Home > Knowledge > Content

Comparison Of Common Materials Q345 And Q235 For Goods Lifts

Mar 24, 2026

Comparison of Common Materials Q345 and Q235 for Goods Lifts | Qingdao Eterlift Machinery Co., Ltd.

As a professional manufacturer of lifting equipment, Qingdao Eterlift Machinery Co., Ltd. widely uses two carbon steel materials, Q345 and Q235, in the production and manufacturing of various cargo lifts, goods lifts, and freight elevators. With their respective mechanical properties and cost advantages, both materials are suitable for the design requirements of freight elevators with different load capacities and working conditions. The following is a comprehensive comparison from the dimensions of core characteristics, key performances, and applicable scenarios of goods lifts, helping customers make accurate selections, providing clear instructions on material differences for foreign trade promotion, and facilitating Google search optimization.

I. Comparison of Core Definitions and Basic Characteristics

Both Q235 and Q345 belong to carbon structural steel. The core difference lies in the yield strength (the number after "Q" is the yield strength value), which directly determines the bearing capacity and applicable scenarios of the two materials in cargo lifts, goods lifts, and freight elevators. The specific basic characteristics are as follows:

Comparison Dimension

Q235 Carbon Structural Steel

Q345 Low Alloy High Strength Structural Steel

Core Identification

Q235: Yield strength ≥ 235MPa, belonging to ordinary carbon steel, commonly known as "A3 steel", suitable for the manufacture of light-duty goods lifts

Q345: Yield strength ≥ 345MPa, belonging to low alloy high strength steel, formerly known as 16Mn, suitable for heavy-duty freight elevators

Alloy Composition

Mainly composed of iron and carbon, with slightly higher impurity content, no intentional addition of alloying elements, suitable for the production of low-cost cargo lifts

On the basis of carbon steel, alloying elements such as manganese and vanadium are added, with lower impurity content, supporting the long-term use of heavy-duty goods lifts

Appearance and Processability

Flat surface, easy to cut, weld and punch, low processing difficulty and good formability, suitable for mass production of light-duty freight elevators

Slightly higher surface finish, weldable and cuttable, excellent processing performance, but welding process needs to be controlled (to avoid cracks), suitable for the manufacture of precision cargo lifts

Cost Level

Low cost and high cost performance, it is a common basic steel for light-duty goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift Machinery Co., Ltd.

Due to the addition of alloying elements, the cost is higher than Q235, about 15%-25% higher than Q235, which is used for the production of heavy-duty freight elevators of Qingdao Eterlift

II. Comparison of Key Performances (Core Concerns for Goods Lift Applications)

The core requirements of goods lifts (cargo lifts, goods lifts, freight elevators) are stable load-bearing, safety and durability. Therefore, performances such as yield strength, tensile strength, toughness and corrosion resistance are the key to distinguishing the adaptability of the two materials. The specific comparisons are as follows:

Mechanical Properties (Core Difference): Q235 has a tensile strength of 375-500MPa and an elongation of ≥26%, with moderate bearing capacity, suitable for light-duty and statically loaded goods lifts; Q345 has a tensile strength of 470-630MPa and an elongation of ≥21%, with a yield strength more than 47% higher than Q235. It has stronger deformation resistance and impact resistance, can bear greater dynamic loads and long-term heavy loads, and is suitable for heavy-duty freight elevators.

Toughness and Fatigue Resistance: Q235 has general toughness, is prone to brittle fracture in low-temperature environments (≤-10℃), and is prone to fatigue deformation after long-term repeated stress, suitable for cargo lifts with low frequency of use; Q345 has excellent toughness, good low-temperature performance and strong fatigue resistance, can adapt to the long-term dynamic working conditions such as frequent lifting of goods lifts and cargo impact, extend the service life of freight elevators, and is the preferred material for heavy-duty goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift.

Corrosion Resistance: Both are carbon steel and are prone to rust and oxidation without anti-corrosion treatment; Q345 has slightly better corrosion resistance than Q235 due to low impurity content and alloying elements. After anti-corrosion treatment such as painting and galvanizing, it can be adapted to harsh industrial environments such as humidity and dust, and suitable for various outdoor and workshop cargo lifts.

Load-bearing Efficiency: Under the same thickness, the bearing capacity of Q345 is much higher than that of Q235. Therefore, the use of Q345 can reduce the thickness of steel, reduce the weight of the goods lift itself, and at the same time increase the bearing capacity of cargo lifts and freight elevators, saving the overall manufacturing cost of the equipment (in the long run). It is the core material choice for medium and heavy-duty goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift.

III. Comparison of Applicable Scenarios for Goods Lifts (Combined with Actual Product Use)

Combined with the load capacity, working conditions and service environment of goods lifts (cargo lifts, goods lifts, freight elevators), the applicable scenarios of the two materials are clearly distinguished to avoid safety hazards or cost waste caused by improper selection. The specific adaptations are summarized by Qingdao Eterlift Machinery Co., Ltd. based on years of experience in goods lift production:

1. Applicable Scenarios for Q235 Material

Suitable for goods lifts with light load, static load-bearing and simple working conditions, mainly used in the production of light-duty goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift. The specific application parts and scenarios are as follows:

Application Parts: Non-core load-bearing structures such as goods lift railings, protective nets, pedals (non-load-bearing parts), lightly stressed brackets and casings, reducing the manufacturing cost of light-duty freight elevators.

Applicable Scenarios: Small cargo lifts with load capacity ≤3t, goods lifts used in indoor dry environments, temporary turnover goods lifts, light cargo transfer in multi-storey factories (such as electronic parts, small packaged goods), and scenarios sensitive to cost and without long-term heavy load requirements. It is the core material for economical goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift.

2. Applicable Scenarios for Q345 Material

Suitable for goods lifts with heavy load, dynamic load-bearing and complex working conditions, it is the core material for medium and heavy-duty goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift. The specific application parts and scenarios are as follows:

Application Parts: Key load-bearing structures such as goods lift guide rails, car frames, load-bearing beams, scissor arms (scissor-type cargo lifts), hydraulic supports and core load-bearing bases, ensuring the safe operation of freight elevators.

Applicable Scenarios: Medium and heavy-duty goods lifts with load capacity ≥3t, goods lifts with frequent lifting (such as high-frequency transfer in logistics centers and warehouses), cargo lifts used in outdoor or humid and dusty environments, heavy cargo transfer (such as mechanical equipment, building materials, heavy packaging), and scenarios with high requirements for safety performance and service life (such as goods lifts in chemical and automobile manufacturing workshops). It is the preferred material for high-end freight elevators of Qingdao Eterlift.

IV. Selection Suggestions (Key Reference for Foreign Trade Promotion, Adapted to Google Search)

Based on years of experience in the production of cargo lifts, goods lifts and freight elevators, and combined with the demand preferences of customers in different countries (such as European customers focusing on safety and durability, and Southeast Asian customers focusing on cost performance), Qingdao Eterlift Machinery Co., Ltd. provides targeted selection suggestions to facilitate foreign trade promotion and customer selection:

If the customer's demand is light load (≤3t), indoor use and limited budget, Q235 material is preferred, focusing on cost performance. It is suitable for cost-sensitive markets such as the Philippines and Central and South America, and can be used for small factories and simple warehouse goods lifts. Qingdao Eterlift provides a cost-effective production plan.

If the customer's demand is heavy load (≥3t), high-frequency use, outdoor or harsh environment, Q345 material must be selected, focusing on high strength, high toughness and durability. It is suitable for markets that attach importance to product quality and safety such as the United States, Germany and Spain, and used for logistics centers and heavy-duty factory freight elevators. Qingdao Eterlift can provide customized production.

Core Principle: The key load-bearing structures of goods lifts (cargo lifts, freight elevators) (guide rails, carriages, load-bearing beams) should preferably use Q345, and non-load-bearing structures (railings, casings) can use Q235, balancing safety and cost, and improving product competitiveness. This is also the core experience of Qingdao Eterlift in producing goods lifts for many years.

V. Summary

The core difference between Q235 and Q345 lies in yield strength and mechanical properties. The former focuses on "high cost performance and light load adaptation", suitable for the production of economical goods lifts of Qingdao Eterlift; the latter focuses on "high strength and heavy load durability", suitable for the manufacture of high-end heavy-duty freight elevators. In the manufacture of goods lifts (cargo lifts), the two materials can be reasonably matched according to the equipment load capacity, working conditions and budget, ensuring the safety and stability of the equipment and controlling the manufacturing cost.

Qingdao Eterlift Machinery Co., Ltd. specializes in the production of various cargo lifts, goods lifts and freight elevators adapted to Q235 and Q345 materials. It can provide customized production according to customer needs, and offer cost-effective, safe and durable goods lift products to meet the use needs of different overseas markets.

Send Inquiry