Wooden furniture, designed for storing all kinds of things and equipment - clothes, shoes, garden or sports equipment, gas cylinders, does not always withstand the effects of aggressive environments, sunlight and other negative factors. A much more versatile option is a metal cabinet, available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The natural strength of the material and surface treatment with polymer coatings make the product virtually invulnerable to adverse environments. These characteristics make it possible to place and successfully operate furniture in various public and industrial premises.
Features and scope of application
Based on their purpose, two groups of metal cabinets can be distinguished: models that ensure the safety of property (featuring more reliable locking mechanisms), and cabinets for various documentation (the emphasis in their design is on fire safety).
Most often, such furniture is used for storage:
- clothes, shoes, bags;
- documents, reports, charters (archival, accounting models), papers of any format, from A6 to A0 (card files);
- weapons and ammunition;
- cleaning equipment;
- gas cylinders.
In addition to the properties of the metal itself, there are other design features that allow cabinets to be placed outdoors, in public spaces, and residential areas. For example, lightweight models, which are characterized by light weight and the presence of shelves, are often found in offices with limited space. There are also massive cabinets with a highly reliable protection system. The ergonomic design is suitable for garages and small workshops and can easily fit into even the tightest corners without sacrificing storage space.
Product quality and build type
Modern metal cabinets can be welded or dismountable. The latest models are more compact and mobile; if desired, you can change their configuration, which is usually done in order to optimize space. Assembly is carried out using screws or bolts, the whole process does not take much time.
Transporting such a cabinet to another place is not a problem; you just need to disassemble the product, transport it and reassemble it again. Check the package, count how many shelves are available and whether their number corresponds to the quantity declared by the manufacturer.
Welded cabinets are problematic to transport, but they have undeniable advantages: they have a reliable and durable design, and they stand firmly on legs.
The internal filling is represented by a constant set of sections, all elements are connected using high-quality welding.
Classification
In addition to the scope of application, the models differ in size characteristics and design features. Developers take into account climatic conditions, weight, volume of contents, and specific storage requirements. If necessary, use a metal cabinet to place dissimilar items, furniture can be combined.
To size
Metal lockers are divided into single-section and multi-section. Depending on the shape and dimensions of the things stored in them, the height, width and depth of the compartments change. Sections can be empty or with additional shelves. A metal wardrobe is often equipped with a hanger bar.
Single-section models are usually used to store a small amount of things; they are placed in stores (for hand luggage), locker rooms in gyms, and utility rooms for tools. Basic models have standard section sizes.
| Parameter | Accounting cabinet | Wardrobe |
| Height | 85 cm | 180 cm |
| Width | From 30 cm | From 30 cm |
| Depth | 40 cm | 50 cm |
| Weight | From 10 to 35 kg | From 10 to 35 kg |
The dimensional grid of metal cabinets is very diverse, which allows you to choose a model for different needs and spaces. In addition, many companies offer the manufacture of this category of furniture to order according to the client’s individual measurements.
Multi-sectional closets are used both for storing a large volume of things and for placing the property of several people. In this case, each section will have a separate door with its own lock. Similar options are often installed in sports clubs and stores.
By design
According to this criterion, metal cabinets are divided into:
- All-welded (solid-body) - the main parts are connected to each other by welding. Such structures are supplied ready-made and weigh more than others. It is worth immediately determining the place where the furniture will be located, since moving it is quite difficult.
- Collapsible - the most common option. The cabinet is delivered to the customer in the form of separate elements that need to be assembled using screws or rivets. It is lighter and does not visually clutter up the space.
- Modular is the best choice if you plan to expand your storage system. You can add other sectional cabinets from the same series to an already assembled group.
The shelves in solid-body models are securely fixed, since they are the stiffening ribs of the furniture.
All-welded
Collapsible
Modular
Wardrobe for storing clothes
It is placed in the locker rooms of schools and preschool institutions, hospitals, factories and other places where employees need to change clothes before starting work.
A wardrobe usually has several compartments, which can be equipped with separate doors or one common door with perforation. Most often, it also contains shelves for hats and shoes, a crossbar with hangers and hooks for clothes.
The doors of metal cabinets intended for storing clothes can be equipped with either a simple padlock or a combination locking system.
Filling and opening mechanism depending on purpose
Depending on the purpose, the design of the doors, the number of sections, material of manufacture and other details change. The choice of opening mechanism is primarily influenced by the area of the space:
- Hinged - a traditional option when the doors are attached to the walls using hinges and open forward or upward. This mechanism can be inconvenient when there is not enough room to maneuver.
- Coupe is a sliding mechanism that allows the doors to remain in the same plane. At the same time, they are not attached to the walls, but slide along the guides. This option saves space, but limits access: while in metal sliding wardrobes one part is open, the second is closed with a door.
- Lifting - the door, like a blind, is wound on a shaft hidden in a box in the upper part. A cabinet with roller shutters is often used to store tires or special equipment. The advantage is that the mechanism allows full access without using up extra space. However, it has a higher cost.
Usually the doors are made of the same material as the body, but sometimes glass is used for their manufacture, for example, in models for storing reagents.
Swing
Coupe
Lifting
For clothes
Metal sectional cabinets may have one or several compartments, depending on the purpose of use. The standard equipment includes a top shelf for bags, accessories or hats, a bottom compartment for storing shoes and a middle compartment equipped with a metal rod. Some types of such furniture are designed to accommodate only one type of item, for example, models for carry-on luggage in stores or metal cabinets for shoes.
Functionality of metal 2-section wardrobes, contents
In wardrobe varieties, a ventilation hole is necessarily provided, which ensures natural air circulation. When using a swing mechanism, the door opens 180°. This type of furniture often uses sliding doors - this is convenient if you do not need simultaneous access to all contents. But in metal cabinets with shelves for storing shoes, a folding opening mechanism with guides is more common - the door needs to be pulled towards you and locked in a fully or partially open state.
For documents
A large archival cabinet is suitable for large volumes of papers, and an accounting cabinet (both from one section and from several) is suitable for everyday needs. If you need to compactly organize files, it is ideal to use filing cabinet models with drawers on pull-out guides. Usually they pull out separately, but often such cabinets have a central lock that allows you to close all sections at once. You can choose a model with locks for each compartment.
An improved version of the metal cabinet - with an anti-tip system. Since archival varieties of this category of furniture are often overcrowded, opening one of the drawers may cause the entire structure to fall, especially if it is standing on an uneven floor. This system is responsible for maintaining balance and ensuring safety during work.
For tools
Sports and garden equipment, cleaning and detergents, and various tools can be conveniently placed in compact lockers. These are light, small metal cabinets with shelves, between which you can increase or decrease the height or remove unnecessary sections. These models feature a lock to protect tools and ventilation holes to maintain comfortable storage. You can choose a cabinet with glass doors - these are often used in laboratories.
If there is a need to store clothes and tools together, metal double-leaf locker-type cabinets are suitable for this, which isolate things from each other.
For gas cylinders
In the manufacture of metal cabinets for cylinders, galvanized steel is used. This provides additional protection from moisture, because according to safety regulations, it is better to store gas equipment outdoors or at least outside the living space. Durable walls reliably protect not only the contents, but also those around them from the consequences of accidental detonation. To limit access by unauthorized persons, the standard equipment includes a lock, and a hole is provided for the hose on the rear or side surface.
Scope of application of metal cabinets for changing rooms, their features
Features of mounted products
Even compact metal cabinets take up space that is sometimes limited. For such situations, hanging (wall) systems are provided that leave the floor free. These models are suitable for utility and industrial premises.
The distribution cabinet is always attached to the wall.
The choice is also made in favor of wall-hung options when the floor in a room has strong unevenness that cannot be compensated for. True, there are restrictions on the maximum weight of the contents, so it is important to take care of reliable fastening to the wall. It is most convenient to purchase models equipped with an installation system.
Since mounted models differ greatly in functionality, this affects their design features. Main varieties:
- cabinets with a door complemented by a window are suitable for placing a meter, this makes it convenient to take its readings; in some cases it is possible to seal the metering device;
- models that provide mounting holes, which saves time during the assembly process;
- products for storing valuable contents, equipped with a locking mechanism.
Hanging systems can be attached to different surfaces. However, when installing on fragile material, such as drywall, it is important to increase the number of fixation points or use embedded and anchor fasteners.
Metal cabinets production
specializes in the production and sale of metal furniture, with extensive experience and a good understanding of customer needs. Designers and technologies are working on the development of new series of cabinets, creating convenient, ergonomic and reliable solutions.
The company has already implemented more than 800 projects for trade organizations and more than 500 projects for production sites. For each segment, the manufacturer offers several solutions, for example, a large selection of cabinets for arranging storage rooms in stores - with solid and perforated doors, with a different number of cells, in a wide range of colors, etc.
Advantages of cooperation with:
- a wide selection of metal furniture to solve various problems;
- reasonable prices for products;
- high quality (explained by extensive experience and the use of new technologies);
- convenient delivery conditions.
More information about metal cabinets can be found on the website, here you can also request a price and order products of interest.
Selection of locking devices
Locking systems are distinguished according to three criteria:
- burglary resistance;
- installation method;
- operating principle.
According to their resistance to burglary there are:
- Weak system (breaking time up to 5 minutes) - provides protection from dust, insects and animals.
- Medium (up to 10 minutes) - mortise locks, overhead locks and padlocks. Externally they may be similar to the next type, but are made of steel of lower strength. Typically used in utility rooms and locker rooms.
- High (up to 15 minutes) - overhead locking systems for storing weapons and valuables.
- Extremely high (up to 30 minutes) - made from materials that are very difficult to drill.
Weak system
Average
High
Extremely high
According to the installation method, locks are divided into:
- Mortise - mounted in the body of the door. The most unprotected modification is with a triangular key. Typically found in electrical boxes, it provides not so much burglary protection as child safety. The most common is the cross key type. Often used in electrical panels. The most secure variation is an English key. Its advantage is the ability to replace the cylinder if you lose the key or have problems with the lock.
- Overlays - attached at the level of the striker plate, usually from the inside of the door.
- Hinged - fixed on loops into which the lock clamp is threaded. They are very easy to install, but do not guarantee virtually any protection against hacking. To open the cabinet, it is enough to disassemble the lock and cut out the hinges or clamp.
Mortise
Overhead
Hinged
In addition, there are three main principles of operation of locking devices:
- Based on a magnetic field (magnetic locks). The main disadvantage is the dependence on power supply. The advantage is simplicity and reliability due to the minimum number of moving parts.
- Turning the key in the lock. There are also few moving parts, but not a very safe option.
- Coded. May be based on a mechanical or electronic system. It has a higher degree of protection compared to previous options, especially if you change the digital code after every 100–150 entries.
Types of metal cabinets for equipment, filling options
When choosing a locking system, you should focus on the value of the contents. If there is no need for increased security, you can choose a lock with weak resistance to burglary.
Magnetic
Turning
Code
Design and color
Metal utility cabinets are made of steel and coated with anti-corrosion and fire-retardant compounds. Depending on the purpose, additional processing or the presence of auxiliary parts may be provided:
- cabinets coated with epoxy enamel that is resistant to disinfectants are suitable for medical institutions;
- to store things in rooms with an aggressive environment, you should choose a model with a rubber gasket;
- for increased protection, steel with the addition of titanium (instead of usually sheet) or galvanized can be used.
The natural color of the furniture is light gray, but it can be painted in any shade of the palette. For this purpose, polymer compounds are used, thanks to which the coating is durable and wear-resistant. If in doubt, you can follow the general recommendations:
- Garage cabinets, warehouse cabinets, barn cabinets, and for industrial premises are usually made in the basic version.
- In medical institutions, models are installed either in white or bright with a pleasant decor (if the furniture is in sight of patients).
- The laboratory cabinet is traditionally white.
- A neutral palette without unnecessary decoration is used for storing archival documents.
- You should choose brighter children's furniture, and if several children's things are stored in a two-section metal closet, you can paint the doors in different colors.
- Metal wardrobes should be selected to match the overall design of the room.
- If the furniture is located in an office space, a sports club or other space with a certain style, when choosing a color you need to focus on its requirements.
- It is better to leave the loft wardrobe in a regular metallic color, which fits well with the concept of the direction.
In budget products, enamel paint can be used to cover the surface, but it is less durable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Metal cabinets, regardless of their purpose, have a huge number of undeniable advantages:
- durability - especially compared to a chipboard cabinet. The iron elements of the cabinets are not afraid of virtually any external influence, therefore, the furniture will last longer. Two-door metal models have proven themselves especially well in rooms with high humidity (swimming pools, fitness centers, pharmacies);
- strength - iron shelves can withstand heavy loads and are not afraid of damage;
- ease of assembly (or disassembly if necessary), which facilitates transportation. An important indicator if there is a need for frequent travel;
- ease of operation - the metal surface is easy to clean, and in the event of a breakdown, parts can be replaced without much difficulty;
- fire resistance - if the office has safes, metal cabinets for storing important papers can be eliminated, and a metal distribution box protects wires in case of fire;
- environmental friendliness - the production of metal cabinets does not involve surface treatment with resins or other strengthening chemicals.
However, with all their advantages, metal sliding wardrobes are not without their disadvantages:
- cold surface - plays a role if a two-door iron wardrobe is placed, for example, in a garage that is not heated during the cold season. In such a situation, things will not please their owner with pleasant warmth. The problem disappears if you use it to store items not intended to be worn;
- poor choice of colors - as a rule, initially prefabricated metal cabinets are mostly light gray in color, which does not suit all potential owners of this piece of furniture. However, with the help of special polymer paint, the cabinet can be given absolutely any color, thereby harmoniously fitting it into the interior of the room. And for lovers of the loft style, metallic painting is not a disadvantage at all, but rather an advantage.
The nuances of choosing a product depending on the purpose
To choose the right cabinet model, it is recommended:
- Decide what will be stored in it, in what volumes. You should take into account not only the type of items, but also their size and uniformity (for example, only clothes or clothes and cleaning equipment). When calculating the volume, it is worth leaving a small reserve.
- Decide how valuable the content is and what degree of protection is needed.
- Assess the characteristics of the room. It is important to consider under what conditions (temperature, humidity) the furniture will be used. Analyze the dimensions of the room and the stylistic direction of the interior. For example, warehouse cabinets are designed for more aggressive environments, and some types of steel are not suitable for outdoor use.
- Predict whether the storage system will expand over time.
Usually the name of the furniture already contains its functionality - a metal outdoor cabinet, a cabinet for a gas cylinder, and so on. However, such products can also be used to store other things. It is important to focus on environmental conditions and their impact on the contents.
Metal cabinets are a convenient storage system. Thanks to modern technologies, it is used to furnish premises for various purposes - shops, gyms, offices, garages, workshops, educational and medical institutions. The design ensures the reliability and safety of content storage. A wide range of models allows you to choose an option suitable for any purpose. In addition, there is always the opportunity to design metal furniture to individual sizes.
Decide what will be stored and in what quantities
Decide what degree of protection is needed
Assess the characteristics of the room
Advantages of metal structures
According to experts, a metal structure can best cope with the high-level task of storing important documents. Undoubtedly, in terms of external indicators, cabinet models made of wood win, but they do not have the required level of strength.
It is important to note that today manufacturers are increasingly beginning to coat structures with powder-type enamel. This is due to the fact that this coating has a long operational period.
Today, models of office cabinets of any type and size are presented to the consumer. To decide on a suitable option, you just need to know exactly what tasks the structure will have during operation. At the same time, you should not forget about what space the office filing cabinet will occupy in the room, what is the maximum volume of documents expected to be placed in it.
