single layer wire rope price
While some use these two terms interchangeably, technically wire rope refers to a diameter greater than 3/8”. Cable rope - also called aircraft cable - applies to all smaller variations.
Consequently, aircraft cable is only used for lighter-duty purposes, such as winch lines, fences, and railings, while wire rope can be using for lifting, towing, hoisting, etc. Both are ideal for outdoor environments because the strength and length remain constant regardless of whether they are wet or dry.
If you are looking for an option specifically designed for lifting, check out our wire rope slings. They come in a number of configurations - choices include leg count, end hardware, and more.
Generally composed of wires, strands, and a core shaped in a spiral pattern, wire rope is incredibly durable. Steel wires are aligned in a precise helix geometric pattern to form a strand in a process known as "stranding." A "closing" comes next, where the strands are laid around the core to form a wire rope.
The greater the diameter, the greater the break strength. Our selection of 1/8" stainless steel cable has a break strength of less than 2,000 lbs., while our 2-1/2" wire rope has a break strength of more than 600,000 lbs.!
Right hand and left hand designations indicate which way the strands wrap around the core of the steel rope, while regular lay and Lang lay designations specify which way the wires that make up the strand 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 wrapped around the wire rope core.
Our wire rope lay is right hand regular lay, with strands wrapped around the core to the right, and the wires making up the strand turned and rotated to the left.
Independent wire rope cores (IWRC) are made from steel, offer more support to the outer strands, and have a higher resistance to crushing. IWRC also offer more resistance to heat and increase the strength of the rope.
This refers to how many strands make up the rope and how many wires make up one strand. For instance, a 6x26 wire rope has 6 strands around a core with 26 wires making up each strand.
All wires consist of layer(s) arranged in a specific pattern around a center. Pattern designation is affected by the size of the wires, the number of layers, and the wires per layer. Wires can utilize either a single pattern style or a combination of them, known as a combined pattern:
Warrington - Two layers of wires. The outer layer has two diameters of wire (alternating between large and small), while the inner layer has one diameter.
Although wire rope is extremely strong, it can become damaged with improper use, making it unsafe to use. It"s important to have regular inspections for breaks, corrosion, overuse wear, and kinks.
Our rigging supplies category includes hardware and accessories for cranes, dredging, excavating, hoists & winches, logging, and marine uses. If you"re unsure what you need or have questions, call for help from our product specialists with expertise in wire rope/cable rigging supplies.
19x7 wire rope is recommended for hoisting unguided loads with a single-part line. The rotation-resistant properties of this rope are superior to those of the 8x19 class wire ropes, and 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.
Galvanized wire rope (steel) features a compressed zinc coating for providing excellent corrosion resistance. With a higher break strength, yet lower price than stainless steel wire rope, galvanized steel wire rope is widely used in general engineering applications such as winches and security ropes.
The bright class of industrial wire rope is produced without a surface treatment—making the rope less likely to untwist or kink while giving it a stronger crush resistance than lay ropes. Generally, they are fully lubricated to protect the rope from rust and corrosion. Also available in USA-made.
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.
SFP 19 is recommended for both multipart load and single-part fast line applications where rotational stability of the lifted load is needed, such as for use as a long fall on offshore pedestal cranes, rough and all terrain cranes, and crawler cranes. SFP 19 provides:
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.
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.
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. Wire rope comes in a variety of strand patterns including single layer, filler wire, seale, warrington, and combination. Wire rope strands can be laid around the core in different configurations including regular lay wire rope, lang lay wire rope, and alternate lay wire rope. There also many types of grades of wire rope, including: improved plow steel (IPS), extra improved plow steel (EIPS), and extra extra improved plow steel (EEIPS). Some types of wire rope is preferred over others due to the unique properties, including: rotation resistant wire rope, compacted strand wire rope, swaged wire rope, plastic coated wire rope, plastic impregnated (PI) wire rope.
TEUFELBERGER high performance steel wire ropes are being used for various tasks on cranes around the world. In order to keep their quality at the highest level, a team of experts has been working continuously on upgrading existing and developing new products. In these endeavors, we work together closely with our renowned customers so as to find the perfect solution for their high demands.
Our range of services encompasses rope assembly, splicing, exchanging ropes, and even providing customized training. For these purposes, our service teams are deployed to many countries of the globe.
soLITE® by TEUFELBERGER, the first-ever fiber rope featuring a steel wire rope construction, impresses its users by providing 10% more in loading capacity and 80% less in weight than its steel counterparts. Developed together with the crane specialists at LIEBHERR, it has already taken the place of steel wire ropes in challenging lifting applications.
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.
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.
Wire ropes are several strands of metal wire that are twisted into a helix to form a composite rope, known as a laid rope. Large diameter wire rope consists of several strands of rope laid in what is known as cabling. Wire ropes are complex mechanical devices consisting of several moving parts that work together to help support & move an object or load.
In the lifting & rigging industries, wire rope is attached to a crane or hoist & fitted with a swivel, shackle, or hook to attach to a load and move it into a controlled case. It can also be used for lifting and lowering elevators or as a means of support for suspension bridges or towers. Wire rope is a preferred lifting tool for many reasons.
Its unique design consists of several steel wires that form separate strands placed in a helical pattern around a core. These structures provide strength, flexibility, & the ability to handle bending stresses. In the strictest sense, the term wire rope refers to a diameter larger than 3/8 inch (9.52 mm), with a smaller gauge specified cable or cord.
Initially, iron wires were used, but today the main material used for wire ropes is steel. Wire rope is made from cold-drawn wires to increase strength & durability. It may be noted that as its size decreases, the strength of the wire ropes increases.
The various materials used for wire ropes are iron, cast steel, extra strong cast steel, steel, and alloy steel, in order of increasing strength. For some purposes, wire rope can also be made from copper, bronze, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel. Wire ropes were developed in the 1830s with mining hoist applications.
Wire ropes are used in cranes and elevators for dynamic lifting and lifting and for transmission of mechanical power. It is also used to transmit forces to mechanisms, such as Bowden cables or the control surface of an airplane connected to levers and pedals in the cockpit.
Wire rope is made of threads of metal wire that are braided together to form a helix. Due to its heavy, flexible and tough characteristics, as well as being weather- and corrosion-resistant, it is commonly used in the building and construction, engineering, agriculture, aircraft, and marine industries.
Each wire strand bringing equal pressure to the bundle contributes to its strength and flexibility, making it an ideal material for pulleys. In Australia, wire rope was made of iron; Today, the materials used are mainly steel. Different industries use different types of wire ropes.
This is because the suitability of a specific wire rope for an application depends on the design, size, type of braids, and other characteristics. For example, marine-grade 316 wire rope is suitable for a variety of marine applications and settings.
Stainless steel is the standard alloy used in rope and cable. Its resistance to corrosions is much higher than that of galvanized & coated ropes, although there are no differences in strength. Therefore, it is the preferred material uses in marines and water-based salt industries.
It does not readily react to chemicals from food processing, textiles, and photographic settings. Its high resistance to corrosion, heat & cold, and pulp & paper chemicals makes stainless steel wire rope a much-needed material for manufacturing precision instruments, automobiles, fishing vessels, petrochemical equipment, & other fields.
Galvanized wire ropes are also steel wire materials that have undergone a galvanizing process to increase their corrosion resistance. The finished wire is immersed in a zinc bath to coat the product completely, i.e., it is galvanized.
Zinc is used in this process because cathode protection increases the life expectancy of the wire. Although the coating will degrade over time, it is still resistant to rust, corrosion, and other harsh chemicals. Galvanized wire can be found in the industrial and construction sectors as well as in agricultural and DIY projects.
Stainless steel and galvanized wire can be PVC coated with poly-vinyl-chloride or vinyl. Coated wire rope comes in various colors such as clear, black, white, or any other color that is required in various industries. PVC coated wire is flexible, weather-resistant, and very cost-effective.
Nylon-coated wire, although not as flexible as PVC, is abrasion-resistant and ideal for businesses in extremely cold regions. Wire ropes can be assembled to suit specific applications. If you have a project requiring a specific type of wire rope, send us an inquiry, and we’ll send you a special quote.
The wire is the smallest component of wire rope, and they form the individual strands in the rope. Wire can be made from a variety of metal materials, including steel, iron, stainless steel, Monel, and bronze. Wires can be manufactured in varieties of grades that are related to wire rope strength, wear resistance, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and curve.
These strings symbolize the smallest component of a wire rope and are tied together around a core to form complete wire ropes. The wire themselves can be coated but are usually available in “bright” or uncoated finishes.
Wire rope strings form two or more wires wrapped around an axial member in a geometric pattern or in combination with steel wires and other materials. These individual strands are then placed around the core in a helical pattern. Strands represent the major part that serves as the primary load-bearing unit.
A typical strand can form any number of strands, and the same goes for a rope that can have an ‘n’ number of strands. Wires made from larger diameter wires are more resistant to abrasion, while wires made of smaller diameter wires are more flexible.
The core of a wire rope runs through the center of the rope & supports the wires and helps them maintain their relative position under loading and bending stress. Cores can be made from many different materials, including natural or synthetic fibers and steel. It supports the strands and helps maintain their relative position under loading and bending stress.
Wire ropes are made from the various grades of steel wires with tensile strengths ranging from 1200 to 2400 MPa. The wires are first given special heat treatment & then cold drawn for the high strength and durability of the rope. Steel wire ropes are manufactured by special machines.
First, strands of wire such as 7, 19, or 37 are routed into a single strand, and then several strands, usually 6 or 8, are twisted around the core or center to form a rope. The core may be made of loops of hemp, jute, mica, or soft steel wire.
The core must be continuously saturated with lubricants for the long lives of the core as well as the entire rope. Asbestos or soft wire core is used when a rope is subjected to radiant heat, such as cranes working near furnaces.
However, a wire core reduces the rope’s flexibility, and such ropes are only used where they are subject to high compression, as in the case of multiple layers being injured on a rope drum.
The number of layers of wires, the numbers of wires per layer, & the size of the wire per layer all affect the strand pattern type. Wire ropes can be constructed using any one of the following patterns or can be made using two or more of the pattern below.
The Two-layer of similarly sized wire around a center whose inner layer is half the number of wires as the outer layer. Small fillers wires, equal to the numbers in the inner layer, are placed in the valleys of the inner wire.
Two layers of wires around centers with the same numbers of wires in each layer. All wire in each layer is of the same diameter. The larger outer strings rest in the valleys between the smaller inner strings.
The inner layer consists of two layers of wires around a center with one diameter of the wire, and the latter alternates two diameters of the larger and smaller wire in the outer. The larger wires in the outer layer are placed in the valleys & the smaller ones on the crowns of the inner layer.
On a prefabricated wire rope, the wire and wire are formed during the manufacturing process into the helical shape that they will take into a finished wire rope. Prefabricated rope can be beneficial in some applications where it needs to be spooled more evenly over the drum, more flexibility is required, or greater fatigue resistance is required when bending.
Direction and laying type refer to how the wires are laid to form a strand, either right or left & how the strands are laid around the regular core lay, lang lay, or alternate lay.
The wires are lined up with the axis of the rope. The direction of the wire held in the strand is opposite to the direction in the strand lay. Regular lat ropes are more resistant to crushing forces, are more naturally rotation-resistant, and also have a better spool in the drum than lang lat ropes.
The wires make an angle with the axis of the rope. The wire lay down, and the strand lay around the core in the same direction. Lang le ropes have greater fatigue resistance and are more resistant to abrasion.
A fiber core may be made of natural or synthetic polypropylene fibers. Fiber cores offer greater elasticity than steel cores but are more susceptible to crushing and are not recommended for high heat environments. A steel core can be independent wire ropes or an individual strand.
Steel cores are bests suited for applications where the fiber core cannot provide adequate support or in an operating environment where temperatures may exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on what we have learned above, this wire rope description will provide the following information to the user:
Wire rope classifications provide the total number of wires in each strand, as well as the nominal or an exact number of wires. These are general classifications & may or may not reflect the actual constructions of the strands. However, all wires rope of the same size & wires grade in each classification will have similar strength and weight ratings and generally similar pricing.
Some types of wire rope, particularly lang le wire rope, are more susceptible to rotation under load. Rotation-resistant wire rope is designed to resist twisting, spinning, or twisting and can be used in a single-line or multi-part system. Special care should be taken when handling, unrolling, and installing rotation-resistant wire rope. Improper handling or spooling can introduce a twist in the rope, which can lead to uncontrolled twisting.
Compact Strand Wire Rope is manufactured using strands that have been compacted, by means of passing through a die or rollers, reducing the outside diameter of the entire strand. This process occurs before the rope is closed. This process flattens the surfaces of the outer strands in the strand but also increases the density of the strand.
This resulted in a smoother outer surface and increased strength compared to comparable round wire rope compare similar diameters and assortments while also helping to increase surface life due to increased wear resistance.
A swaged wires rope differs from a compacted strand wires rope in that the diameter of a swaged wire rope is compacted or reduced by a rotary swagger machine after the wire rope is closed. A curved wire rope can be manufactured using rounded or narrower wires.
The advantages of a swaged wires rope are that they are more resistant to wear, has better crushing resistance, and has higher strength than a round strand wire rope of similar diameter and assortment. However, a swaged wire rope may have low bending fatigue resistance.
The plastic coating may be applied to the outer surface of a wire rope to provide protection from abrasion, wear, and other environmental factors that can cause corrosion. However, because you can’t see the individuals strand & wires beneath the plastic coating, they can be difficult to inspect.
Plastic-filled wire ropes are fitted with a plastic matrix where the wires and the internal spaces between the wires are filled. Plastic fillings help improve bending fatigue by reducing wear internally and externally. Plastics-filled wire rope is used for demanding lifting applications.
This type of wires rope uses an independent wires rope core (IWRC) that is either filled with plastics or coated in plastic to reduce internal wear & increase bending fatigue life.
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. Strands made of larger diameter wires are more resistant to abrasion, while strands made of smaller diameter wires are more flexible.
The Three Basic Wire Rope Components · Fiber Core (F.C.), usually polypropylene, sometimes hemp (H.C.) and sisal, Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC), Wire Strand Core (WSC)
The term cable is often used interchangeably with wire rope. However, in general, wire rope refers to diameters larger than 3/8 inch. Sizes smaller than this are designated as cables or cords. Two or more wires concentrically laid around a center wire are called a strand.
The term cable is often used interchangeably with wire rope. However, in general, wire rope refers to diameters larger than 3/8 inch. Sizes smaller than this are designated as cables or cords. Two or more wires concentrically laid around a center wire are called a strand.
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.
Rotation-resistant wire rope refers to a series of steel ropes that minimizes the tendency to spin or rotate under load. These wire ropes boast a special design – the outer layer is twisted in the reverse direction of the inner layers for counteracting torsional forces generated from multi-layers of strands.
The helix or spiral of the wires and strands in a rope is called the lay. Regular lay denotes rope in which the wires are twisted in one direction and the strands in the opposite direction from the rope. The wires appear to run roughly parallel to the center line of the rope.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are several types of greases that are used as wire rope lubricating agents and are made up of oil, a thickener, and additives. The essential components are the base oil and additives, which influence the behavior of the grease. The thickener holds the base oil and additives together. The amount of base oil in a grease is between 70% and 95% with an additive of 10%.
The additive in grease enhances the positive properties of the oil and suppresses the negative properties. Common additives are oxidation and rust inhibitors as well as pressure, wear, and friction reducing agents.
Of the many choices for lubricants, vegetable oil is the easiest to use and penetrates the deepest. The design of the additives for vegetable oils gives them the necessary qualities required to penetrate deep into a wire rope. The exceptional penetration provides protection against wear and corrosion. Since vegetable oil is a fluid, it helps in washing the wire rope to remove external abrasive contaminants.
Wire rope is widely used in machines, structures, and varied lifting applications. Its type, size, and requirements are determined by how it will be used. Regardless of its use, wire rope guarantees exceptional strength and provides high quality and excellent performance.
The lifting of heavy loads for centuries involved the use of hemp rope or chains, neither of which was a guaranteed or substantial method. Early in the 18th Century, between 1824 and 1838, Wilhelm Albert, a German mining engineer, combined the twisting of hemp and strength of chains to create today‘s wire rope.
The most common use of wire rope is as a part of a crane hoist wherein it is attached to the hook of the hoist and wrapped around a grooved drum. The tensile strength and durability of wire rope makes an ideal tool for lifting and keeping loads secure. Though it is used in several industries, it is very popular for production environments wherein materials need to be lifted quickly and efficiently.
In addition to its many lifting applications, the strength and stability of wire rope is useful in other applications, especially in the aerospace industry. Pedals, levers, and connectors in the cockpit of an aircraft are connected with wire rope. The wires provide for the passage of power between systems and mechanisms; this allows control of the aircraft. Wire rope is used to control propeller pitch, cowl flaps, and the throttle. It also assists in lowering and minimizing vibrations.
Tires are reinforced with wire rope to increase their durability and strength. All automotive production environments make use of wire ropes for supplying materials, moving heaving loads, and positioning equipment. Wire rope can be found in the production of steering wheels, cables, exhausts, springs, sunroofs, doors, and seating components.
As surprising as it may seem, the place that wire rope has the greatest use is in the home, where its strength, long life, endurance, and resilience provide guaranteed protection and performance. The main reason wire ropes are so popular for home use is cost.
Inexpensive, easy to obtain, easy to install, and easy to maintain, wire ropes provide an additional method for performing home repairs and structural support. Their excellent flexibility and sturdiness combined with their invisibility has made wire rope an ideal solution to several home maintenance issues. It is used to support staircases, fences, decks, and hang plants.
The search and production of crude oil has relied on wire ropes for centuries to lift drill bits, insert shafts, and support oil rigs on land and the water. When equipment, machinery, and tools have to be lowered into the depths of the earth and sea, wire ropes are the tool that the oil industry relies on to do the job.
Many of the tasks of oil production require tools that are capable of enduring severe and harsh conditions. Wire ropes have to withstand enormous pressure, extraordinary stress, and a wide range of temperatures. The use of wire rope includes maintaining oil rig stability and moorings for offshore rigs.
Wire rope has long been a standard component for the transportation industry, from the cable cars of San Francisco to the lift chairs for ski resorts. For many years, cable cars have relied on heavy duty cables (wire ropes) to be pulled by a central motor from multiple locations. It is a method of transportation that has existed for centuries.
In Europe, funiculars use cables that hang from a support to move cars up and down a mountain with cables moving in opposite directions. The word funicular is from the French word funiculaire, meaning railway by cable. The terms wire rope and cable are used interchangeably when discussed by professionals. The first part of funicular, or funiculaire, is from the Latin word "funis," meaning rope.
The major use for wire ropes in the food and beverage industries is as a means for lifting and moving heavy loads. Wine barrels and containers full of ingredients are lifted and placed through use of cranes and wire ropes. They are also part of conveyor systems that move products from one station to another.
From the beginnings of amusement rides up to the present, wire ropes have been an essential part of attraction construction and safety. They pull cars on roller coasters, hold cabins that swing, and move carriages through haunted houses. The main concern of amusement parks is safety. The strength, stability, and guaranteed performance of wire ropes ensures that people who attend amusement parks will have a good time and stay safe.
The rigging used to complete the stunts in modern movies depends on wire rope for safety. Much like in amusement rides, wire ropes protect performers from injury and harm as they hang above a scene or carry out an impossible move.
The live theater industry uses wire ropes to raise and lower curtains, support overhead rigging, and hold backdrops and scenery pieces. During a production, rapid and efficient movement is a necessity that is facilitated by the use of wire ropes.
Wire rope is a tool that we tend to envision as indestructible, unable to succumb to any form of damage. Though it is exceptionally sturdy and strong as well as capable of enduring constant use, it is just as susceptible to breakdown as any other tool.
To avoid serious harm and damage, wire ropes should be scheduled for regular inspections. There are situations that can damage or break a wire rope; these should be understood prior to the problem arising.
Guide rollers have