New generation of lift systems with fiber ropes

Abstract

In recent years efficient traction and load-bearing mechanisms of high-modulus (HM) and high strength (HT) fibers move into the focus of elevator manufacturers and operators. The main reason is that the steel ropes, which are used, by virtue of their comparatively high net mass reach their technical limits. High-strength polymer fiber ropes (HM HT fibre ropes) have compared with steel ropes a comparable or even higher tensile strength and a four-to six-fold lower weight of the load-bearing mechanisms. To realize the full potential of these fibers, both the arrangement of the fibers and the lubricant contribution are examined. In this regard, various rope construction and lubricant variants were developed and validated in bending fatigue tests.