Differences Between Elevator Steel Belt and Steel Wire Rope

In the elevator industry, the traction system has always been the key factor determining performance and safety. In the past, traditional steel wire ropes were widely used. However, with the rise of high-rise buildings and increasing demands for comfort and safety, the elevator steel belt has gradually entered the spotlight and is becoming the mainstream choice for the future.

1. Limitations of Traditional Steel Wire Ropes

Bulky size: Requires larger traction sheaves, taking up more hoistway space.

Shorter lifespan: Prolonged friction leads to wear, broken wires, and high maintenance costs.

High operating noise: Uneven friction often causes vibration and noise.

These issues are especially prominent in high-rise buildings and heavy-traffic applications.

2. Advantages of Elevator Steel Belts

Space-saving

With a flat and flexible structure, steel belts can wrap around smaller diameter sheaves, significantly reducing machine room and hoistway space, lowering building costs.

Longer lifespan, less maintenance

Made of multiple high-strength steel cords covered with polyurethane, steel belts are resistant to corrosion and wear, offering a much longer service life compared to traditional wire ropes.

Quieter and more comfortable

With more uniform stress distribution and stable friction, steel belts minimize noise and vibration during operation, providing passengers with a smoother ride experience.

Safer and more reliable

Featuring parallel multi-cord design, even if some cords are damaged, the overall load-bearing capacity remains reliable, enhancing operational safety.

3. Future Trend

With the growing adoption of green buildings and premium residential projects, elevators are no longer just transportation tools but also represent energy efficiency, comfort, and safety. Thanks to their superior performance, elevator steel belts are gradually replacing traditional steel wire ropes, becoming the preferred choice for elevator manufacturers and modernization projects.

The following are the commonly used elevator steel belt specifications for GEN2 elevators：

AAA717AP1、AAA717AP2、AAA717AP3、AAA717AR1、AAT17R1、AAA717AJ1、AAA717AJ2、AAA717W1、AAA717AM2