Today’s ships rely on robust, durable doors to protect them from the elements and keep people and cargo safe. But what materials were used to make ship doors in the past? How have ship doors evolved over time? In this blog post, we’ll share with you the history of ship doors, from the first wooden ship doors to today’s modern composite doors. We’ll discuss why the materials used in ship doors have changed over time, and how these changes have improved ship safety and durability.
Wooden Doors
Wooden ship doors date back to ancient times, when boats were crafted from the trunks of trees. Wooden ship doors were used as an early means of protection from the elements, as well as to keep out unwanted visitors. They also provided additional security, as they could be locked with a simple latch or bar.
People generally constructed wooden ship doors from planks of solid timber, with frame and corner pieces made of smaller boards and reinforced with metal fasteners. As ships grew in size, so did the size of their doors. Eventually, the weight of the large wooden doors fostered a need for a more durable material. This led to the development of steel doors, which could better withstand the effects of wind and water.
Despite their drawbacks, wooden ship doors remain popular. They still provide a certain amount of charm and nostalgia that can be difficult for modern materials to replicate. Today, wooden doors are mostly for aesthetic purposes and can be seen adorning the hulls of traditional sailing vessels.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are the most common type on modern ships, particularly in the commercial shipping sector. Steel doors offer several advantages over other materials, such as their durability and ability to stand up to the rigors of a marine environment. The steel also provides more fire safety, making it a popular choice for commercial vessels.
Manufacturers use a variety of different grades of steel. The steel grade chosen is largely determined by the intended use of the door, with higher grade steels offering greater durability and strength, while lower grade steels are more cost-effective. The thickness of the steel can also vary depending on the application, with thicker steel offering better protection against damage and wear.
However, steel ship doors are relatively expensive to manufacture. They are typically manufactured in large batches, meaning they must be ordered in bulk and require specialized tools and machinery. Additionally, due to the weight of steel doors, they may require specialized installation methods and hardware, adding to the overall cost.
Composite Doors
When it comes to ship doors, the most recent development is composite doors. As their name implies, these are doors that are made of a combination of materials, typically steel and fiberglass.
The biggest advantage of composite doors is that they are lightweight but strong. This makes them a great choice for ships, since they reduce the amount of carried weight, which in turn increases fuel efficiency.
Composite doors are also extremely hardy, as the combination of materials makes them resistant to wear and tear, as well as corrosion from salt water. Also, composite doors can be easily customized with different colors and finishes.
Overall, composite doors are a great option for ships, as they are lightweight, strong, and customizable. If you are looking for an effective way to protect your ship’s interior, composite doors could be the ideal choice.
Conclusion
Ship doors have been around for centuries, but the materials they are made from have changed dramatically over time. In the past, ship doors were mostly made of wood, but technological advancements have resulted in contemporary doors, made of materials such as steel and composite. However, although steel and composite doors are more modern innovations, wooden ship doors are often used for their aesthetic appeal.
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