Light Line: a fresh look for the hospital trolley by CFS Italia

Starting today, Light Line by CFS Italia is taking an important step forward: the carts in this product line will no longer be made of epoxy-painted steel, but entirely of aluminum. The design remains the same, as well as the dimensions: what changes is the material – and with it, the performance.

Why the switch to aluminum

The demand for trolleys made of aluminum is more frequent than ever, especially in tender specifications. Healthcare personnel, already used to working with international providers that have been dealing with aluminum for some time, are looking for new products – but with the same material. CFS Italia is ready to meet this need without compromising the identity of its products, but by improving their design features.

The real difference maker: the monoblock frame

When it comes to aluminum carts, the most common design currently available in the market is a structure with four uprights connected by panels, often made of fiberglass. CFS Italia has taken a different approach, applying the same construction principle to its new line that has always distinguished its painted steel carts: the monoblock.

Not simply four uprights, but a monoblock frame made of aluminum.

This means:

better resistance and overall solidity, even on bigger models such as ALV900 (length: 110-120 cm);
greater mechanical strength compared to frames with 4 uprights;
compatibility with all accessories thanks to the fixed bar, the same bar used on the trolleys made of epoxy-painted steel.

Aluminum vs. painted steel: the key upgrades

In addition to the monoblock frame, one of the most crucial upgrades for everyday use is the raw material itself. Here is how aluminum is different (i.e. better) compared to epoxy-painted steel.

⅓ of the weight

The major upgrade concerns the weight: with the same frame and volume, aluminum weighs about ⅓ less compared to epoxy-painted steel. Thanks to this significant reduction in weight, the trolley becomes way more manageable and easier to handle.

Moving, braking and maneuvering the cart requires much less strain – the bigger the trolley, the higher the benefit: on a large model like the ALV900 (110-120 cm width), the difference is clearly noticeable. The goal is to simplify daily movement in narrow spaces such as corridors, patient rooms, and clinics, while reducing the fatigue of the healthcare personnel.

More benefits

- Resistance to corrosion. Painted steel protects the underlying metal with a surface layer of paint that, over time can chip or wear away, exposing the metal to rust – especially with frequent and aggressive cleaning and sanitizing cycles. Aluminum, by its very nature, develops a surface oxide layer that provides deep protection: it is a material that “ages” better in healthcare settings, where sanitization protocols are carried out daily and repeatedly.
- A functional compromise between painted steel and stainless steel. In the hierarchy of materials used for hospital furniture, stainless steel remains the benchmark in terms of corrosion and wear resistance, but it is also the heaviest and most expensive to process. Aluminum positions itself as an intermediate alternative: it offers a clear improvement over painted steel in terms of corrosion resistance and lightness, without reaching the weight and rigidity (which can sometimes be excessive for everyday use) of stainless steel.
- Light, but solid. The weight advantage does not come at the expense of structural integrity: thanks to its monoblock frame, the aluminum cart maintains the same sturdiness and mechanical strength as the painted steel models. To the touch, the cart’s body feels just as compact and solid. The reduced weight is only noticeable when moving the trolley, not when using it.

What remains the same

Switching to aluminum is an evolution, not a revolution for CFS: whoever is familiar with our Light line of hospital carts will find the same design, finishes and overall dimensions. Even in terms of color there will be no difference, because the anodized aluminum receives the same epoxy-painting treatment that allows us to keep the classic shades of this product line. Castors, bumpers and worktop are still identical: the upgrade is focused on the raw material and the working of the trolley frame.

We decided to upgrade the drawer handles too: the classic white plastic handle is being replaced with an ergonomic and anti-trauma aluminum handle, the same one already used on models like Alfa 01 and Genius, for a more cohesive look throughout the entire CFS range.