What Materials Are Used in Making a Barrier Lift?

Barrier lifts are essential tools in the construction and infrastructure industries. Known for their strength and longevity, they play a critical role in moving and lifting large, heavy barricades used in traffic control, construction sites, and other similar operations. These devices must be robust and dependable to withstand high loads and perform under demanding conditions.

But what makes them strong and effective? The materials used in making barrier lifts are the answer. The choice of material affects the barrier lift’s durability, as well as factors like weight, performance, resistance to environmental conditions, and overall cost. This guide explores the materials used in the construction of barrier lifts, shedding light on their characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks.

Steel

Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in barrier lift construction. Celebrated for its unrivaled strength and durability, steel offers the structural support needed to lift and hold extremely heavy loads. Whether it is stress on the arms or wear and tear on joints, steel performs consistently.

Steel has excellent tensile strength, so it can endure substantial pressure without deforming. This makes the material indispensable in heavy-duty tasks.

Furthermore, steel is widely available in different grades. Low-carbon steel is easy to machine and weld. High-grade variants, like stainless steel, benefit outdoor settings and areas with high moisture levels because of their corrosion resistance.

However, steel is not without its downsides. Its weight can be a considerable drawback in industries that rely on easy mobility and transportation. Additionally, choosing low-carbon steel increases the risk of rusting and corrosion, which reduces the metal’s longevity unless adequately coated or maintained.

Aluminum

Aluminum’s low density makes it less strenuous to transport and use without compromising on strength. This aspect benefits workers who frequently move barrier lifts between construction sites.

Another advantage of aluminum is its corrosion resistance. While not as robust as stainless steel in this field, aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that guards against rust in rugged environments. This includes high humidity, strong winds, and ample rainfall.

Yet, aluminum does have limitations. Despite its relatively high strength-to-weight ratio, it does not offer the same level of endurance under high stress as steel, particularly in tasks that involve lifting exceptionally heavy loads. It can also be more expensive depending on the alloy. Keep in mind that high-grade aerospace or marine aluminum alloys command premium prices. Nevertheless, its inherent resistance to environmental damage makes aluminum a highly functional material in barrier lift manufacturing.

Composites

The use of composites in barrier lift production represents a more modern approach to construction material technology. Composites, as the name suggests, are materials engineered from two or more constituent materials with distinct properties. Common types include fiberglass composites, carbon fiber, and certain plastic-based composites. These materials offer unique benefits that are increasingly relevant in today’s manufacturing landscape.

Composites are lightweight and incredibly strong, often exceeding both steel and aluminum in specific applications. They also provide excellent resistance to environmental effects, such as rust and corrosion. Barrier lifts made from composites can operate in challenging environments, including those with high humidity, saline air, or extreme temperature shifts, without showing significant wear.

But the innovation of composites comes at a cost. They are commonly more expensive to produce, and their specialized nature might require advanced manufacturing techniques that aren’t accessible to all manufacturers. The potential difficulty in repair and recyclability further complicates their adoption. Nonetheless, the advantages of strength, weight reduction, and resistance to deterioration make composites an exciting development in the future of barrier lift technologies.

Factors That Influence Material Selection

While steel, aluminum, and composites each bring unique qualities to barrier lift design, the choice of material involves more than simply weighing the fundamental pros and cons. A variety of factors influence the final decision, all of which balance functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Load-Bearing Capacity

The load-bearing capacity of the barrier lift is critical. Steel is ideal for applications requiring the highest degree of strength and reliability under extreme loads, while aluminum or composites may be sufficient for light tasks. The material must align with the job’s specific requirements to guarantee safety and efficiency.

Environmental Conditions

Corrosion can rapidly degrade materials in humid, coastal, or harsh outdoor environments. Stainless steel and composites naturally resist rust in these conditions, while aluminum offers solid performance with its anti-corrosive properties.

Remember that maintenance will affect the level of the metal’s corrosion resistance. Materials that require frequent upkeep may not be practical for all users.

Cost

Cost always remains a determining factor in material choice. While steel is commonly the most economical option, added maintenance costs for rust protection can diminish its appeal over time. Meanwhile, the high initial investment in aluminum or composites may pay off in reduced transport, energy, or maintenance expenses.

Manufacturing Speed

Industries requiring high production rates must consider the ease and speed of manufacture. Metals like steel and aluminum are usually quick to machine and weld, while composites may necessitate specialized tools and expertise.

Balancing Strength, Durability, and Innovation

Barrier lifts represent the confluence of strength, precision, and engineering innovation. Their ability to perform reliably lies in the careful selection of materials that match the intended function and usage conditions. Steel’s robustness, aluminum’s lightness and corrosion resistance, and composites’ cutting-edge versatility each provide distinct advantages, ensuring that barrier lifts can adapt to diverse requirements.

Understanding these materials goes beyond acknowledging their physical properties. It involves assessing how they interact with operational demands, climatic challenges, and economic constraints. When selected well, the materials used in making a barrier lift can result in a product that performs its job seamlessly and lasts for years—even decades—with minimal maintenance.

If you’re interested in using barrier lifts in your line of work, Kenco Corporation offers solutions that will seamlessly move and place large barriers, including jersey barrier clamps. Learn more about our flagship product and see why it’s ideal for a wide range of jobs, including highway and traffic management and pedestrian safety. Contact us today to see how the automatic tongs on our barrier lifts will double production and cut time in half. We look forward to hearing from you!