From Past to Today Lift Doors

by Murat Camgöz

Lift doors are one of the most important components that ensure the safety and functionality of lift systems. Over time, with technological advancements and developments in the construction sector, lift doors have undergone significant changes. They now enhance user safety while also providing more comfortable use.

Since ancient Egypt and Greece, humanity has used vertical-transportation systems to move people and loads to higher points. Initially, people used various forces such as humans, animals and water, sometimes pulling from a high place with just a rope. As time progressed, lift technology evolved by increasing power transmission through pulley systems, which were different from the lifts we use today and were more like platform-style lever systems. 

The emergence of lifts similar to today’s technology from the 1800s brought about the need for safety, specifically the requirement to close the lift shaft with a door to prevent people from falling into it. Initially, the use of lift doors on floors was only to prevent falls into the shaft. However, over time, it became necessary to use cabin doors inside the lift to protect people from external factors and to disconnect their contact with the lift shaft.  

The first lifts had doors that were opened and closed manually. Users typically had to open and close a cage door or a hinged door by hand. These systems created difficulties in use and posed risks in terms of safety. Over time, automatic door systems were developed, providing a safer experience.

Types of Lift Doors: 

Lift doors are generally divided into two main categories:

1. Manual Doors: These are doors that are opened and closed by the user, typically found in small and older lifts. 
2. Automatic Doors: These are widely used in modern lifts and open and close automatically with their own motor and electronic card, based on commands from the lift control unit. They offer the highest level of ease of use and safety, meeting EN and other international standards for various specialized lift types such as firefighter lifts, anti-vandal lifts, lifts for the disabled and seismic-resistant lifts. 

Automatic doors have different types based on their opening style; examples include telescopic doors that open to the right or left, center-opening doors and improved folding doors, which are often used in older lifts and/or villa-type lifts or special narrow-entry lift applications. 

Security and Technology in Lift Doors

Initially, the lift industry began in Europe and North America, and over time, it has grown on other continents as well. In these pioneering markets, evolving safety and aesthetic needs have played a role in shaping modernization projects and requirements. In new lift (NI) installations, the industry has expanded eastward, first to China and other Far Eastern markets, and in recent years, the rapidly growing Indian market has also contributed to the volumetric growth of the lift industry. 

Türkiye, due to its geographical location, has always been one of the largest new lift installation markets between Europe and the Middle East. With the increasing average age of lifts, modernization projects have also been on the rise in regional markets in recent years. 

In Türkiye, the construction sector grew continuously between 2005 and 2018, and the lift industry grew in parallel, reaching levels of approximately 40,000 new lift installations per year (approximately 350,000 to 400,000 door productions annually). However, following the decline of the construction sector for various reasons, the number of new lift installations decreased to around 25,000 to 30,000 per year (approximately 200,000 to 250,000 door productions annually). In the coming years, with the expected revival of the construction sector, growth in the lift industry is expected to follow this development with a six-to-12-month lag. The Turkish lift market showed growth not only in residential lifts but also in load and commercial lifts due to the opening of new factories, commercial areas and hospitals during this period of continuous growth. The relative decline in residential lifts in recent years has slightly increased the share of load and commercial lifts in the total. This situation has led to greater diversification of lift doors and an increase in the production of load/commercial lift doors with larger door openings, featuring three-four-six panels. 

This continuous domestic growth has contributed to the development of many different component manufacturers in Türkiye. With the simultaneous growth of lift industries in nearby regions and Turkish component manufacturers quickly aligning themselves with international norms and standards, Türkiye has achieved a lift and lift door production capacity far beyond its domestic market.

The demand for and production of lift doors in Türkiye have shown similar progress during this period. In 2017-2018, there were more than 100 door manufacturers in Türkiye, most of which produced well below 2,000 doors annually and primarily manufactured doors only for their own lift companies’ needs. Over the years, due to newly implemented EN standards, local authorities requiring compliance with labeling/EN norms on door panels, new safety regulations/sector needs and inspections by mechanism-operator manufacturers like Fermator of their partner factories producing door panels and frames, the number of door manufacturers and the total number of lift doors produced have relatively decreased. However, the average quality of the final product has increased. These developments have led lift door manufacturers to focus more on exports alongside the domestic market. This shift has helped Turkish lift doors reach an increasing number of countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. At this point, as with all types of component and complete lift production, improving production quality, ensuring full compliance with international standards and providing necessary after-sales service when required should be seen as critical success factors for the future.                 

Many national and international standards in effect for lifts have also led to the diversification of lift doors and the emergence of different lift door needs. Among these, the standards that most significantly impact lift door applications in Europe and Türkiye are:     

• EN 81-20/50: The current valid EN standard that updates safety norms for door panels and door control units, alongside controlling many other safety equipment 
• EN 81-58: Test criteria and certification for the fire resistance of door panels
• EN 81-71: The standard governing vandal-proof lift categories (which also defines different door categories)
• EN 81-72: Doors applicable for firefighter lifts
• EN 81-77: Lifts compliant with earthquake regulations and doors in different categories suitable for these lifts

Fermator has maintained its leadership in lift doors since its establishment in 1977 with a supply and product portfolio that meets all lift door needs through its 13 factories worldwide. Fermator continues its technological leadership with innovations such as the first adaptation of variable-voltage, variable-frequency cards used across the industry and the use of permanent magnet-type motors in lift doors, which, despite their size advantage, provide more torque and easier control. With numerous models (Compact, 40/10, 50/11 Mega, Premium, Platinum, Prime, Plus, etc.), Fermator supports its partners by offering door solutions that comply with all current industry standards. Fermator serves the lift industry not only through its own factories but also through a network where mechanism operators are supplied by Fermator, while frames and panels are manufactured by producer-dealers in Türkiye and other countries in compliance with Fermator Technical Standards and under its supervision.    

With advancements in internet and AI technologies, similar progress is being made in lifts and lift doors. Fermator has developed technology that allows any Fermator lift door anywhere in the world to be operated, stopped or adjusted for comfort via the internet. The company is awaiting the adoption of these technologies by stakeholders and the establishment of relevant industry standards for widespread use. In the near future, AI-supported sensors are expected to optimize door movements and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, innovations such as face recognition systems and voice-controlled lifts are anticipated to enhance user experience.

In conclusion, lift doors have undergone significant development from past to present, achieving important advancements in safety, comfort and aesthetics. The integration of smarter and safer systems into our lives in the future is inevitable.