## Common ground
All options describe passenger ramps or stairs used for boarding aircraft, differing only in material.
## Options at a glance
**4016 – Made of rubber**
- **Defining trait:** Flexible, lightweight, and slip-resistant; often used for temporary or portable access.
- **Typical examples:** Portable ground-level ramps, inflatable boarding steps.
- **Best fit when:** Temporary use, low-load environments, or need for shock absorption and grip.
**7326 – Made of iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** High strength and durability; suitable for heavy-duty, permanent installations.
- **Typical examples:** Fixed airport boarding bridges (jetways), heavy-duty ground ramps.
- **Best fit when:** Long-term use, high traffic, or structural load requirements.
**7616 – Made of aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight yet strong; corrosion-resistant and easy to move or store.
- **Typical examples:** Foldable boarding stairs, mobile passenger ramps.
- **Best fit when:** Frequent repositioning, need for portability, or exposure to harsh weather.
## Key differences
| Feature | 4016 (Rubber) | 7326 (Iron/Steel) | 7616 (Aluminium) |
|------------------|-------------------|-------------------|------------------|
| Weight | Lightest | Heaviest | Lightweight |
| Durability | Low to medium | Very high | High |
| Portability | High | Low | High |
| Load capacity | Low | Very high | Medium to high |
## How to choose
- Is the ramp used temporarily or for short-term access? → 4016
- Does it need to handle heavy loads or permanent installation? → 7326
- Is portability and ease of handling a priority? → 7616
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A ramp may combine materials (e.g., aluminium frame with rubber tread), fitting both 7616 and 4016. If so, prioritize the **main structural material**. Rubber is often a surface layer, not the primary structure—so use 4016 only if rubber is the dominant material. Do not assume all flexible ramps are rubber; some are plastic or composite