CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/632301
27 CompositesWorld.com NEWS N E W S N S N E W S E N W S W Carbon Fiber Elevator Rope Elevators are one of those everyday machines that are uncommonly easy to take for granted. Their function depends on myriad materials and devices that go largely unseen — yet for safety's sake, must function fawlessly. One of these is the system of steel ropes that attach to and ride up and down with elevators. They have worked dependably for many years, but have one faw that makes them unusable in the super-tall buildings that now dominate urban landscapes: They are too heavy. Indeed, says Simon Barrette, communica- tions manager at elevator manufacturer KONE (Espoo, Finland), current steel rope technol- ogy has reached its height limit: elevator travel distances of more than 500m are not feasible because the weight of the ropes alone becomes so great that more ropes are needed to carry the ropes themselves. KONE, says Barrette, "began research into fnding ways to reduce the weight of the ropes and we started looking at alternative materials. AEROSPACE In today's tallest buildings, carbon fiber rises to the challenge WHETHER YOU'RE BUYING 2 OR 200... ...THERE'S A SUPERIOR TOOL IN YOUR FUTURE! Tools for Composite, Aluminum, Titanium, Steel. Quick Turnaround on Tools & Coating. ORDER RAPID CUSTOM MADE: 800.428.TOOL (8665) TO BUY ONLINE STOCK: SUPERIORTOOLSERVICE.COM (continued on p. 28) Source | KONE