How Do We Select the Frame Material and Thickness for a Fork-Type Vertical Lift?

Frame Thickness Depends on the Application

For many standard fork-type vertical lifts, we use 4 mm steel plate for the main frame.

When the lifting height is higher, the structural requirements change. For applications above approximately 20 m, a 5 mm frame may be used.

This is not a fixed rule based on height alone. The final thickness depends on the complete structural design, including load, frame dimensions, guide arrangement and lifting height.

The purpose is to maintain sufficient strength and rigidity without simply making the machine heavier than necessary.

Application	Typical approach
Standard lifting height	4 mm frame is commonly used
Higher lifting height	5 mm may be considered
Special structural requirements	Thickness and material are selected according to the design

Q235A Is Our Standard Material

For standard applications, Q235A is commonly used for the main frame.

It provides a practical solution for many general industrial applications.

However, Q235A is not the only material we use.

Depending on the customer's requirements and the operating environment, we can also manufacture the frame using Q235B, Q355A or SS304.

We have produced frames using these materials for different projects.

The material is selected according to the application rather than simply choosing the strongest or most expensive option.

When Is a Different Material Required?

A different material may be considered when the project has specific structural, environmental or customer requirements.

For example, Q355A can be considered for applications with higher structural requirements.

SS304 may be selected when corrosion resistance or specific hygiene requirements are important.

Q235B can also be used when it is specified by the customer or required by the project.

The important point is that material selection and plate thickness are considered together.

A higher-grade material does not automatically mean that the frame can be made thinner. The complete structure still needs to meet the required strength and stiffness.

Why Does the Carriage Move So Easily?

There is another detail we often demonstrate during machine assembly.

Before the fork arms are installed, the moving carriage can be pushed by hand with relatively little effort.

This is mainly the result of proper alignment and fitting between the frame, guide system and carriage.

The moving parts need to be assembled accurately. When the guide components are correctly aligned, there is little unnecessary interference during movement.

After assembly, the carriage fits closely within the frame while still moving smoothly along the guide system.

This is important for a vertical lift because excessive resistance can increase the load on the drive system and accelerate wear on the moving components.

Smooth movement starts with accurate fabrication and assembly.

Frame Accuracy Matters as Much as Material

A thicker plate does not automatically make a better vertical lift.

The frame must maintain its geometry throughout the lifting stroke, and the guide system must keep the carriage correctly aligned.

This is particularly important for taller machines.

For this reason, frame design involves more than selecting 4 mm or 5 mm steel. Material grade, plate thickness, frame geometry, welding, machining and assembly accuracy all affect the final result.

The objective is simple:

Use the right material and thickness for the actual working conditions.

Material Can Be Customized

The frame material can be changed according to the customer's requirements.

Material	Typical consideration
Q235A	Standard general-purpose applications
Q235B	Customer or project specification
Q355A	Higher structural requirements
SS304	Corrosion resistance or specific hygiene requirements

These are not fixed product configurations. Other materials can also be considered when required by the project.

The external finish can also be customized. The frame can be painted in the customer's required color so that the lift matches the surrounding production equipment.

What Information Do We Need?

Before selecting the frame specification, we normally look at:

Parameter	Why it matters
Lifting height	Affects frame stiffness
Rated load	Determines structural loading
Carriage size	Affects frame dimensions
Lifting speed	Affects dynamic loading
Operating environment	May affect material selection
Customer specification	May determine material or finish

There is no need to use the same frame specification for every project.

A standard indoor lift and a high-lift machine operating in a demanding environment can require completely different structural solutions.

The frame should be designed around the actual application.