wire rope abrasion supplier

Wire rope manufacturers produce their products in order to provide a high load capacity, versatile alternative to weaker ropes like manila rope or hemp rope. Wire rope products are used for a wide variety of motion transmission applications, among them: lifting, baling, tie down, hoisting, hauling, towing, mooring, anchoring, rigging, cargo control, guidance and counterbalance. They can also be used as railing, fencing and guardrailing.

Wire rope is a must-have for many heavy duty industrial applications. From mining to forestry to marine and beyond, there’s wire rope for almost every job. Some of the many industries in which wire rope is popular include: construction, agriculture, marine, industrial manufacturing, fitness, sports and recreation (plastic coated cables for outdoor playground equipment and sports equipment), electronics, theater (black powder coated cables for stage rigging), mining, gas and oil, transportation, security, healthcare and consumer goods.

Wire rope as we know it was invented just under 200 years ago, between 1831 and 1834. At that time, the goal was to create a rope strong enough to support work in the mines of the Harz Mountains. Invented by Wilhelm Albert, a German mining engineer, this wire rope consisted on four three-stranded wires. It was much stronger than older rope varieties, such as manila rope, hemp rope and metal chain rope.

While studying at Freiburg School of Mines, a man named L.D.B. Gordon visited the mines in the Harz Mountains, where he met Albert. After he left, Gordon wrote to his friend Robert Stirling Newall, urging him to create a machine for manufacturing wire ropes. Newall, of Dundee, Scotland, did just that, designing a wire rope machine that made wire ropes with four strands, consisting of four wires each. After Gordon returned to Dundee, he and Newall, along with Charles Liddell, formed R.S. Newall and Company. In 1840, Newall received a patent for “certain improvements in wire rope and the machinery for making such rope.”

In 1841, an American manufacturer named John A. Roebling began producing wire rope for suspension bridges. Soon after, another set of Americans, Josiah White and Erskine Hazard, started incorporating wire rope into coal mining and railroad projects, forming Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company (LC&N Co.). In 1848, wire rope from their wire rope factory in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania provided the lift cables needed to complete the Ashley Planes Project. This project sought to improve the performance and appearance of the freight railroad that ran through Ashley, Pennsylvania, by adding lift cables. This increased tourism and increased the railroad’s coal capacity. Before, cars took almost four hours to return; after, they took less than 20 minutes.

Wire rope likewise changed the landscape (again) in Germany, in 1874, when an engineering firm called Adolf Bleichert & Co. used wire rope to build Bi-cable aerial tramways. These allowed them to mine the Ruhr Valley. Several years later, they also used wire rope to build tramways for the German Imperial Army and the Wehrmacht. These tramways were wildly successful, opening up roads in Germany and all over Europe and the USA.

Since the 1800s, manufacturers and engineers have found ways to improve wire rope, through stronger materials and material treatments, such as galvanization, and different rope configurations. Today, wire rope makes possible many heavy industrial processes. It has become a necessity of the modern world.

Strands are made by tightly twisting or braiding individual wire together. One strand could have anywhere between two and several dozen wire filaments depending on the necessary strength, flexibility, and weight capacity.

One of the most dynamic elements of wire cables is the inner core. The strands are wrapped around the core, and it can be made of different metals, fibers, or even impregnated fiber materials. For heavy applications, cores are often made of a different strand of wire called an independent wire rope core (IWRC). An IWRC has a considerable amount of flexibility and it is still very strong. In fact, at least 7.5% of the strength increase in a wire rope can be attributed to an IWRC.

While they sometimes use other metals, like aluminum, nickel, copper, titanium, and even bronze for some applications, manufacturers primarily produce wire rope from steel. This is because steel is very strong and stretchable. Among the most common types they use are: galvanized wire, bright wire, stainless steel and cold drawn steel.

Of the wire rope steels, cold drawn carbon steel wire is most popular, although stainless steel wire rope is sometimes employed as well. Stainless steel rope is most popular for its anti-corrosive properties. Bright wire rope, a type of ungalvanized steel wire rope, is also popular. For added strength and durability, galvanized steel wire rope/galvanized steel cables are a very popular choice. Galvanized aircraft cable, for example, is always a must in aerospace.

When choosing or designing a custom wire rope for your application, suppliers consider factors such as: the environment in which the rope will function, required rust resistance, required flexibility, temperature resistance, required breaking strength and wire rope diameter. To accommodate your needs, manufacturers can do special things like: make your rope rotation resistant, color code your rope, or add a corrosion resistant coating. For instance, sometimes they specially treat and coat a cable with plastic or some other compound for added protection. This is particularly important to prevent fraying if the wire rope is often in motion on a pulley.

Manufacturers and distributors identify the differences in wire cable by listing the number of strands and the amount of wires per strand so that anyone that orders understand the strength of the cable. Sometimes they are also categorized by their length or pitch. Common examples of this include: 6 x 19, 6 x 25, 19 x 7, 7 x 19, 7 x 7, 6 x 26 and 6 x 36.

More complex wire rope identification codes connote information like core type, weight limit and more. Any additional hardware like connectors, fasteners, pulleys and fittings are usually listed in the same area to show varying strengths and degrees of fray prevention.

Cable wire rope is a heavy-duty wire rope. To give it its high strength, manufacturers construct it using several individual filaments that are twisted in strands and helically wrapped around the core. A very common example of cable wire rope is steel cable.

Spiral rope is made up an assemblage of wires with round or curved strands. The assemblage features at least one outer layer cord pointed in the opposite direction of the wire. The big advantage of spiral ropes is the fact that they block moisture, water and pollutants from entering the interior of the rope.

Similarly, stranded rope steel wire is made up of an assemblage of spirally wound strands. Unlike spiral rope, though, its wire patterns have crisscrossing layers. These layers create an exceptionally strong rope. Stranded rope may have one of three core material types: wire rope, wire strand or fiber.

Wire rope chain, like all chains, is made up of a series of links. Because it is not solid, wire rope chain is quite flexible. At the same time, it is prone to mechanical failure.

Wire rope slings are made from improved plow wire steel, a strong steel wire that offers superior return loop slings and better security. The plow wire steel also shields rope at its connection points, which extends its working life. Wire rope slings, in general, provide their applications with increased safety, capacity and performance. Wire rope sling is a rope category that encompasses a wide range of sub-products, such as permaloc rope sling, permaloc bridle slings and endless slings. These and other wire rope slings may be accompanied by a wide variety of sling terminations, such as thimbles, chokers and hooks.

Wire rope offers its user many advantages. First, design of even distribution of weight among strands makes it ideal for lifting extremely heavy loads. Second, wire rope is extremely durable and, when matched properly to the application, can withstand great stress and elements like corrosion and abrasion. In addition, it is very versatile. Its many iterations and the ways in which the rope can treated means that users can get rope custom fit for virtually any application.

Depending on the type of wire rope with which you are working and your application, you may want to invest in different accessories. Among these accessories are: wire rope clips, steel carabiners, fittings, fasteners and connections.

To ensure that your wire rope quality remains high, you must regularly inspect them for wear and degradation. The right wire rope should be selected for a particular use. Watch out for performance-impacting damage like: rust, fraying and kinks. To make sure that they stay in tip-top shape, you should also clean and lubricate them as needed. Check for this need as a part of your regular inspection.

Rope care is about more than inspection. It’s also about making an effort to use and store them properly every time you use them. For example, never exceed your rope’s rated load and breaking strength. Doing so will not only cause the weakening of your cable, but it may even cause immediate breakage. In addition, always store your wire rope cable in a dry and warm area, away from those elements that could cause premature rusting or other damage. Finally, always carefully wind your wire rope when you’re done with it, so as to avoid kinks. If you follow all these tips and treat your wire rope assemblies well, they will reward you with a long and productive service life.

Always make sure that you purchase wire rope that matches your industry and regional standards. Some of the most widely referenced standards organizations for wire rope include: ISO, ASTM International and OSHA. Talk over your specifications and application with your wire rope supplier to figure out what’s best for you.

If you’re in the market for a wire rope or a wire rope assembly, the best way to know you’re getting something that will both perform well and be safe if by working with a vetted professional. Find one among the list we’ve provided on this page. Check out their profiles to get an idea of the services and products they offer. Pick out three or four to whom you’d like to speak, and reach out. Talk to them about your specifications, standard requirements and budget. Ask about lead times and delivery options. Once you’ve spoken with all of them, compare and contrast their answers. You’ll know you’ve found the one when you talk to a wire rope company that is willing to go above and beyond for your satisfaction.

Wire rope engineers design those parts in differing steel grades, finishes and a variety of constructions to attain the best balance of strength, abrasion resistance, crush resistance, bending fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance for each application. To select the best wire rope for each application, one must know the required performance characteristics for the job and enough about wire rope design to select the optimum combination of wire rope properties. The following information is presented as a basic guide. Bridon American engineers and field service specialists are available to provide more specific recommendations.

Wire rope strands are designed with various combinations of wires and wire sizes to produce the desired resistance to fatigue and abrasion. Generally, a small number of large wires will be more abrasion resistant and less fatigue resistant than a large number of small wires. Finish Bright finish is suitable for most applications. Galvanized finish is available for corrosive environments. Plastic jacketing and encapsulation is also available on some constructions. Wire Grades The most common steel wire grades are: IPS (Improved Plow Steel), EIP (Extra Improved Plow Steel) and EEIP (Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel). Stainless Steels and other special grades are provided for special applications. Most wire ropes are made with round wires. Both triangular and shaped wires are also used for special constructions. Generally, the higher the strength of the wire, the lower its ductility will be.

As specialist for manufacturing quality steel wire ropes over 20 years, our company can supply strong, durable and reliable ropes that capable to minimize your downtime and maximize cost effectiveness. Decades of experience we owned make us know clearly the work you do and capable to provide professional guidance.

We select the best steel or stainless steel as raw material for wire rope manufacturing. Our products are manufactured under strict quality managements and test before they leave the factory.

Our engineers can provide professional advice about picking up optimal steel wire ropes for their application, installation guidance to ensure maximum return in their wire rope system.

If you are going to pick up steel wire ropes that suit your project perfectly, you must have an ideal about the construction about them. Our company can supply bright wire rope, galvanized wire rope, stainless steel wire rope, compacted wire rope, rotation resistant wire ropes, mining wire rope, elevator wire rope, crane wire rope and gas & oilfield wire ropes. Here are some details to solve the problem that may puzzle you whether you are browsing the web or picking up steel wire ropes.

Bright steel wire ropes mean no surface treatment is applied to the rope. Therefore, they have the lower price among these three wire ropes. Generally, they are fully lubricated to protect the rope from rust and corrosion.

Galvanized steel wire ropes feature compressed zinc coating for providing excellent corrosion resistance. With higher break strength yet lower price than stainless steel, galvanized steel wire ropes are widely used in general engineering applications such as winches and security ropes.

Stainless steel wire ropes, made of quality 304, 305, 316 steels, are the most corrosive type for marine environments and other places subjected to salt water spray. Meanwhile, bright and shiny appearance can be maintained for years rather than dull as galvanized steel wire ropes.

Steel wire ropes are composed of multiple strands of individual wires that surrounding a wire or fiber center to form a combination with excellent fatigue and abrasion resistance. These wires and strands are wound in different directions to from different lay types as follows:

Beside above lay types, alternative lay ropes which combine regular lay and lang lay together and ideal for boom hoist and winch lines, can also be supplied as your request.

Two main methods about seizing steel wire ropes in conjunction with soft or annealing wire or strands to protect cut ends of the ropes form loosening.

This construction is used where ropes are dragged on the ground or over rollers, and resistance to wear and abrasion are important factors. The wires are quite large and will stand a great deal of wear. In fact, this construction is sometimes called “coarse laid” because of the large wires. The 6x7 is a stiff rope and needs sheaves and drums of large size. It will not withstand bending stresses as well as ropes with smaller wires. Because of the small number of wires, with the resulting higher percentage of load carried by each wire, a larger factor of safety should be considered with 6x7 ropes than with ropes having a larger number of wires.

The 6x19 Classification of wire rope is the most widely used. With its good combination of flexibility and wear resistance, rope in this class can be suited to the specific needs of diverse kinds of machinery and equipment. The 6x19 Seale construction, with its large outer wires, provides great ruggedness and resistance to abrasion and crushing. However, its resistance to fatigue is somewhat less than that offered by a 6x25 construction. The 6x25 possesses the best combination of flexibility and wear resistance in the 6x19 Class due to the filler wires providing support and imparting stability to the strand. The 6x26 Warrington Seale construction has a high resistance to crushing. This construction is a good choice where the end user needs the wear resistance of a 6x19 Class Rope and the flexibility midway between a 6x19 Class and 6x37 Class rope.

The 6x36 Class of wire rope is characterized by the relatively large number of wires used in each strand. Ropes of this class are among the most flexible available due to the greater number of wires per strand, however their resistance to abrasion is less than ropes in the 6x19 Class. The designation 6x36 is only nominal, as in the case with the 6x19 Class. Improvements in wire rope design, as well as changing machine designs, have resulted in the use of strands with widely varying numbers of wires and a smaller number of available constructions. Typical 6x37 Class constructions include 6x33 for diameters under 1/2", 6x36 Warrington Seale (the most common 6x37 Class construction) offered in diameters 1/2" through 1-5/8", and 6x49 Filler Wire Seale over 1-3/4" diameter.

Alternate Lay, sometimes referred to as reverse lay, is a stranded rope where the type of lay of the outer strands is alternately regular lay followed by lang lay such that three of the outer strands are regular lay and three are lang lay. Alternate lay wire rope has the extra flexibility of lang lay in combination with the structural stability of regular lay. It unites the best features of both types of wire rope. Alternate lay is made with relatively large outer wires to provide increase of abrasion resistance to scrubbing against sheaves and drums. Finer inside wires and flexibility enable alternate lay ropes to absorb severe bending stresses. It is well suited to winding applications where abrasion and crushing can occur. Alternate lay wire rope applications include boom hoists and numerous types of excavating equipment like clamshells, shovels, cranes, winches and scrapers.

The 8x19 Classification rotation resistant ropes are recommended for hoisting unguided loads with a single-part or multipart line. The eight outer strands are manufactured in right lay, with the inner strands being left lay. These ropes are slightly stronger and significantly more rugged than the 19x7 construction. However, the rotation-resistant properties of the 8x19 rotation-resistant ropes are much less than those of the 19x7 construction. These ropes are manufactured in right regular lay in the 8x19 Seale and 8x25 Filler Wire constructions.

19x7 is recommended for hoisting unguided loads with a single-part line. The rotation-resistant properties of this rope are secured by two layers of strands. The inner strands are left lay, while the 12 outer strands are right lay, which enables one layer to counteract the other layer"s rotation. The rotation-resistant characteristics of the 19x7 wire ropes are superior to those of the 8x19 Class wire ropes.

Fatigue Resistance. Improved fatigue properties are derived through the combination of the flexible 19x19 construction and die drawn strands. The drawn strand surfaces minimize the interstrand and interlayer nicking that take place in round rotation resistant ropes.

Abrasion Resistance. Die drawn ropes provide improved abrasion resistance as compared with round wire ropes because of the greater wire and strand bearing surfaces contacting sheaves and drums.

Resistance to Drum Crushing. SFP 19 wire ropes are resistant to the effects of drum crushing due to the compacted strands and smoothness of the rope surface.

Superior Rotation Resistance. The SFP 35 rope is the most rotation resistant rope manufactured by WW. Due to its rotation resistant properties, SFP 35 may be used with a swivel in both single part and multipart reeving.

Flexibility. SFP 35"s multiple strand construction provides increased flexibility which improves service life and high speed spooling. The compacted compacted multiple strand construction also reduces sheave and drum abrasion and provides excellent resistance to drum crushing.

6-PAC is recommended for use where the rope is subjected to heavy use or where conditions are extremely abusive, such as offshore pedestal, crawler and lattice boom equipped truck crane boom hoist applications. 6-PAC is also recommended for winch lines, overhead cranes, multipart hoist lines where rotation-resistant ropes are not required, and other applications where flexibility, high strength and resistance to crushing are important, and a cost-effective 6-strand rope is desired.

Fatigue Resistance. Improved fatigue properties are derived from the combination of 6-PAC"s flexible constructions and the compacted strands. The compacted strand surface minimizes the interstrand and interlayer nicking that take place in standard 6-strand ropes.

Abrasion Resistance. 6-PAC"s compacted strand design provides improved abrasion resistance as compared to standard 6-strand ropes because of the increased wire and strand surfaces contacting sheaves and drums.

Drum Crushing. 6-PAC dramatically increases the amount of wire contact with the drums and sheaves, reducing the wire rope, sheave and drum wear normally associated with standard wire rope.

Recommended for applications where abrasion and fatigue resistance is required, such as for winch lines, chokers, skylines, and haul backs, as well as any application where a swaged rope is used

8-PAC is recommended for hoist ropes for steel mill ladle cranes and hoist and trolley ropes for container cranes, or other hoisting applications with heavy duty cycles or where severe bending occurs.

Superior Performance. 8-PAC has higher breaking strength and gives superior performance in difficult hoisting applications compared to standard 6-strand and 6-strand compacted ropes.

Abrasion Resistance. 8-PAC compacted strand design provides improved abrasion resistance as compared to standard 6 and 8 strand ropes because of the increased wire and strand surfaces contacting the sheaves and drums.

SUPER-PAC is a double compacted product ideal for applications where abrasion and drum crushing are an issue. When compared with standard ropes, SUPER-PAC provides: Better resistance to multi-layer drum crushing. SUPERPAC dramatically reduces the damage at cross over points on smooth face drums, such as those found on many boom hoist systems on mobile cranes. This is achieved by compaction of the strands and the rope, making a tough but flexible product.

Superior Fatigue Resistance. SUPER-PAC is engineered for overall performance, its wire tensile strength being the key to its superior fatigue resistant properties. In addition to contribution to SUPERPAC’s EEEIP breaking strength, the wire used in the manufacture of SUPER-PAC remains ductile, minimizing the occurrences of external and internal wire breaks caused by operating stresses.

TRIPLE-PAC was developed for the most demanding hoist applications. TRIPLE-PAC offers the extra high strength and crushing resistance needed for applications such as boom hoist ropes, boom pendants and multipart load lines.

TRIPLE-PAC provides superior abrasion and fatigue resistance as compared with most compacted ropes due to WW’s unique design of compacting the IWRC, individual strands and the rope itself. Other benefits include:

Superior Resistance to Multilayer Drum Crushing. TRIPLE-PAC provides superior resistance to crushing through its design. Its triple compaction provides a denser cross section, enabling the rope to withstand the rigors of multilayer spooling. Damage at the cross over points is also significantly reduced.

BXL is infused with a specially- engineered polymer, creating a well-balanced matrix. BXL is recommended for numerous hoist, marine and logging rope applications. BXL provides: Fatigue Resistance. Improved fatigue resistance is derived from the cushioning and dampening effect of the polymer on the wires and strands. BXL also evenly distributes stresses which may lead to fatigue breaks.

Abrasion Resistance. The polymer acts as a barrier between the individual strands, preventing penetration of any adverse material. BXL distributes and reduces contact stresses between the rope and sheave, reducing wire rope wear.

Service Life. BXL minimizes corrugation and wear normally associated with standard rope usage by restricting water and dirt penetration and eliminating pickup of abrasive materials.

This rope is particularly suitable where severe conditions of crushing and abrasion are encountered on the drum or where a higher strength design factor is required than can be obtained with a similar round rope.

The triangular strand shape not only provides better resistance to crushing, but also offers a greater exposed surface area for contact with sheaves, drums or underlying layers of spooled rope. This feature, in connection with the use of Lang lay construction, distributes the abrasive wear over a greater number and length of wires. The smooth surface of the rope also helps minimize wear on drums and sheaves.

ROEPAC is a three strand compacted rope with high breaking strength and stable construction making it perfect as a pulling rope for overhead transmission lines and underground conduits. It’s flexibility and flat surface provides snag-free guidance of the attached lines.

Abrasion Resistance. Compacted design provides improved abrasion resistance compared to standard 6 strand ropes because of the increased wire and strand surfaces contacting the sheaves and drum.

ISO 9001 & AS 9120 certified 8(m)WOSB certified custom manufacturer of corrossion resistant galvanized aircraft stainless steel metal safety cable and wire braid materials include braided cords with wire center for aeronautical, aerospace, halyard, helicopter lead line, sailboat, rigging, hoisting, automotive applications and more. Wire rope products are available in 1x7 strand through 6x36 strand for aircraft cable, non rotating and non flexible applications. Custom coatings and finishes available for aerospace, automotive, safety applications. Also offers custom braids in specialty colors, finishes, and materials such as aramid, ceramic, Dyneema®, fiberglass, Kevlar®, linen, Nomex®, plasma, Spectra®, tarred, marlin, Technora™, Twaron®, and Vectran™. Galvanized aircraft wire ropes and cables available in 302/304, 305, and 316 stainless steel and zinc-coated carbon steel materials. Offers non-flexible types in 1 x 7 and 1 x 19 strand models. Suitable for aeronautical, logging, hoisting, aircraft control, and winching applications.

Manufacturer of stranded galvanized and stainless steel wire rope. Types include military and commercial grade aircraft wire ropes. Available in 1 x 19, 7 x 7 or 7 x 19 strands construction, dia. from 3/64 in. to 1/4 in. and breaking strength from 270 lbs. to 7000 lbs. with PVC or nylon coating options. Capabilities include custom cable or wire rope assembly fabrication and fuse welding. Used for equipment or machinery holding, lifting, attaching, anchoring, hanging, securing and hauling operations in applications. Fused cut wire ropes are available in lengths up to 60 ft. Meet MIL-DTL-83420 military specifications.

A wire rope is a type of cable that includes several wire strands laced together to form a single wire. Generally, both the terms “wire” and “rope” are used interchangeably with “wire rope”; however, according to the technical definition, to be labeled a wire rope, the cable must have a thickness of at least 9.52 mm. As a versatile, high load capacity alternative to natural fiber ropes such as hemp and manila, wire rope provides motion transmission through nearly all angles, tie down, counterbalance, guidance, control, or lift.

Modern wire rope was invented by Wilhelm Albert, a German mining engineer, between 1831 and 1834. He developed them in order for work in the mines in the Harz Mountains. This rope replaced weaker natural fiber ropes, like hemp rope and manila rope, and weaker metal ropes, like chain rope.

Albert’s rope was constructed of four three-stranded wires. In 1840, a Scot named Robert Stirling Newall improved upon this model. A year later in the United States, American manufacturer John A. Roebling started producing wire rope, aimed at his vision of suspension bridges. From there, other interested Americans, such as Erskine Hazard and Josiah White, used wire rope in railroad and coal mining applications. They also applied their wire rope techniques to provide lift ropes for something called the Ashley Planes project, which allowed for better transportation and increased tourism in the area.

Approximately twenty-five years later, back in Germany in 1874, the engineering firm Adolf Bleichert & Co. was founded. They used wire rope to build bicable aerial tramways for mining the Ruhr Valley. Years later they built tramways for both the Wehrmacht and the German Imperial Army. Their wire rope systems spread all across Europe, and then migrated to the USA, concentrating at Trenton Iron Works in New Jersey.

Over the years, engineers and manufacturers have created materials of all kinds to make wire rope stronger. Such materials include stainless steel, plow steel, bright wire, galvanized steel, wire rope steel, electric wire, and more. Today, wire rope is a staple in most heavy industrial processes. Wherever heavy duty lifting is required, wire rope is there to facilitate.

Wire rope is strong, durable, and versatile. Even the heaviest industrial loads may be lifted with a well-made wire rope because the weight is distributed evenly among constituent strands.

There are three basic elements of which wire ropes are composed: wire filaments, strands, and cores. Manufacturers make wire rope by taking the filaments, twisting or braiding them together into strands, and then helically winding them around a core. Because of this multiple strand configuration, wire rope is also often referred to as stranded wire.

The first component, the filaments, are cold drawn rods of metal materials of varying, but relatively small diameter. The second component, the strands, can individually consist of as few as two or as many as several dozen filaments. The last component, the core, is the central element around which strands are wrapped; wire rope cores maintain a considerable amount of flexibility, while increasing strength by at least 7.5% over the strength of fiber core wire ropes.

The helical winding of the strands around the core is known as the lay. Ropes may be right hand lay, twisting strands clockwise, or they may be left hand lay, twisting strands counter-clockwise. In an ordinary lay, the individual strands are twisted in the opposite direction of the lay of the entire rope of strands to increase tension and to prevent the rope from coming unwound. Though this is most common Lang"s lay has both the strands and the rope twisted in the same direction while alternate lays, as the name suggests alternate between ordinary and Lang style lays. While alternative rope designs are available, the helical core design is often favored, as it allows a wire cable to hold a lot of weight while remaining ductile.

There are many design aspects that wire rope manufacturers consider when they are creating custom wire rope assemblies. These include: strand gauge (varies based on application strength, flexibility, and wear resistance requirements), wire rope fittings (for connecting other cables), lay, splices, and special coatings. Specially treated steel cable and plastic coated cables, for instance, are common to many application specific variations of wire rope such as push pull cable assemblies used in transferring motion between two points.

Suppliers typically identify wire cable by listing both the number of strands and the amount of wires per strand respectively, though stranded cable may alternatively be measured by their lay and length or pitch. For example, a door-retaining lanyard wire rope is identified by its 7 x 7 construction, and wire rope used for guying purposes is identified by its 1 x 19 construction. The most common types are 6 x 19, 6 x 25, 19 x 7, 7 x 7, 7 x 19, 6 x 26, and 6 x 36.

An ungalvanized steel wire rope variety. This uncoated wire rope can also be designed to resist spinning or rotating while holding a load; this is known as rotation resistant bright wire rope.

Also called a coiled wire rope, a coiled cable is a rope made from bundles of small metal wires, which are then twisted into a coil. Wire rope and cable can come in a huge variety of forms, but coiled cables specifically provide the benefits of easy storage and tidiness. Unlike other wire ropes, coiled cables do not require a spool for storage. Because it has been coiled, the cable will automatically retract into its spring-like shape when it is not in use, making it incredibly easy to handle.

A type of high strength rope, made of several individual filaments. These filaments are twisted into strands and helically wrapped around a core. One of the most common types of wire rope cable is steel cable.

Wire rope made not as one solid piece, but as a piece made up of a series of metal links. Wire rope chain is flexible and strong, but it is more prone to mechanical failure than wire rope.

Push pull cables and controls are a particular type of control cable designed for the positive and precise transmission of mechanical motion within a given system. Unlike their counterpart pull-pull cables, these wire rope assemblies offer multidirectional control. Additionally, their flexibility allows for easy routing, making them popular in a number of industrial and commercial applications.

Iron and steel are the two most common materials used in producing wire ropes. A steel wire is normally made from non-alloy carbon steel that offers a very high strength and can support extreme stretchable forces. For even more strength and durability, manufacturers can make stainless steel wire rope or galvanized steel wire rope. The latter two are good for applications like rigging and hoisting.

Technically, spiral ropes are curved or round strands with an assemblage of wires. This gathering of wires has at least one cord situated in the opposite direction of the wire in the outer layer of the rope. The most important trait of this rope is that all the wires included are round. The biggest benefit of this category of rope is that it does not allow the entrance of pollutants, water, or moisture.

Contain an assemblage of strands placed spirally around a core. Stranded rope steel wire patterns have different layers that cross each other to form an even stronger cable or rope. Stranded ropes contain one of three types of core: a fiber core, a wire strand core, or a wire rope core.

Provide an added level of security to a manufacturing production application. Wire rope slings are made from improved plow steel wire ropes that, apart from offering added security, also provide superior return loop slings. Plow steel wire ropes improve the life of a mechanism by shielding the rope at its connection points. The key objective of wire rope slings is to enhance the safety of an application while increasing its capacity and performance. Rope slings are also available in various sling termination options, such as hook type, chokers, and thimbles.

The eye in this rope sling is made using the Flemish Splice method. Just like a typical sling, a Permaloc rope sling improves safety and provides reverse strength meaning that the uprightness of the eye does not depend on the sleeves of the metal or alloy. Additionally, permaloc rope slings offer an abrasion resistance feature that makes them long lasting.

These slings have all the features that most other slings offer. However, compared to their counterparts, Permaloc bridle slings provide better load control, wire rope resistant crushing, robust hooks and links that work for a longer duration, and help save on maintenance requirements.

Manufacturers produce wire rope for many different reasons; from cranes to playground swings, wire ropes have something for everyone. Among the many applications of wire rope are hoisting, hauling, tie down, cargo control, baling, rigging, anchoring, mooring, and towing. They can also serve as fencing, guardrails, and cable railing, among other products.

Some of the industries that make use of wire rope include industrial manufacturing, construction, marine, gas and oil, mining, healthcare, consumer goods, and transportation. Others include the fitness industry, which uses plastic coated cable products in weight machines, the theater industry, which uses black powder coated cables for stage rigging, the recreation industry, which uses plastic coated cables for outdoor playground equipment, and the electronics industry, which uses miniature wire rope for many types of electronic equipment and communications devices.

Wire ropes are typically made from cold drawn steel wire, stainless steel wire, or galvanized wire. They may also be made from a wide variety of less popular metals, including aluminum, nickel alloy, bronze, copper, and titanium. However, nearly all wire ropes, including control cables, are made from strands of cold drawn carbon steel wires. Stainless steel rope and cables are subbed in for highly corrosive environments. Galvanized cables and galvanized wire rope are popular for their increased strength and durability; these qualities are important to specialized ropes like galvanized aircraft cable.

A core may be composed of metal, fiber or impregnated fiber materials depending on the intended application. Cores may also be another strand of wire called an independent wire rope core (IWRC).

Wire rope, depending on its application, is subject to many standard requirements. Among the most common of these are the standards detailed by OSHA, ASTM International, and ISO. Per your application and industry, you’ll likely have others you need to consider. To get a full list, talk to your service provider.

To determine the safety factor, which is a margin of security against risks, the first step involves knowing the type of load that the rope will be subjected to. The load must consider the shock loads and blowing wind effects. The safety factor is characterized in ratios; typical are 4:1 and 5:1. If a ratio is 5:1, then the tensile strength of a wire rope must be five times of the load it will be subjected to. In some applications, the ratios can go up to 10:1.

By weighing all these factors carefully, the wire rope that you will buy will be safe to use and last considerably. For the best advice and guidance, though, don’t go it alone! Find a great wire rope supplier that you can trust. You’ll know you’ve found the right supplier for you when you talk to one that can not only fulfill your requirements, but shows that they are excited to go the extra mile for you. For a company like this, browse the list near the top of the page.

As the cables play an integral role in the safety of many operations and structures, careful analysis of a wire rope and all of its capabilities and features is vital. Important qualities and physical specifications you must consider include wire rope diameter, breaking strength, resistance to corrosion, difficulty of flattening or crushing, bendability, and average lifespan.

Each of the aforementioned considerations should be compatible with the specific application for which the rope is intended as well as the environment in which such operations are undertaken. Temperature and corrosive environments often require specially coated wire ropes with increased durability.

When you use your industrial wire rope, the first thing to remember is to not exceed your rope’s rated load and breaking strength. If you do not stay within these parameters, you risk causing your rope to weaken or even break.

Rust, kinks, fraying and even carefully performed splicing will all have an impact on the performance of wire ropes. To maintain the integrity of your wire rope assembly, you need to inspect them regularly and clean and lubricate them as needed. In addition, you need to store them out of the wet and cold as much as possible. Also wrap them up properly, so they are not kinked.

A high-carbon steel having a tensile strength of approximately 260,000 psi that is roughly fifteen percent stronger than Plow Steel. Most commercial wires are made from IPS.

A low carbon steel wire of approximately 10,000 psi, which is pliable and capable of repeated stresses from bending around small sheaves. This grade is effective for tillers, guys and sash ropes.

The manner in which the wires are helically wound to form rope. Lay refers specifically to the direction of the helical path of the strands in a wire rope; for example, if the helix of the strands are like the threads of a right-hand screw, the lay is known as a right lay, or right-hand, but if the strands go to the left, it is a left lay, or left-hand.

A classification of wire rope according to its breaking strength. The rank of grades according to increasing breaking strengths is as follows: Iron, Traction, Mild Plow Steel, Plow Steel, Improved Steel, Extra Improved Steel.

The act of fastening a termination to a wire rope through physical deformation of the termination about the rope via a hydraulic press or hammering. The strength is one hundred percent of the wire rope rating.

A grade of rope material that has a tensile strength range of 180,000 to 190,000 psi. Traction steel has great resistance to bending fatigue with a minimum of abrasive force on sheaves and drums, which contributes to its long use in elevators, from which the steel gets its name.

It is composed of wire strands that are braided together. Wire braid is similar to stranded wire. The difference between the two is the fact that stranded wire features strands that are bundled together, rather than braided.

Essential parts of cable assemblies, wire rope assemblies and wire rope slings that assist spliced or swaged rope ends in connecting to other cables and keeping cables and rope from unraveling.

A wire rope cable assembly is a metallic rope consisting of bundles of twisted, spiraled, or bonded wires. While the terms wire rope and cable are often used interchangeably, cables are typically designated as smaller diameter wire ropes, specifically wire ropes with a diameter less than 3/8 inch. Therefore, wire rope cable assemblies are typically utilized for lighter duty applications.

Or cable assemblies, are cables which are composed of many spiraled bundles of wire. These cables are used to support hanging objects, connect objects, pull or lift objects, secure items, and much more.

Wire rope wholesalers can sell an extensive range of wire rope and wire rope accessories at a very affordable rate as well as in bulk. Many of the additional wire rope equipment that wire rope wholesalers provide include: swivel eye pulleys, eye nuts, eye bolts, slip hooks, spring hooks, heavy duty clips, clevis hooks, turnbuckle hooks, anchor shackle pins, s hooks, rigging blocks, and much more. Wire rope fittings will generally improve the versatility of the wire and also prevent fraying.

To assure you of the highest quality product and engineering, American Rigger’s Supply represents WireCo WorldGroup products. Wire rope design, manufacture and use are highly specialized fields and that is why we rely on their unsurpassed technical support.

All wire ropes feature design characteristic tradeoffs. For example, when you increase fatigue resistance by selecting a rope with more wires, the rope will have less abrasion resistance because of its greater number of smaller outside wires.

Wire rope strength is generally measured in U.S. tons (2,000 lbs.). In published material, wire rope strength is shown as “nominal strength. Nominal strength refers to calculated strength figures that have been accepted by the wire rope industry. The nominal strength applies to new, unused rope. A rope should never operate at or near the nominal strength.

Fatigue resistanceFatigue resistance involves metal fatigue of the wires that make up the rope. To have high resistance, wires must be capable of bending repeatedly under stress, for example, a rope passing over a sheave. Increased fatigue resistance is achieved in a rope design by using a larger number of wires. It involves both the basic metallurgy and the diameters of wires.

Crushing resistanceCrushing is the effect of external pressure on a rope, which damages it by distorting the cross-section shape of the rope, its strands or core - or all three. Crushing resistance therefore is a rope’s ability to withstand or resist external forces and is term generally used to express comparison between ropes.

Resistance to metal loss and deformationMetal loss refers to the actual wearing away of metal from the outer wires of a rope, and metal deformation is the changing of the shape of the outer wires of the rope. In general, resistance to metal loss by abrasion (usually called “abrasion resistance”) refers to a rope’s ability to withstand metal being worn away along its exterior. The most common form of metal deformation is generally called “peening”. Outside wires of a peened rope appear to have been hammered along their exposed surface. Peening usually occurs on drums, caused by rope-to-rope contact during spooling of the rope on the drum. It can also occur on sheaves.

The word “stability” is most often used to describe handling and working characteristics of a rope. It is not a precise term since the idea is expressed to some degree as a matter of opinion. For example, a rope is called stable when it spools smoothly on and off a drum or doesn’t tangle when a multi-part reeving system is relaxed.

Some rope constructions are by nature more bendable than others. Small ropes are more bendable than large ones. As a general rule, ropes of many wires are more bendable than ropes made with fewer, larger wires.

Reserve strengthReserve strength of a rope is the percentage of its catalog strength which is represented by its inner wires. This recognizes that outer wires should be the first to be damaged or worn away. Usually, the more wires there are in each strand of rope, the greater will be its reserve strength. Reserve strength is especially important in selecting a rope for use where consequences of rope failure are great

There are many different sizes, configurations, and materials that form wire rope, and these are different types including stainless steel wire rope, galvanized wire rope, and bright wire rope.

Looking for accessories to use with wire ropes? Our rigging supplies include hardware and accessories for use with cranes, hoists & winches, and oilfield applications.

Diameter:To properly measure the diameter of steel wire ropes, measure the rope at its widest point. This is an industry standard with wire cable manufacturers and steel cable suppliers.

Grade of Steel – EIPS, EEIPS: EIPS is Extra Improved Plowed Steel and has roughly 10% more strength than IPS. EEIPS is Extra Extra Improved Plowed Steel and is approximately 10% stronger than the EIPS. We offer every variety of EIPS Wire Rope and have a one day lead time on any EEIPS ropes.

Direction of Lay: Right hand and left hand designates which way the strands wrap around the core of the steel rope. Regular lay and Lang lay specify which way the wires are formed in the helix pattern. Regular lay means the wires are rotated opposite the direction of the strands around the core. Lang lay means the wires are twisted in the same direction as the strands are wrapped around the wire rope core.

Finish – Bright Wire, Galvanized Wire, and Stainless Steel: Most wire ropes have a bright, self-colored finish hence the name. Wire ropes generally have a coating of lubricant to reduce friction and protect from corrosion. However, there are wire ropes that are galvanized, stainless steel, or coated in vinyl and other plastics.

Material of the Core: Fiber Core (FC) or Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) – Fiber cores are made of natural (sisal, etc.) or synthetic (polypropylene, etc.) fibers and allow for increased flexibility. IWRC offers more support to the outer strands, and have a higher resistance to crushing. IWRC also offers more resistance to heat, reduces the amount of stretch, and increases the strength of the rope.

Strands: Another variable in wire rope is how many strands make up the rope and how many wires make up one strand. For instance, a 6×26 wire rope has 6 strands around a core with 26 wires making up each strand. The 6×19 class is the most common and offers higher resistance to abrasion whereas the 6×37 class offers higher flexibility.

Although there are exceptions for special applications, the constructions in 6×36 classification are primarily designed to be the most efficient for each rope diameter. As the rope size increases, for instance, a large number of wires can be used to achieve required fatigue resistance, and still those wires will be large enough to offer adequate resistance to abrasion.

The 6×19 classification of wire ropes includes standard 6 strand, round strand ropes with 16 through 26 wires per strand. This is a good rope to withstand abrasion or crushing on the drum. Ropes with independent wire rope strands and a core (IWRC) in general, are more crush resistant than fiber core ropes.

When you purchase our 6×19 Class of wire ropes, you get more than just another rope. Manufactured in an ISO 9001 certified factory and backed by the industry’s largest staff of professional engineers, we do more than meet published specifications.

The 6×26 WS has better resistance to abrasion than a 6x25FW. It features a compact construction with solid support for the wires; therefore it has a high resistance to crushing. Its number and relative size of the inner wires add to the stability of the strand and gives it a fatigue resistance comparable to a 6×25 FW. A standard 6×26 WS construction provides the best rope for a wide range of applications. In general, we recommend the use of the 6x26WS in any application where a 6x25FW is used.

Mast Raising Lines, also called Bull Lines or Bridle Lines, are usually two pieces: each having sockets on both ends. These lines can be fabricated from either right regular lay rope or right lang lay rope. They must be fabricated from IWRC ropes.

Premium ropes may be used for specific applications. PFV cushions the strands, distributes internal stresses, keeps in wire rope lubricant and keeps out dirt and debris, extending the service life.

Flex-X® 9 features compacted strands and swaging for extra drum crushing resistance and increased stability. Its high-density strands deliver extra strength and resistance to abrasion. Flex-X® 9 is manufactured with a dual compaction process to produce a compact cross-section with minimum voids and greater surface area on outer wires that contact drums, sheaves and the rope, itself during operation. The high-density compacted strands minimize nicking at strand-to-strand contact points. Flex-X® 9 was specifically designed for boom hoist applications and tubing line applications where drum crushing is a challenge.

Flex-X® 6 users receive superior performance and increased service life in many applications compared to the ropes they had previously employed. When compared to conventional six-strand ropes, Flex-X® 6 ropes provide greater surface area and more steel per given diameter. This increases rope stability and strength. This results in a longer service life and less sheave and drum wear.

Flex-X® 19, a Category 2 rotation resistant rope, is made from 19 strands. Six strands are laid around a core strand in one direction, and then 12 strands are laid around this first operation in the opposite direction. Because of its tightly compacted smooth design, Flex-X® 19 offers more crushing resistance than standard 19×7 rope, higher strength-to-diameter, resistance to bending fatigue, exceptional stability, reduced wear to sheaves and drums, and improved handling, operating and spooling characteristics.

General Purpose Wire Steel Wire Rope is offered in 5 main classifications by Horizon Cable Service. Each wire rope class has their own distinct advantages based on the application in which the wire rope will be used. Typical applications include oilfield, heavy haul trucking, forestry, construction, wind energy and industrial to name a few. Reference the information listed below as a guide on which wire rope is best suited to your application, and feel free to contact us at any time to discuss any concerns on selecting to proper wire rope.

6 x 19 Classification of wire rope includes standard 6 strand, round strand ropes with 16 through 26 wire per strand. This is a good wire rope to withstand abrasion or crushing on the drum, but fatigue resistance is decreased. Wire ropes with independent wire rope cores (IWRC) in general, are more crush resistant than fiber core (FC) wire ropes. This class of wire rope is a good choice where abrasive wear is accompanied by moderate bending. Horizon Cable Service offers this classification of steel wire ropes in bright, galvanized or stainless in sizes ranging from 1/4" – 2” diameters with larger sizes available upon request.

6 x 37 Classification of wire ropes includes standard 6 strand, round strand ropes with 27 through 49 wires per strand. The 6 x 37 wire ropes are important for their fatigue resistance. This fatigue resistance is made possible by the greater number of small wires per strand. Although there are exceptions for special applications, the constructions in the 6x 37 classification are primarily designed to be the most efficient for each wire rope diameter. As the wire rope size increase, for instance, a large number of wires can be used to achieve required fatigue resistance, and still those wires will be large enough to offer adequate resistance to abrasion. This construction of steel wire rope was designed to provide fatigue resistance without having wires that are too small. The greater numbers of wire in the 6 x 37 classification makes these wire ropes more susceptible to crushing. This can be minimized, however, by specifying an independent wire rope core (IWRC) and by using well designed sheaves, grooved drums and proper operating techniques. Horizon Cable offers this class of steel wire rope in bright, galvanized or stainless in sizes ranging from 1/4" – 2” with larger sizes available upon request.

7 x 19 Classification Aircraft Cable is a common industry term for small diameter, corrosion resistant, zinc-coated wire rope originally designed for aeronautical applications. Aircraft cable is a flexible and inexpensive wire rope used in commercial, industrial, construction and marine applications. Also available with flexible, vinyl P.V.C. coatingto extend the wire ropes lift by protecting wires from abrasion, dirt, grit or moisture, sealing in lubrication and reducing wear on sheaves and pulleys. Horizon Cable Service offers aircraft cable in galvanized or stainless in sizes ranging from 1/16” – 3/8”.

19 x 7 Rotation Resistant wire ropes are used in applications where a single hoist rope is used to lift a free load or where rotation resistant properties are essential for wire rope performance, a 19 x 7 steel wire rope can be used. The rotation resistant characteristic of 19 x 7 rotation resistant wire rope is achieved by laying 6 strands around a core strand in one directions and the n laying 12 strands around the first operation in the opposite direction. This, when the rope is in tension, opposing rotational forces are created between the inner and outer layers. 19 x 7 Rotation Resistant wire ropes require special handling, selection and usage considerations due to their construction. This classification of wire rope has a relatively low reserve strength thus resulting in a short service life. Horizon Cable offers this classification of steel wire rope in sizes ranging from 1/4" – 1” in bright finishes.

Rasmussen Equipment has been helping customers fulfill their wire rope needs since 1947. Our wide range of wire rope options are made of the highest quality materials and components, making them perfect for anything from large construction projects to small DIY home improvements.

We only work with the best wire rope manufacturer on the market, so you feel comfortable knowing our wire rope can withstand any project. Choosing the right general wire rope for your next project can be challenging. Here’s some helpful information about our products to guide your choice. If you need additional help deciding what wire rope you should buy, our specialists are always happy to answer your questions.

6×7 Wire rope is your go-to solution for heavy duty, coarse laid, construction wire. This rope is meant to withstand more resistance to wear and tear, impact, and abrasion than other wire rope options. With fewer, but sturdier chords, this wire rope option is stiff and will require large drums and sheaves. It is not ideal for bend stressors like rope with finer wire. With 6 chords, each wire will bear a more significant portion of load. Safety must always be top of mind when using load-bearing 6×7 wire.

The 6×19 classification of wire rope is the most widely used rope configuration. This rope boasts a mix of flexibility and durability, meeting a wide variety of construction needs and making it the preferred wire rope for most projects. The seale class refers to a strand construction where one size of outer wires covers the same number of smaller sized wires within the inner layer This rope is ideal as your go-to, versatile wire rope solution.

The 6×19 Warrington’s fiber core construction has alternating large and small outer wires, providing excellent flexibility and strength. With the increased flexibility, this construction has lower abrasion and crush resistance. This wire rope may not be suited for all job sites. If you have more questions, or are wondering if the 6×19 Warrington wire rope is right for your project, give Rasmussen a call.

The 6×25 possesses the best combination of flexibility and wear resistance in the 6×19 Class due to the filler wires providing support and stability to the strand. This rope has an independent wire rope core (IWRC) that improves durability.. If you have more questions, or are wondering if the 6×25 filler wire with IWRC is right for your project, give Rasmussen a call.

The 6×26 Warrington Seale construction has a high resistance to crushing. This wire rope is a good choice for projects that need the wear resistance of a 6×19 Class Rope and the flexibility midway between a 6×19 class and 6×37 class rope.

For whatever your project requires, Rasmussen Equipment Company has an expansive selection of rope and rigging supplies in Salt Lake City. If you’re unsure what exact tools you’ll need for your specific job, our sales team will be happy to help. You can reach our specialists by calling (801) 972-5588. We’ll be pleased to answer any questions you have.

The fact that the wires of regular lay rope are subject to higher pressure, increases the rate of wire rope abrasion and peening of both wire and mating surface of the drum or sheave. Moreover, this higher pressure is transmitted to the interior rope structure and this, in turn, decreases fatigue resistance.

Finally, the worn crown of the regular lay wire combined with its shorter exposed length, permits the wire to spring away from the rope axis. Subsequent passage on and off a sheave or drum, results in fatigue breakage.

A note of caution: lang lay rope has two important limitations. First, if either end is not fixed, it will rotate severely when under load, and secondly, it is less able to withstand crushing action on a drum or sheave, than is regular lay rope. Hence, lang lay rope should not be operated without being secured against rotation at both ends; nor should it be operated over minimum-sized sheaves or drums under extreme loads. Additionally, poor drum winding conditions are not well tolerated by lang lay ropes.

Pre-forming is a wire rope manufacturing process wherein the strands and their wires are formed-during fabrication-to the helical shape that they will ultimately assume in the finished rope or strand.

The wire arrangement in the strands is an important determining factor in the rope’s functional characteristics, i.e., its ability to meet the operating conditions to which it will be subjected. There are many basic strand patterns around which standard wire ropes are built; a number of these are illustrated in Figure 5.

Manufacturing companies choose to use Dyneema rope over steel wire rope for heavy lifting applications such as heavy lift slings, crane rope, and other rigging operations because Dyneema rope:

Dyneema fiber rope is made from Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber. Dyneema 12 strand rope is a common Dyneema fibered rope used for heavy-duty rigging applications. USA Rope & Recovery manufactures several different types of Dyneema fiber rope including the popular 12 Strand, and 24 Strand ropes, as well as others. No matter the application, USA Rope provides strong, durable, and efficient rope for the marine, arborist, nautical, off-roading, and other manufacturing industries.

More times than not, Dyneema fiber rope and steel wire rope are compared by most manufacturing companies–likeThe Rigging Company–for certain maritime, mooring, and towing rope applications. Pound for pound, Dyneema fiber rope is up to 15 times stronger than steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers–otherwise known as Kevlar rope. The high-per