Zhang Lexiang: Application and Demand of Stainless Steel in the Elevator Industry

This morning, Mr. Zhang Lexiang, Secretary General of the China Elevator Association, and guests from the "My Stainless Steel Network" 2012 Annual Conference Forum shared the current development status of stainless steel in the elevator industry. Mr. Zhang gave an in-depth introduction to the development status of China's elevator industry and the specific application of stainless steel in the elevator industry, which further deepened the understanding of stainless steel downstream related industries among the attending guests.

China is the world's largest elevator manufacturer

China is the world's largest elevator manufacturer, with a production capacity of 320000 elevators in 2010, accounting for 64% of the world's 500000 newly installed elevators; The production of escalators is 45000 units, accounting for 90% of the world's newly installed 50000 units. China ranks first in the world in terms of elevator ownership and new additions. In 2010, the number of elevators in China was 1.45 million, and it is expected to reach 1.65 million in 2011.

The development of China's elevator industry has obtained a rare opportunity. In order to save land, the government has taken strict control measures on land, causing land prices to skyrocket. Cities have stopped approving villas and low-rise buildings, resulting in a significant increase in average floor height. Elevators have become a necessary means of transportation for daily travel; The rapid improvement of people's living standards and the rapid increase in requirements for living conditions have provided a strong driving force for the demand for new elevators in the rapidly growing residential real estate market; Commercial real estate and large-scale urban infrastructure construction are booming; China has gradually developed into a global elevator factory, with rapid export growth.

The elevator industry will have a huge market space

Recently, although the country's regulatory policies on the real estate market have posed significant uncertainties to the elevator industry in recent years, the long-term market remains huge, and urbanization will be a huge driving force. It is expected that the urbanization rate will increase from the current 47% to 52% by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan. With the improvement of living standards and the transformation of rural residential models, it can still bring a full prospect for the elevator industry. Mr. Zhang Lexiang compared the elevator industry in South Korea, which has a population of 50 million and a cultural background and architectural form similar to China. The elevator ownership in South Korea is 420000 units, with an annual installed capacity of 25000 units, making it the third largest elevator market in the world. China's population is 27 times that of South Korea, and the economy is in a period of rapid development. It is expected that the elevator ownership in China may reach a scale of 5 to 10 million units, with huge market space.

The specific application of stainless steel in the elevator industry

Subsequently, Mr. Zhang Lexiang gave an in-depth introduction to the specific applications of stainless steel in the elevator industry. Stainless steel is mainly used in elevator car decoration, ceilings, car doors and hall doors, door jambs, floor displays, control panels, and handrails; Skirts, inner and outer covers, steps, entrance and exit end covers, and escalator exterior decoration packages applied to escalators. Among them, 304 stainless steel is the most commonly used, 316 stainless steel is mainly used in seaside, highly corrosive environments, and heavy-duty escalators, 430 stainless steel is used in general occasions and stairs, and 443 can partially replace 304 stainless steel. There are significant differences in the materials used by elevator manufacturers, including the use of whole boards or composite materials, as well as significant differences in thickness. There are also differences in the configuration of elevator types, such as stainless steel for the first floor lobby door of residential elevators, while stainless steel is used for each floor of commercial elevators. It is expected that in 2011, 120000 tons of stainless steel will be used for elevators and 45000 tons of stainless steel for escalators.