Powering innovation in high-rise elevators with KONE UltraRope®
Exel Composites and KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, have over the years, worked closely together to develop a concept that incorporates flat carbon profiles encased in soft plastic to form a belt. The concept was developed into elevator rope prototypes before being rigorously tested and ultimately patented under the name, KONE UltraRope®.
We are proud to be the supplier of KONE UltraRope® which is now available with the new KONE High-Rise MiniSpace™ DX elevator offering. This cutting-edge system is designed for medium and high-rise buildings, where efficiency, performance, and sustainability are paramount.
KONE UltraRope® is an innovative carbon fiber composite elevator rope that weighs around one-seventh of a traditional steel elevator rope. This remarkable weight reduction makes it possible for buildings to reach unprecedented heights, providing architects and developers the freedom to design taller structures with improved vertical transportation solutions.
By using KONE UltraRope® composite ropes, the weight of an elevator hoisting system can be reduced by up to 60% for travel heights of 1,000 meters. Even at shorter distances, such as a 200-meter journey in a medium-rise building, UltraRope® achieves energy savings of around 20% compared to traditional steel ropes. These advancements align seamlessly with the demand for sustainable building practices, as they significantly lower energy consumption while enabling the construction of taller, more efficient buildings.
In addition to impressive weight savings, the KONE UltraRope® system boasts triple the lifespan of conventional steel elevator ropes. This extended lifetime translates to less frequent maintenance and simplified servicing when needed, further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of high-rise elevator systems. The lightweight carbon fiber construction also enhances ride comfort by minimizing the effects of building sway.
The manufacturing process for KONE UltraRope® uses pultrusion, a highly efficient continuous composite manufacturing process. In pultrusion, continuous fibers are pulled through a resin bath and then through a heated die, allowing the material to cure into a solid, durable form. The continuous manufacturing process combined with the exceptional properties of carbon fiber ensure high and consistent quality components at mass production volumes.
Exel Composites is a global leader in pultrusion manufacturing. KONE UltraRope® is one example of how we can produce continuously reeled products, meaning that several kilometers of product can be reeled straight from the manufacturing line without additional steps.
The integration of our advanced carbon fiber technology into KONE’s High-Rise MiniSpace™ DX elevator solution exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. Together with KONE, Exel is helping to shape the future of smart building design, providing solutions that not only meet the demands of modern architecture but also contribute to a more sustainable environment.
With KONE UltraRope® as part of its design, the High-Rise MiniSpace™ DX is poised to redefine what is possible in vertical transportation, enabling the skyscrapers of tomorrow to soar to new heights with efficiency and ease.
