what is the difference between strand and wire rope for sale

Wire rope and cable, is there a difference? The terms are often used interchangeably, but are they different? Each is considered a machine. Wire ropes are usually ⅜” in diameter or larger, while cables or cords are smaller. Though this little distinction exists in aircraft and marine cables, wire ropes and cables are synonymous in most other ways.

A strand is made up of two or more wires twisted around a center wire. Each strand is made up of 7, 19, or 37 wires. Cable or wire rope is made when a group of strands is twisted around a center wire or rope. They are named for the numbers of wires and strands. A 7×7 cable has 7 strands with 7 wires in each strand wrapped around a central core. A 7×19 cable would include 7 strands with 19 wires in each cable.

Different wire rope applications require different demands for abrasion, strength, and corrosion resistance. Different materials are used to meet different needs. Sizes under ⅜ “ are considered aircraft cable, sizes over 3/8 “ in diameter are considered wire rope.Stainless Steel – Type 302, made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel alloy, is the most common grade because of its high strength and resistance to corrosion. When non-magnetic properties are required, type 305 is employed. Other common types used in wire rope are 304, 305, 316, and 321. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is the stronger of the two, so its cost is higher but well worth it.

Galvanized Carbon Steel – To protect from the elements, a coating of zinc is applied to wire ropes used in the making of this wire rope. It is the wire rope of choice when strength is necessary, but corrosion resistance is not significant enough to warrant the use of stainless steel. Galvanized carbon steel is the go-to for cost-effectiveness.

If you require flexibility, you need wires that have more strands, more strands equal more flexibility. Look for 3×7, 7×7, and 7×19; these will give you more flexibility. However, as the degrees of flexibility increase, the abrasion resistance decreases. These cables are most useful where you require continuous flexing. Basic cable construction:

1×19 cable – This cable is still reasonably flexible, yet it resists compressive forces. It is smooth on the outside, and sizes above 3/32” diameter are the strongest.

It is essential to correctly estimate the qualities necessary for the work the wire rope will be doing. To decide the importance of the essential attributes to do the job, you need to look for quality and figure out whether it can withstand how it will be used and the length of time it can be used in this capacity. In choosing a wire rope for the job at hand, these four things must be considered:Sufficient strength to lift the load and then some, keeping safety in mind. Always overestimate.

Whether it is a crane, a pulley, or some other machine, be sure to choose the proper size, construction, and grade of wire rope appropriate for the job.

To find the wire rope or cable you need for the job, contact us atSilver State Wire Ropefor all of your wire rope and rigging needs. We have all sizes of cable and wire rope; whether you need it for aircraft, marine, or land use, we have it all!

Have you ever wondered why aircraft cable is called aircraft cable instead of aircraft strand? Do you use the words cable and wire rope interchangeably when you’re not sure which is correct? The world of manufacturing is chock-full of words to describe wire products, and while it may seem confusing to keep track of them at first, having some background knowledge about cable construction will help you understand each component. Let’s take a moment to differentiate our terms by starting small.

Wire: In its simplest form, wire is a single, flexible, string-like rod. It begins life as a metal such as stainless steel or carbon steel that becomes narrower in diameter as it is drawn through a series of small holes called dies. Used in everything from electrical equipment and coat hangers to art projects and nails, wire is the foundation of many wide and varied items.

Strand: Strand is made of two or more wires laid around a single center wire. In general, “1 by…” products are considered strand, like 1x7 and 1x19, which are two common configurations.

Notice how this 1x7 strand is a unit comprised of individual wires. It is 1 strand of 7 wires.1x19, as another example, is 1 strand of 19 wires. Like wire,strand can exist as its own product, or it can be laid around a core in multiples to become cable or wire rope.

Cable:Cables are made by concentrically wrapping groups of strands. A 7x7 cable, for example, is comprised of seven strands, each made of 7 wires. 7x19 cable, as another example, has seven strands with 19 wires in each one. Wire rope is technically also a group of strands wrapped around a core, which is why the terms cableand wire rope are often used interchangeably. Professions will argue that wire rope is designated for products with a diameter larger than 3/8 inch while cableis designated for all smaller diameters, but in practical application, the terms are somewhat interchageable.

Looking for wire, strand, or cable for your application? Make sure that you specify the size, construction, and material of a product when building your quote on www.strandcore.com. Luckily, Strand Core provides comprehensive data sheets for all our aircraft cable and general purpose wire rope products to help make your selection easier. Visit https://strandcore.com/products/general-purpose-wire-rope/ to start browsing our wire rope products, today.

Did you know wire ropes were used as far back as the 1830s for mining hoist applications? Nowadays, we can use steel ropes for many different applications such as lifting and hoisting in elevators and cranes, and for mechanical power transmission. US Cargo Control’s wire rope slings are an excellent choice for heavy-duty jobs as their fabrication offers excellent abrasion resistance and heat resistance for extreme conditions.

Although these slings are beneficial for the lifting and rigging industry, there are a few specifications to know before purchasing them. Continue reading what is wire rope, what are important specifications to look for, and how it’s different from cable rope.

These slings carry different properties that can determine their performance. Wire rope is constructed where a strand consists of two or more wires arranged and twisted in a specific arrangement. The individual strands are then laid in a helical pattern around the core of the rope. Once the wires are formed, they all come together to create greater strength and flexibility.

These slings work well for lifting, hoisting, towing, or anchoring loads. They’re manufactured in a variety of configurations, with 6×19 and 6×36 being the most common. When you see 6×19 or 6×36 from our website, these numbers represent the number of wires making up the strand and the number of strands wrapped around the core.

For example, a 6×19 indicates that there are 19 wires making up a strand, and 6 strands wrapping around the core. To learn more about our 6×19 wire ropes, look into our bestselling 1/2″ Galvanized Wire Rope EIPS IWRC, 1/2″ Stainless Steel Wire Rope IWRC T304, and 1/2″ Bright Wire Rope EIPS FC.

The configurations will offer different benefits for certain applications. In general, a smaller number of large outer wires offers better wear and corrosion resistance, while a larger number of small wires provides a better level of flexibility and fatigue resistance. Continue reading to learn which wire rope fits your job.

There are different versions of wire rope slings, ranging from single leg to 4 legs, as well as braided wire rope and domestic wire rope slings (manufactured in the U.S. with Crosby® hardware). When looking at the types of slings we offer at US Cargo Control, be sure to consider how much versatility and capability you need.

For example, a braided wire rope has increased flexibility and friction to grip loads over a regular wire rope. Adding an additional leg to the sling can add additional versatility and strength.

This is the measurement of the rope’s diameter and can be displayed in inches or millimeters. These sizes commonly display different strand patterns where the number of layers, wires per layer, and size of the wires per layer all affect the strand pattern. Wire rope can be constructed using one of the following patterns below or using two or more patterns.

Warrington – this construction has two layers of wires around a center with one diamter of wire in the inner layer, and two diameteres of wire alternating large and small in the outer layer.

The type of lay refers to the way the wires are laid to form a strand. They’re how the strands are laid around the core which can be regular lay, long lay, or alternate lay.

The wires line up with the axis of the rope. This is where the wires are twisting in one direction, and the strands in the opposite direction create the rope. Regular lay is less likely to untwist and less likely to crush.

This is the opposite of regular lay where the wires form an angle with the axis of the rope. The wires and strands spiral in the same direction and run at a diagonal to the centerline of the rope. Lang lay is more flexible and resistant to abrasion than regular lay wire ropes. The only con is this type of lay will be more likely to twist and crush than the regular lay.

Sometimes known as reverse lay, this type of lay consists of alternating regular lay and long lay strands. This unites the best features of both types, and it’s using relatively large outer wires to provide an increase of abrasion resistance.

This refers to the protective coating that’s applied to the wire rope. There are three types of finishes which are galvanized (zinc-coated), stainless steel, and bright (unfinished steel).

The grade of the rope means the grade of steel being used. The plow steel strength calculates the strengths of most steel wire ropes. Some classifications include Improved Plow Steel (IPS), Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS), Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS), Galvanized Improved Plowed Steel (GIPS), and Drawn Galvanized Imrpoved Plow Steel (DGEIP).

EIPS is 15% stronger than IPS, and EEIPS is 10% stronger than EIPS. Along with that, GIPS and DGEIP wires can add corrosion resistance to your application, but DGEIP wires have a higher break load than GIPS.

The type of core is what makes up the center of the wire rope. There are three types of core: Fiber Core (FC), Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC), and Wire Strand Core (WSC).

A fiber core can be made of synthetic polypropylene fibers. The fiber cores offer greater elasticity than a steel core, but are more susceptible to crushing. This isn’t recommended for high heat environments.

A steel core can either be an independent wire rope or individual strand. The steel cores can provide adequate support, or in an operating environment where temperatures can exceed very high heat.

Wire and cable ropes are terms that are often interchangeable but do have one varying difference. Wire rope refers to the diameters that are larger than 3/8 inch. Sizes smaller than this are classified as cable rope or even cords. Regardless of the size difference, cable and wire rope are still classified as a “machine.” Even a group of strands laid around a core would still be called a cable or wire rope.

We know the importance of quality when it comes to lifting supplies. We carry a variety of rigging hardware, as well as lifting beams and spreader bars that are designed to lift heavy loads safely and efficiently. If you’re interested in other lifting slings, check the other types of slings we carry like nylon slings and chain slings.

Contact our sales team at US Cargo Control today at 866-444-9990. Our team of product experts is here to answer any questions about rigging hardware, lifting slings, and more.

Industrial wire ropeis used for a multitude of applications. Smaller wire ropes are found on exercise equipment and wire fencing, while ticker rope styles are used for aerospace and aircraft construction and suspension bridge reinforcement. Further, wire ropes are utilized by countless industries, including the military, construction, warehousing, automotive, and engineering.

Singe the application and requirements for wire rope is so varied,industrial wire rope suppliersoffer numerous specifications. Narrowing down through these options can be tricky if you are unsure of the exact requirements your application needs.can impact the use, durability, and strength of the wire ropes, and some types are specifically designed for unique functions.

One of the firstwire rope specificationsto narrow down is the material of the rope itself. While wire rope is generally made from steel, but it may also be made from iron, bronze, copper, and even titanium. Further, there are different types of steel grades and finishes available.

Most steel wire ropes are made from plow steel, which contains .5 to .95 percent carbon. Most wire ropes are available as either IPS (improved plow steel) or EIPS (extra improved plow steel). These improvements are based on the amount of carbon added in. So IPS are10% strongerthan traditional plow steel and EIPS is 10% stronger than IPS.

A steel grade measures the material’s strength and pliability. The higher the grade, the most weight the wire rope can sustain. Each level of grade is about 10% stronger than the next.

The lowest grades for wire rope are mold plow and plow steel. These are often used for hauling and logging, but are not approved for overhead lifting applications.Industrial wire ropesarefrom improved plow steel (IPS) or extra improved plow steel (EIPS).

Stainless steel wire ropes have an additional grading system that uses numbers to measure the amount of chromium added. 302-grade is an extremely tough type of stainless steel that is highly heat-resistant due to its high carbon content. 304 is highly versatile and corrosion resistant as it has chromium and nickel added. Grade 316 is considered theforwire ropesas it has a bit more flexibility with lower carbon content.

The nextwire rope specificationis the construction of the rope, meaning the number of strands woven together to form the rope. The general rule of thumb here is that the fewer strands in a rope, the stiffer it will be. So, when flexibility is necessary, you should opt for a wire rope with a higher strand count.

The number of strands and wires are written out as strand X wire count. A strand is made up of individual wires wrapped together, then each of the strands is woven together to form the rope. So, a 6 X 19 wire rope is made of 6 strands of 19 wires each.

Industrial wire ropes can be made of different patterns and arrangements. This impacts the wire rope’s performance and flexibility, so different patterns may be better suited for certain applications.

Filler Wire – The interior layer is made of uniform strands, then half the number of strands are added in a smaller diameter. The outer layer contains the same amount and size of strands as the inner layer.

Seale – A larger internal code strand is surrounded by two layers of an equal number of strands. One is a smaller diameter while the outermost layer is the same size as the inner core.

Warrington – This rope is made from two alternating diameters which are woven together so the smaller strands fill in the “valleys” between the larger strands.

The performance of a wire rope is the description of the lay or the direction the strands are wrapped in. This subtle difference can actually influence many factors, like the rope’s flexibility and fatigue resistance.

Regular Lay – The wires of the rope align with the axis, so the direction of the strands is opposite to the strand lay. This reinforces the wire rope to protect it from crushing and makes it more resistant to rotation.

Lang Lay – This is the opposite of the Regular Lay, so the wires and strands are going the same direction as the core. This increases the fatigue resistance of the rope and is best for abrasive applications.

Alternate Lay – When both Regular and Lang lays are used, it is known as an Alternate Lay. This is only used for specific applications and is not very common.

Next, you will need to narrow down the finishes for thewire ropes. A bright wire rope has no coating, so the steel is completely exposed. This is only recommended for applications where the rope will not be exposed to moisture or water, as the steel is not rust-proof.

Galvanized steel is coated in a thin layer of molten zinc. This provides a protective barrier for added durability and corrosion resistance. The zinc coating gives the rope a more matte appearance.

Stainless steel is naturally corrosion resistant and has a naturally shiny finish. Stainless steel is also the strongest and most durable, but also the most expensive.

Although wire ropes are incredibly durable, the steel will wear out faster if it is exposed to harsh elements. Constant friction and changing temperatures and humidity in the air can weaken the metal and lead to wires breaking or corroding.

Wire ropes may be lubricated to reduce friction and protect the rope from corrosion. This is optional, but it can be beneficial for certain uses. Wire rope lubricants can be made from minerals or oils and may be either thin and runny or thick and tacky.

If you’re in need of high-quality wire rope and don’t know where to start, your first step is to connect with a reliable supplier. Elite Sales specializes in industrial hardware and carries a wide variety ofindustrial wire ropes. Our experienced team also knows just about everything regardingwire rope specifications– we can help you narrow down your selection.Contact us todayto learn more.

The difference between wire rope and industrial cable is important to understand. Both are renowned for their incredible strength and durability. While smaller cables and wires are used in everything from swing sets and exercise equipment, more robust models are used in suspension bridges and skyscrapers.

While wire ropes and cables are used all the time in today’s world, they have only been around for less than 200 years. Thewas created in Germany by a mining engineer with wrought iron. However, today’s cables and wire ropes are made nearly exclusively from steel.

But this is not the only detail that both wire ropes and industrial cables share. This is often why these pieces of hardware are confused and their terms are used interchangeably. So, what is the difference between wire rope and industrial cable?

As the name implies, a wire rope is constructed similarly to ropes made from fabric like hemp, but in this case, it is made with thin metal strands. These are woven together to form a strong yet flexible material that is used for support, overhead lifting, and securement. Wire ropes are used in industrial applications commonly with cranes, hoists, swivels, shackles, or hooks for attachments.

The demand for durable wire ropes has been steadily increasing since it is extensively used in massive industries like oil and gas, construction, marine fishing, and mining. While COVID-19 slowed down production in 2020 and 2021, the market size isthrough 2026 and will exceed $17.5 billion.

There are various mechanics which attribute to the strength and recommended use of wire ropes. For instance, a wire rope constructed with more strands will be more flexible than one with fewer. The diameter of the wires also contributes to flexibility and strength.

Wire ropes come in bright, galvanized, or stainless-steel finishes. Bright wire ropes may only be used for applications where the rope will not come into contact with moisture, as the material will corrode. Galvanized and stainless-steel ropes are corrosion resistant, and stainless steel is the strongest material available.

Other factors to be aware of when purchasing wire ropes are the core and pattern or lay. Wire ropes may have a fiber, independent wire, or wire strand core to support either flexibility or strength. The lay or direction in which the wires are woven also impacts the rotation resistance.

Although cable shares many of the same properties as wire rope, it is most easily classified based on size. The key difference between industrial cable and wire rope is the diameter of the strands. The smallest diameter of strands for a wire rope is typically 3/8”, while cables can have wires.

Since industrial cable wires are smaller, they are far more flexible and a bit more versatile. Like wire ropes, cables are used in construction, engineering, and machinery. But industrial cable is also commonly used in

Another slight difference between industrial cables and wire ropes. Industrial cable is not offered in a bright finish, only galvanized and stainless steel. This is because the increased flexibility naturally decreases abrasion resistance. Galvanized and stainless steel are better at resisting fatigue and abrasion than bright steel.

Industrial cables do have the same core offerings as wire rope: fiber, independent wire, or wire strand. However, another difference is the strand groupings. Industrial cables are most commonly offered in either 7×7 or 7×19 construction, while wire ropes have far more groupings.

While the differences between industrial cable and wire ropes may appear subtle, it is critical to select the correct hardware depending on the application. Weight load limits are generally the first indication of whether a wire rope or industrial cable will be used. Since wire ropes have a larger wire diameter, they can withstand heavier loads.

The required range of flexibility is also an important factor. For applications such as pulley systems, industrial cables are often recommended. Their construction is more flexible and abrasion-resistant, and it even offers a bit of stretch to combat cable fatigue.

No matter what, safety and overall construction quality need to be of top priority when selecting this type of hardware. If you are unsure of which to use, consult a knowledgeable wire rope and industrial cable wholesaler for assistance.

If you have further questions regarding the construction and use of either wire ropes or industrial cable, you can. We’ve built a reputation as a trustworthy and experienced wire rope and industrial cable supplier – and our team is here to help you out.

We believe that purchasinghigh-quality wire ropes and cable is the best way to ensure its strength and performance. That’s why we only offer the best-rated hardware on the market. Get in touch today to place an order.

Wire rope and cable are each considered a “machine”. The configuration and method of manufacture combined with the proper selection of material when designed for a specific purpose enables a wire rope or cable to transmit forces, motion and energy in some predetermined manner and to some desired end.

Two or more wires concentrically laid around a center wire is called a strand. It may consist of one or more layers. Typically, the number of wires in a strand is 7, 19 or 37. A group of strands laid around a core would be called a cable or wire rope. In terms of product designation, 7 strands with 19 wires in each strand would be a 7×19 cable: 7 strands with 7 wires in each strand would be a 7×7 cable.

Materials Different applications for wire rope present varying demands for strength, abrasion and corrosion resistance. In order to meet these requirements, wire rope is produced in a number of different materials.

Stainless Steel This is used where corrosion is a prime factor and the cost increase warrants its use. The 18% chromium, 8% nickel alloy known as type 302 is the most common grade accepted due to both corrosion resistance and high strength. Other types frequently used in wire rope are 304, 305, 316 and 321, each having its specific advantage over the other. Type 305 is used where non-magnetic properties are required, however, there is a slight loss of strength.

Galvanized Carbon Steel This is used where strength is a prime factor and corrosion resistance is not great enough to require the use of stainless steel. The lower cost is usually a consideration in the selection of galvanized carbon steel. Wires used in these wire ropes are individually coated with a layer of zinc which offers a good measure of protection from corrosive elements.

Cable Construction The greater the number of wires in a strand or cable of a given diameter, the more flexibility it has. A 1×7 or a 1×19 strand, having 7 and 19 wires respectively, is used principally as a fixed member, as a straight linkage, or where flexing is minimal.

Cables designed with 3×7, 7×7 and 7×19 construction provide for increasing degrees of flexibility but decreased abrasion resistance. These designs would be incorporated where continuous flexing is a requirement.

Selecting Wire Rope When selecting a wire rope to give the best service, there are four requirements which should be given consideration. A proper choice is made by correctly estimating the relative importance of these requirements and selecting a rope which has the qualities best suited to withstand the effects of continued use. The rope should possess:Strength sufficient to take care of the maximum load that may be applied, with a proper safety factor.

Strength Wire rope in service is subjected to several kinds of stresses. The stresses most frequently encountered are direct tension, stress due to acceleration, stress due to sudden or shock loads, stress due to bending, and stress resulting from several forces acting at one time. For the most part, these stresses can be converted into terms of simple tension, and a rope of approximately the correct strength can be chosen. As the strength of a wire rope is determined by its, size, grade and construction, these three factors should be considered.

Safety Factors The safety factor is the ratio of the strength of the rope to the working load. A wire rope with a strength of 10,000 pounds and a total working load of 2,000 pounds would be operating with a safety factor of five.

It is not possible to set safety factors for the various types of wire rope using equipment, as this factor can vary with conditions on individual units of equipment.

The proper safety factor depends not only on the loads applied, but also on the speed of operation, shock load applied, the type of fittings used for securing the rope ends, the acceleration and deceleration, the length of rope, the number, size and location of sheaves and drums, the factors causing abrasion and corrosion and the facilities for inspection.

Fatigue Fatigue failure of the wires in a wire rope is the result of the propagation of small cracks under repeated applications of bending loads. It occurs when ropes operate over comparatively small sheaves or drums. The repeated bending of the individual wires, as the rope bends when passing over the sheaves or drums, and the straightening of the individual wires, as the rope leaves the sheaves or drums, causing fatigue. The effect of fatigue on wires is illustrated by bending a wire repeatedly back and forth until it breaks.

The best means of preventing early fatigue of wire ropes is to use sheaves and drums of adequate size. To increase the resistance to fatigue, a rope of more flexible construction should be used, as increased flexibility is secured through the use of smaller wires.

Abrasive Wear The ability of a wire rope to withstand abrasion is determined by the size, the carbon and manganese content, the heat treatment of the outer wires and the construction of the rope. The larger outer wires of the less flexible constructions are better able to withstand abrasion than the finer outer wires of the more flexible ropes. The higher carbon and manganese content and the heat treatment used in producing wire for the stronger ropes, make the higher grade ropes better able to withstand abrasive wear than the lower grade ropes.

Effects of Bending All wire ropes, except stationary ropes used as guys or supports, are subjected to bending around sheaves or drums. The service obtained from wire ropes is, to a large extent, dependent upon the proper choice and location of the sheaves and drums about which it operates.

A wire rope may be considered a machine in which the individual elements (wires and strands) slide upon each other when the rope is bent. Therefore, as a prerequisite to the satisfactory operation of wire rope over sheaves and drums, the rope must be properly lubricated.

Loss of strength due to bending is caused by the inability of the individual strands and wires to adjust themselves to their changed position when the rope is bent. Tests made by the National Institute of Standards and Technology show that the rope strength decreases in a marked degree as the sheave diameter grows smaller with respect to the diameter of the rope. The loss of strength due to bending wire ropes over the sheaves found in common use will not exceed 6% and will usually be about 4%.

The bending of a wire rope is accompanied by readjustment in the positions of the strands and wires and results in actual bending of the wires. Repetitive flexing of the wires develops bending loads which, even though well within the elastic limit of the wires, set up points of stress concentration.

The fatigue effect of bending appears in the form of small cracks in the wires at these over-stressed foci. These cracks propagate under repeated stress cycles, until the remaining sound metal is inadequate to withstand the bending load. This results in broken wires showing no apparent contraction of cross section.

Experience has established the fact that from the service view-point, a very definite relationship exists between the size of the individual outer wires of a wire rope and the size of the sheave or drum about which it operates. Sheaves and drums smaller than 200 times the diameter of the outer wires will cause permanent set in a heavily loaded rope. Good practice requires the use of sheaves and drums with diameters 800 times the diameter of the outer wires in the rope for heavily loaded fast-moving ropes.

It is impossible to give a definite minimum size of sheave or drum about which a wire rope will operate with satisfactory results, because of the other factors affecting the useful life of the rope. If the loads are light or the speed slow, smaller sheaves and drums can be used without causing early fatigue of the wires than if the loads are heavy or the speed is fast. Reverse bends, where a rope is bent in one direction and then in the opposite direction, cause excessive fatigue and should be avoided whenever possible. When a reverse bend is necessary larger sheaves are required than would be the case if the rope were bent in one direction only.

Stretch of Wire Rope The stretch of a wire rope under load is the result of two components: the structural stretch and the elastic stretch. Structural stretch of wire rope is caused by the lengthening of the rope lay, compression of the core and adjustment of the wires and strands to the load placed upon the wire rope. The elastic stretch is caused by elongation of the wires.

The structural stretch varies with the size of core, the lengths of lays and the construction of the rope. This stretch also varies with the loads imposed and the amount of bending to which the rope is subjected. For estimating this stretch the value of one-half percent, or .005 times the length of the rope under load, gives an approximate figure. If loads are light, one-quarter percent or .0025 times the rope length may be used. With heavy loads, this stretch may approach one percent, or .01 times the rope length.

The elastic stretch of a wire rope is directly proportional to the load and the length of rope under load, and inversely proportional to the metallic area and modulus of elasticity. This applies only to loads that do not exceed the elastic limit of a wire rope. The elastic limit of stainless steel wire rope is approximately 60% of its breaking strength and for galvanized ropes it is approximately 50%.

Preformed Wire Ropes Preformed ropes differ from the standard, or non-preformed ropes, in that the individual wires in the strands and the strands in the rope are preformed, or pre-shaped to their proper shape before they are assembled in the finished rope.

This, in turn, results in preformed wire ropes having the following characteristics:They can be cut without the seizings necessary to retain the rope structure of non-preformed ropes.

They are substantially free from liveliness and twisting tendencies. This makes installation and handling easier, and lessens the likelihood of damage to the rope from kinking or fouling. Preforming permits the more general use of Lang lay and wire core constructions.

Removal of internal stresses increase resistance to fatigue from bending. This results in increased service where ability to withstand bending is the important requirement. It also permits the use of ropes with larger outer wires, when increased wear resistance is desired.

Outer wires will wear thinner before breaking, and broken wire ends will not protrude from the rope to injure worker’s hands, to nick and distort adjacent wires, or to wear sheaves and drums. Because of the fact that broken wire ends do not porcupine, they are not as noticeable as they are in non-preformed ropes. This necessitates the use of greater care when inspecting worn preformed ropes, to determine their true condition.

The term cable is often used interchangeably with wire rope. However. in general. wire rope refers to diameters larger than 3/8". The smaller sizes are designated as Aircraft cable, cables, or cords. Two or more wires concentrically laid around a center wire is called a strand. It may consist of one or more layers. Typically, the number of wires in a strand is 7. I 9. or 37. A group of strands laid around a core would be called a cable or wire rope. For example, 7 strands with 19 wires in each strand would be a 7xl9 cable; 7 strands with 7 wires in each strand would be a 7x7 cable.

The greater the number of wires in a strand or cable of a given diameter. the more flexibility it has. IX7 or a lXl9 strand. having 7 and 19 wires respectively, is used principally as a fixed member. as a straight linkage. or where flexing is minimal. In smaller diameters. strand is often used for fishing lines. and leaders. light guying and lanyards. In the larger diameters. it"s used as guy strand and standard rigging on yachts.

Cables designed with 3x7. 7x7. and 7xl9 construction provide for increasing degrees of flexibility but decreased abrasion resistance. These designs would be incorporated where continuous flexing is a requirement. Typical applications include computer printers. copiers. typewriters. aircraft controls. home appliances. automobiles. farm machinery. X-ray equipment and boats.

Stainless Steel - The primary benefit of stainless steel is superior corrosion resistance. Type 302/304 is the most common alloy used for cables. In addition to Type 302/304. Type 316 is available where extra corrosion resistance is required and Type 305 where specifications call for nonmagnetic properties in cable.

Carbon Steel-Galvanized - Offers high strength and fatigue resistance but may be susceptible to corrosion. This material is normally coated with zinc.

Phosphor Bronze - Often specified for applications where resistance to salt water and atmospheric corrosion are important or where a non-sparking cable is required. This material has about 50% less strength than Type 302/304 stainless steel.

MoneI - A nickel/copper alloy offering slightly higher strength than phosphor bronze. It also offers corrosion resistance in many environments such as salt water. citric juices. pickling solutions or food acids where Type 302/304 stainless steel would deteriorate Improved Plow Steel,

Extra Improved Plow - Normally specified for 6-strand wire rope l6xl9. 6x37). Common applications are found in hoist cable and other types of rigging. Improved plow steel is specified where strength. toughness and wear resistance are required. Extra improved plow provides about 10-15% more strength as well as greater abrasion resistance.

Since 1972, VER Sales has been offering its customers complete line of Stainless Steel and Galvanized Wire Rope & Cable from Commercial grade to Military Specification in wide variety of diameters and Strands. VER Sales also offers coated cable to meet your specific needs. Our quality control manual adheres to MIL-STD-105D specifications as well as MIL-I-45208A inspection systems requirements and MIL-STD-45662 calibration standards. We manufacture cable assemblies using Small Cord to the current MIL-DTL-83420 specifications, as well as cable assemblies using premium grade commercial quality aircraft cable.

What is the difference between Cable and Wire Rope? The difference between Aircraft Cable and Wire Rope has to do with diameter. Cable is a generic terms that refers to the construction of the wire rope which is also called aircraft cable. The Wire Rope is the term for the strands that are wrapped around […]

Wire rope is a complex mechanical device that has many moving parts all working in tandem to help support and move an object or load. In the lifting and rigging industries, wire rope is attached to a crane or hoist and fitted with swivels, shackles or hooks to attach to a load and move it in a controlled matter. It can also be used to lift and lower elevators, or as a means of support for suspension bridges or towers.

Wire rope is a preferred lifting device for many reasons. Its unique design consists of multiple steel wires that form individual strands laid in a helical pattern around a core. This structure provides strength, flexibility, and the ability to handle bending stresses. Different configurations of the material, wire, and strand structure will provide different benefits for the specific lifting application, including:Strength

However, selecting the proper wire rope for your lifting application requires some careful thought. Our goal is to help you understand the components of a wire rope, the construction of wire rope, and the different types of wire rope and what they might be used for. This will allow you to select the best performing and longest-lasting wire rope for the job at hand.

From childhood, many of us have been conditioned to think of a machine as some device with gears, shafts, belts, cams, and assorted whirring parts. Yet, by the rules of physics, an ordinary pry bar is a simple machine, even though it has only one part.

A wire rope is, in reality, a very complicated machine. A typical 6 x 25 rope has 150 wires in its outer strands, all of which move independently and together in a very complicated pattern around the core as the rope bends. Clearances between wires and strands are balanced when a rope is designed so that proper bearing clearances will exist to permit internal movement and adjustment of wires and strands when the rope has to bend. These clearances will vary as bending occurs, but are of the same range as the clearances found in automobile engine bearings.

Understanding and accepting the “machine idea” gives a rope user a greater respect for rope, and enables them to obtain better performance and longer useful life from rope applications. Anyone who uses a rope can use it more efficiently and effectively when they fully understand the machine concept.

Wires are the smallest component of wire rope and they make up the individual strands in the rope. Wires can be made from a variety of metal materials including steel, iron, stainless steel, monel, and bronze. The wires can be manufactured in a variety of grades that relate to the strength, resistance to wear, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and curve of the wire rope.

Strands of wire rope consist of two or more wires arranged and twisted in a specific arrangement. The individual strands are then laid in a helical pattern around the core of the rope.

The core of a wire rope runs through the center of the rope and supports the strands and helps to maintain their relative position under loading and bending stresses. Cores can be made from a number of different materials including natural or synthetic fibers and steel.

Lubrication is applied during the manufacturing process and penetrates all the way to the core. Wire rope lubrication has two primary benefits:Reduces friction as the individual wires and strands move over each other

The number of layers of wires, the number of wires per layer, and the size of the wires per layer all affect the strand pattern type. Wire rope can be constructed using one of the following patterns, or can be constructed using two or more of the patterns below.Single Layer – The most common example is a 7 wire strand with a single-wire center and six wires of the same diameter around it.

Filler Wire – Two layers of uniform-size wire around a center with the inner layer having half the number of wires as the outer layer. Small filler wires, equal to the number in the inner layer, are laid in valleys of the inner wire.

Seale – Two layers of wires around a center with the same number of wires in each layer. All wires in each layer are the same diameter. The large outer wires rest in the valleys between the smaller inner wires.

Warrington – Two layers of wires around a center with one diameter of wire in the inner layer, and two diameters of wire alternating large and small in the outer later. The larger outer-layer wires rest in the valleys, and the smaller ones on the crowns of the inner layer.

On a preformed wire rope, the strands and wires are formed during the manufacturing process to the helical shape that they will take in a finished wire rope.

Preformed rope can be advantageous in certain applications where it needs to spool more uniformly on a drum, needs greater flexibility, or requires more fatigue-resistance when bending.

Direction and type of lay refer to the way the wires are laid to form a strand (either right or left) and how the strands are laid around the core (regular lay, lang lay, or alternate lay).Regular Lay – The wires line up with the axis of the rope. The direction of the wire lay in the strand is opposite to the direction of the strand lay. Regular lay ropes are more resistant to crushing forces, are more naturally rotation-resistant, and also spool better in a drum than lang lay ropes.

Lang Lay– The wires form an angle with the axis of the rope. The wire lay and strand lay around the core in the same direction. Lang Lay ropes have a greater fatigue-resistance and are more resistant to abrasion.

A fiber core can be made of natural or synthetic polypropylene fibers. Fiber cores offer greater elasticity than a steel core but are more susceptible to crushing and not recommended for high heat environments.

A steel core can be an independent wire rope or an individual strand. Steel cores are best suited for applications where a fiber core may not provide adequate support, or in an operating environment where temperatures could exceed 180° F.

The classifications of wire rope provide the total number of strands, as well as a nominal or exact number of wires in each strand. These are general classifications and may or may not reflect the actual construction of the strands. However, all wire ropes of the same size and wire grade in each classification will have the SAME strength and weight ratings and usually the same pricing.

Besides the general classifications of wire rope, there are other types of wire rope that are special construction and designed for special lifting applications.

Some types of wire rope, especially lang lay wire rope, are more susceptible to rotation when under load. Rotation resistant wire rope is designed to resist twisting, spinning, or rotating and can be used in a single line or multi-part system.

Special care must be taken when handling, unreeling, and installing rotation resistant wire rope. Improper handling or spooling can introduce twist into the rope which can cause uncontrolled rotation.

Compacted strand wire rope is manufactured using strands that have been compacted, reducing the outer diameter of the entire strand, by means of passing through a die or rollers. This process occurs prior to closing of the rope.

This process flattens the surface of the outer wires in the strand, but also increases the density of the strand. This results in a smoother outer surface and increases the strength compared to comparable round wire rope (comparing same diameter and classification), while also helping to extend the surface life due to increased wear resistance.

A swaged wire rope differs from a compacted strand wire rope, in that a swaged wire rope’s diameter is compacted, or reduced, by a rotary swager machine after the wire rope has been closed. A swaged wire rope can be manufactured using round or compacted strands.

The advantages of a swaged wire rope are that they are more resistant to wear, have better crushing resistance, and high strength compared to a round strand wire rope of equal diameter and classification. However, a swaged wire rope may have less bending fatigue resistance.

A plastic coating can be applied to the exterior surface of a wire rope to provide protection against abrasion, wear, and other environmental factors that may cause corrosion. However, because you can’t see the individual strands and wires underneath the plastic coating, they can be difficult to inspect.

Plastic filled wire ropes are impregnated with a matrix of plastic where the internal spaces between the strands and wires are filled. Plastic filling helps to improve bending fatigue by reducing the wear internally and externally. Plastic filled wire ropes are used for demanding lifting applications.

This type of wire rope uses an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) that is either filled with plastic or coated in plastic to reduce internal wear and increase bending fatigue life.

Remember, wire rope is a complex piece of mechanical machinery. There are a number of different specifications and properties that can affect the performance and service life of wire rope. Consider the following when specifying the best type of wire rope for your lifting application:Strength

When you select a piece of rope that is resistant to one property, you will most likely have a trade-off that affects another property. For example, a fiber core rope will be more flexible, but may have less crushing resistance. A rope with larger diameter wires will be more abrasion resistant, but will offer less fatigue resistance.

At Mazzella Companies, we offer all different kinds of wire rope from all of the leading manufacturers. We sell the highest-quality domestic and non-domestic rigging products because product quality and operating safety go hand-in-hand. We have one of the largest and most complete inventories of both domestic and non-domestic rigging and lifting products to suit your lifting needs.

If you’re looking for a standard or custom specified wire rope for your lifting project, contact a Lifting Specialist at a Mazzella Companies location near you.

We stock well over 2,000,000 feet of wire rope in our various locations … ready for immediate delivery! We provide wire rope assemblies, and manufacture bridge cables, crane cables, steel mill cables, and thousands of OEM assemblies.

We can also manufacture assemblies with standard or custom end fittings. Special testing and tolerance requirements are also available.In sizes from 1/4″ to 3″ diameter and 9 mm to 52 mm diameter

Similar to regular lay, the right hand vs left hand is merely the way the wire rope closes with the strands in left hand lay rotating counterclockwise and right hand lay rotating clockwise. With lang lay rope, the wires in each strand lie in the same direction as the strands. When looking along a length of lang lay cable, the wires will appear to angle across the rope, following the general flow of the strands. Lang lay cables are more susceptible to pinching and kinking than regular lay, which best suits hoisting applications where the cable only moves along one axis. Lang lay is typically more flexible than regular lay. The third image down on the left is an example of right hand lang lay and the image below is left hand lang lay.

Now that you know about the differences and capabilities of each wire rope lay type, you can feel confident in purchasing the right lay for your wire rope applications! If you would like to check out our wire rope options, visit our website here. Alternatively, our team is happy to help if you have any questions! Reach out to us by email at sales@loosco.com or by phone at (860) 928-7981.

Wire rope is a collection of metal strands that have been twisted and wound to form the shape of a helix with the purpose of supporting and lifting heavy loads and performing tasks that are too rigorous for standard wire. On shipping docks, rigging, and load bearing equipment, wire rope is attached to swivels, shackles, or hooks to lift a load in a controlled, even, and efficient manner.

The uses for wire rope include adding support to suspension bridges, lifting elevators, and serving as additional reinforcement for towers. The design of wire rope, with its multiple strands wrapped around a stable core, provides strength, flexibility, and ease of handling for applications that have bending stress.

Individual designs of wire rope involve different materials, wire, and strand configurations as a means for supporting and assisting in the completion of lifting or supportive applications.

The term wire rope encompasses a wide range of mechanical tools that are made to perform heavy and extreme lifting jobs. Wire rope is a complicated and complex tool with multiple moving parts capable of moving in unison. A 6 by 25 wire rope has 150 outer strands that move as one in an intricate pattern supported by a flexible core.

An essential part of the design of wire rope is the required clearance between the strands to give each stand the freedom to move and adjust when the rope bends. It is this unique feature that differentiates wire rope from solid wire and other forms of cable.

The basic element of wire rope is wire that is used to configure, shape, and form the rope. Typically, steel, stainless steel, and galvanized wires are the first choice with aluminum, nickel alloy, bronze, copper, and titanium being second possibilities. The choice of wire is dependent on the type of work the wire is going to be used to perform with strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance being the major determining factors.

Stainless steel wire rope has all of the basic qualities of galvanized and general wire rope with the added benefits of corrosion and rust resistance; this makes it the ideal choice for harsh and stressful conditions.

Steel wire rope is classified as general purpose wire rope and comes in a wide variety of sizes, diameters, and strengths. It is the most common type of wire rope and is used for several industrial, manufacturing, and construction applications.

Before going further into the discussion of how wire rope is made, it is important to understand the numbers used to describe each type. All wire ropes have a core around which wires are wound. The various styles of cores vary according to the construction and design of the requirements of the wire rope that is being produced.

Wire rope is classified by the number of strands it has as well as the number of wires in each strand. The most common classification is a seven wire rope that has one strand in the center and six around its circumference. This type of wire rope is lightweight with a very simple construction. The majority of wire ropes are more complex and intricate with multiple intertwining strands and wires.

What must be understood about wire rope is that it has a complicated configuration. It is actually wires wrapped around wires to form bundles that are wrapped around other bundles. In the case of a seven wire wire rope, the core has bundles of wires wound around it; this can be seen in the image below.

The first step in wire rope creation is the production of wire strands where wires are wound around a single core wire. The number of wires included in the strand is dependent on the specified strength, flexibility, and size requirements of the rope. Once the strand is completed, it is straightened before being moved to wire rope construction.

Like wire ropes, strands have different patterns; patterns are the arrangements of the wires and their diameters. Though most strands have a core, there are strand patterns that have three or four wires without a core that are referred to as centerless strands. The design of each strand pattern is meant to enhance the strength of the wire rope and improve its performance.

For a multiple layer strand, the layers of wire are placed over one another in successive order. The placement of the wires on top of each other must be such that they fit smoothly and evenly.

The Warrington pattern is like the multiple layer pattern with one variation. Like the multiple layer pattern, the inner wires and the core are the same and have the same diameter. The difference is in the outer layer, which has wires of alternating sizes of large and small with larger diameter wires laying in the valleys of the inner wires.

All of the wires of a filler pattern are the same size. What makes this pattern unique is the insertion of small wires in the valleys of the inner wires to fill the gap between the inner and outer layer.

The flattened strand pattern is also known as the triangular strand, which can be triangular or oval. Three round wires form the core. The outer flattened surface has a greater sectional metallic area; this makes this pattern stronger and longer lasting.

The core of a wire rope runs through the center of the rope and can be composed of a variety of materials, which include synthetic fibers, natural fibers, a single strand, or another wire rope. The core supports the wound strands, helps maintain their position, is an effective lubricant carrier, and provides support.

Wire ropes with fiber cores are restricted to light loads and are not used in severe, harsh, or stressful conditions. Polypropylene and nylon are types of synthetic fiber cores and can be used in conditions where there is exposure to chemicals.

Cores made of wire are classified as independent wire cores. The core of a wire rope with a wire core is actually a wire rope with another wire rope serving as the core, as can be seen in the diagram below. These types of wire ropes are used where the rope will be exposed to exceptional resistance and crushing.

A strand, or wire strand core, is exactly like the rest of the strands of the wire rope with wires of the same diameter and size as the other strands.

The choice of core and creation of the strands are the simplest yet most essential parts of wire rope construction. Wire rope lays, the method used to wind the strands, is more complex and involves several choices.

Lay is a term used to describe three of the main characteristics of wire rope: direction, relationship, and linear distance. The strands can be wrapped around the core going right or left. Right or left refers to the direction of the strands wrapped around the core and the wires within the strands. The linear distance is how far a strand moves when it is making a revolution around the core.

In a regular lay, the wires and strands spiral in opposite directions. With a right hand regular lay, the wires spiral to the left and the strands to the right. In the left hand regular lay, the wires spiral to the right and the strands to the left. This type of lay is easy to handle but wears out quickly because the crown wires are in contact with the bearing surface.

In the Lang, or Albert, lay, the wires and strands spiral in the same direction with right hand lay being the most common. The wires in a Lang lay appear to run parallel to the center line of the rope. The difficulty with Lang lay wire ropes is handling since they tend to kink, twist, and crush.

Wire rope is an exceptionally strong tool that has been configured and designed to withstand the stress placed upon it through rigorous and continual use. In most applications, wire rope has to endure extreme stress and strain. It is for these reasons that coatings have been developed to protect wire rope from abrasions, corrosion, UV rays, and harmful and damaging chemicals.

Three main types of coatings are used to protect wire rope: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and nylon. Of the three types, PVC is the most popular.

PVC is popular because it is multifunctional, extremely flexible, and general purpose as well as low cost. It has an operating temperature between -30° F (-35° C) and 180° F (80° C) with a hardness of 90 on the durometer.

In cases where there are severe and hazardous working conditions, polypropylene is the recommended choice since it is capable of protecting wire rope against corrosion and chemical leaching. Additionally, it is resistant to impact damage and abrasion. Polypropylene is a tough, rigid, and crystalline thermoplastic that is made from a propene monomer and is resilient as well as inexpensive.

Nylon is exceptionally abrasion resistant, which makes it ideal for use in cold environments. It is not as flexible as PVC but has excellent protection against corrosion and impact. It has excellent chemical resistance at temperatures between -65° F (-54° C) and 230° F (110° C) and is available in a wide assortment of colors, or it can be transparent.

Braided wires are electrical conductors made up of small wires that are braided together to form a round tubular braid. The braiding and configuration of braided wire makes them very sturdy such that they do not break when flexed or bent. Braided wires are widely used as conductors, are commonly made from copper due to copper"s exceptional conductivity, and can be bare or coated depending on the application.

Braided wire can be round and tubular or flat. Round tubular braids fit in most spaces where flat braided wire will not. Flat braided wire begins as round braided wire which is flattened on a capstan. They are exceptionally strong and designed for medical and aircraft applications.

Metals used to make wire rope are various grades of stainless steel, bright steel, and galvanized steel. Though the majority of wire rope manufacturers use these three metals, other metals such as copper, aluminum, bronze, and monel are also used on a limited basis.

The most important aspect of wire rope is the wire and the metal from which it is made. The strength and resilience of wire rope is highly dependent on the quality of metal used to make it, and these are essential factors to be considered when purchasing it.

Bright steel wire does not have a coating and is rotation resistant, (designed to not rotate when lifting a load). It is drawn from hot rolled rods that are put through a die to match its specific dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, and finish. Bright wire is used as a single line in conditions that require a rope that will resist cabling.

Galvanized steel has a zinc coating for corrosion resistance and has the same strength and durability as bright steel. Environmental conditions determine the use of galvanized steel. In mildly severe and slightly harsh conditions, galvanized steel wire is an economical replacement for stainless steel.

In the manufacturing process, galvanized wire goes through the process of galvanization, a method of coating steel wire with a protective and rust resistant metal. Galvanized wire is exceptionally strong, rust resistant, and flexible enough to meet the needs of a variety of applications.

Stainless steel does not have the same strength and endurance as bright steel or galvanized steel but has the many benefits commonly associated with stainless steel, such as resistance to stains, wear, rust, and corrosion. More expensive than the other two metals, stainless steel has the added benefit of lasting longer and providing exceptional performance.

Wire rope made from copper is mostly used for electrical applications due to its exceptional electrical characteristics. The benefits of copper wire rope are its durability, flexibility, and resilience compared to standard copper wire. The strength of copper wire rope is seen in its use in applications where there are vibrations and shaking.

The wire rope lubrication process begins during its fabrication and continues during its use. Lubrication of wire rope is designed to lower the amount of friction it endures and provide corrosion protection. Continued lubrication increases the lifespan of wire rope by preventing it from drying up, rusting, and breaking.

The types of lubricants for wire rope are penetrating or coating with coatings covering and sealing the outside of the rope. Penetrating lubricants go deep into the rope and seep into the core where they evaporate to form a thick coating or film.

The application of the lubricant is dependent on the type of core. Fiber cores absorb the lubricant and serve as a reservoir that retains the lubricant for an extended period of time. With metal cores, the lubricant is applied as the wire is twisted into strands to give complete saturation and coverage of the wires.

Petrolatum compounds are translucent and provide excellent corrosion and water resistance. They tend to drip off at high temperatures but keep their consistency in cold conditions. Petrolatum is a mixture of hydrocarbons from the distillation of petroleum that belong to the methane family