000 to 600,000,000 VND

350kg Glass Family Elevator - suitable for newly built houses with ample space.

This product line is ideal for new construction, with a suggested installation size of 1500x1500mm .

Load capacity : 350kg - comfortably accommodates 4-5 people inside the cabin.

Door Opening Type: Elevators using sliding doors (CO/SO), if the horizontal area is small (1200mm - 1400mm), a 4-panel sliding door is recommended.

Frame Material: Aluminum/Steel Frame with Tempered Glass

Pit: 100mm/no pit

Price: Ranges from 400,000,000 to 650,000,000 VND

450kg Glass Home Elevator -suitable for newly built houses with ample space.

This product line is extremely suitable for new construction, with a minimum installation size of 1600x1600mm .

Load capacity : 450kg - comfortably accommodates 5-6 people inside the cabin.

Door Opening Type: Elevators using sliding doors (CO/SO), if the horizontal area is small (1200mm - 1400mm), a 4-panel sliding door is recommended.

Frame Material: Aluminum/Steel Frame with Tempered Glass

Pit: 100mm/no pit

Price: Ranges from 420,000,000 to 700,000,000 VND

VIDEO TUTORIAL ON USING THE QUICK QUOTE TOOL

Suggested Reputable Steel Frame Elevator Installation Companies

Choosing a steel frame elevator installation company is not just about buying a product, but about placing your trust in the safety of your entire family. THANGMAYNIDEC is proud to be a pioneer in Vietnam providing internationally standardized steel frame elevator solutions with golden commitments to quality:

Exclusive Distributor of Nidec Motors in Vietnam

We use drive systems and components from Nidec Corporation (Japan) - a world-leading brand in electric motors. The combination of a super-durable SS400 steel frame and Nidec KDS motors ensures that the elevator operates not only smoothly but also with maximum energy efficiency.

Production Capacity and Experienced Technical Team

They have their own manufacturing plant and are self-sufficient in production.

Our technical team has over 15 years of experience.

THANGMAYNIDEC's team of engineers possesses in-depth knowledge of aluminum structures and modular assembly techniques. We are committed to clean, fast, and on-schedule construction, especially optimized for renovation projects with extremely small floor areas.

Dedicated After-Sales Service

THANGMAYNIDEC's reputation is affirmed through its 24/7 regular maintenance and servicing. We not only install elevators but also accompany our customers throughout the product's lifespan, ensuring the equipment always operates in the best possible condition.

CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND SURVEY!

Contact Information

THANGMAYNIDEC, a subsidiary of HSV Group and the exclusive distributor of elevators, is trusted and chosen by many users for elevator installation.

To live up to our customers' trust, we always strive to find top-rated and reputable distributors in the market, ensuring products have clear origins and genuine warranties. This helps customers feel more secure throughout the product's lifespan.

HOANG SA VIET INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED

Address: 184/20A Le Dinh Can Street, Tan Tao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline: 0707.025.789

Email: nidec@hoangsaviet.com

Website: thangmaynidec.vn

Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily