Performance Polymers

Elevator Belt Application

Transforming modern elevators

Elastollan^®TPU flat traction belts combine the strength of steel with the versatility of TPU. With its excellent combination of mechanical strength and chemical resistance, TPU is the go-to solution for long-term use in demanding vertical transport environments.

Elastollan^® – designed for durability

While steel wire ropes provide core strength, Elastollan^® TPU enhances performance with a durable, low-maintenance coating that improves energy efficiency and design flexibility

Compact system design

Ideal for Machine Room-Less elevators
Up to 70% smaller traction machines
Optimized layouts and improved ride control

Lower friction and longer lifespan

Reduced wear and maintenance
Eliminates uses of lubricant
Lower total cost of ownership

Energy efficiency and comfort

Up to 70% energy savings
Quiet, smooth rides
Reduced heat and vibration

Fire Safety Compliance

TPU meets key demands in high-rise design—supporting safety-driven certifications and enabling sustainable building practices. BASF offers halogen free flame retardant Elastollan^® TPU grades that meet the stringent UL94 V-0 classification rating, supporting compliance with both national and municipal fire safety codes.

Reliable Traction Performance in Cold Climates

TPU with a naturally low glass transition temperature (Tg) delivers exceptional performance for elevator traction belts operating in cold environments. Even in sub-zero conditions, the material stays remarkably flexible and resilient, ensuring a consistently strong grip on the drive sheave. This means smoother starts, reduced slip, and reliable power transmission all year round. With low Tg TPU, your elevator system maintains peak traction and durability, even in unheated shafts or harsh winter climates, giving you confidence in performance where it matters most.

A smarter, safer way up

From iconic skyscrapers to urban transit hubs, Elastollan TPU belts are redefining vertical transport. Trusted by manufacturers worldwide, supported by BASF’s global expertise and local service. Contact us now.

Properties of Elastollan^®

Tensile strength

TPU exhibits excellent tensile strength which allows TPU to withstand significant stretching forces without breaking, making it ideal for applications requiring flexibility and durability. The tensile strength of TPU is adaptable across a range of operating temperatures; at higher temperatures it becomes more flexible, while at lower temperatures it gains additional rigidity, allowing the material to maintain its stretching capabilities in various conditions.

Abrasion

Elastollan^® shows very low abrasion. Under practical conditions, TPU is considered to be the most abrasion resistant elastomeric material. Thorough pre-drying of the granulate prior to processing is however essential to achieve optimum abrasion performance.

Glass transition temperature

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of a plastics is the point at which a reversible transition of amorphous phases from a hard brittle condition to a visco-elastic or rubber-elastic condition occurs. Glass transition takes place, depending on hardness or rather amorphous portion of a material, within a more or less wide temperature range. The larger the amorphous portion (softer Elastollan^® product), the lower is the glass transition temperature, and the narrower is this temperature range.

Chemical resistance: Lubricating oils and greases

No reduction in strength occurs after immersion in test oils IRM 901, IRM 902, and IRM 903 at room temperature. There is also no reduction in tensile strength after 3 weeks immersion at 100 °C. Elastollan^® is in principal resistant to lubricating oils and greases.

Elevator Belt Application

Tensile strength

Abrasion

Glass transition temperature​

Chemical resistance: Lubricating oils and greases​

Glass transition temperature

Chemical resistance: Lubricating oils and greases