From Wire Rope to Steel Belt: How Did Elevator Traction Evolve?

Have you ever noticed the "belts" silently bearing thousands of kilograms in an elevator? They are not ordinary belts, but the lifeline of elevator traction steel belts. Today, we trace their technological evolution from steel wire ropes and see why this core component becomes a hot pick for foreign trade procurement by reshaping vertical transportation's safety and efficiency!

Technological Starting Point: Steel Wire Ropes

• In 1854, Elisha Otis demonstrated the world's first safe elevator at the New York World's Fair, with his automatic safety brake ensuring safe operation. 
• The first commercial passenger elevator used hemp ropes in 1857, and high-strength steel wire ropes were first adopted for the Eiffel Tower's elevators in 1889, enabling elevators to conquer skyscrapers. 
• The 1903-invented grooved traction sheave tripled the friction of steel wire ropes, sparking the global skyscraper construction race.

As a core component for over a century, steel wire ropes are tough and wear-resistant, adapting to harsh environments with eco-friendly grease protection. However, with taller buildings and growing demands for quiet,energy-efficient elevators, their limitations emerged, pushing for technological innovation.

The Rise of Steel Belts

In 1956, Germany's DEMA-ZUG patented flat belt technology, laying the foundation for traction steel belts. OTIS launched its flat steel belt technology in 1999, a revolutionary upgrade for its OTIS GEN2 series elevators, with three core advantages:

• An innovative flat structure with precise steel wire arrangement and polyurethane coating for stable force distribution. 
• 2-3 times longer service life,20% lighter weight, and almost no noise; 
• It is over 82% smaller and 85% lighter than an elevator host, supporting OTIS machine room-less design and saving hoistway space, ideal for residential elevators, old building renovation, and low-to-mid-rise commercial buildings.

The GEN2 series is a foreign trade bestseller, with models like AAA717X1 (42dB low noise), AAA717AJ2 (strong weather resistance), AAA717AD1 (8-ton load capacity for heavy use), and AAA717AJ1 (40% space saving for home elevators).

This technological evolution saw patent disputes: two brands reached an out-of-court settlement in 2012 after 11 years of disputes. With the OTIS patent expiration in 2020, flat traction steel belt technology boomed and became the mainstream for low-speed elevators.

Steel Belts vs Steel Wire Ropes

Traction steel belts are the first choice for foreign trade procurement in residential elevators, old building renovation, and low-to-mid-rise commercial buildings. Compared with steel wire ropes, they save hoistway space, need no frequent Otis elevator maintenance, have 2-3 times longer service life, and avoid hoistway pollution by eliminating lubricating grease, meeting modern environmental needs.

Their durability depends on steel cord quality, polyurethane coating process, and high-precision installation. Broken strands, exposed steel wires, or corrosion require immediate replacement to avoid safety hazards.

From steel wire ropes to traction steel belts, the technical form changes, but the pursuit of safety and efficiency remains unchanged. Traction steel belts are a new branch of technological evolution, and will cover more vertical transportation needs with high-speed elevator breakthroughs.

If you need steel belts or other supporting Otis elevator products, feel free to contact Candice via email: candice@nonaelevator.com and (86) 17719527681（Whatsapp/Wechat）

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