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This article takes an in depth look at Wire Rope.
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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.
Cable and wire rope are two distinct materials used in various applications, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. Cable typically refers to a flexible, single-stranded or multi-stranded assembly of wires, often encased in an outer sheath for protection. It is commonly used for electrical connections, such as power transmission and data transfer, where flexibility and conductivity are essential.
Wire rope is a robust and more rigid structure, comprising multiple strands of steel wires twisted together to form a strong, durable cord. Wire ropes excel in applications that demand exceptional strength and resistance to heavy loads, making them essential in construction, maritime, and industrial settings.
The primary difference between cable and wire rope lies in their construction and intended use. Cable focuses on electrical or electronic transmission, emphasizing flexibility and conductivity, while wire rope prioritizes mechanical strength and durability, suitable for lifting, towing, or securing heavy objects.
Despite their differences, both cable and wire rope play crucial roles in modern technology and industry, reflecting their distinct design features and specialized functions.
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 three basic components of wire rope are the wire, strand, and core, which are wound together to form the rope.
The basic element of wire rope is wire that is used to configure, shape, and form the rope. Typically, steel, stainless steel (*Find Stainless Steel Suppliers), 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.
Galvanized steel is coated with zinc as a protection against corrosion and is an affordable alternative to stainless steel.
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.
All of the wires of a centerless strand are of equal size and are wound together to form a helical shape.
The single layer strand is one step up from the centerless pattern and has a single wire core with multiple wires wound around the circumference.
Each of the wires has the same diameter as the centerless pattern.
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.
In the Seale pattern, smaller diameter wires are wrapped around the core. The outer layer has the same number of wires but with larger diameters.
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 (*Find Polypropylene Suppliers) 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.
Types of lays
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.
An alternate lay is a combination of regular lays and lang lays; this is only used for specialized applications.
The diagram below gives a complete overview of each of the steps found in the manufacture and assembly of wire rope or wire cable.
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 (*Find Wire Braid Manufacturers) 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 of hydrocarbons. It can be used in semi-solid or liquid form and forms a jelly in its semi-solid form.
Asphaltic compounds are a mineral based oil combined with bitumen to create a tacky, high viscosity lubricant with an undiluted viscosity. As a lubricant, asphaltic compounds create an oil film that separates the mating surfaces and are applied as a spray. Once applied, the meshing of surfaces causes the solvent to flash; this leaves a viscous coating of lubricant.
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.
Greases used for wire rope are a soft semifluid and create a coat that partially penetrates the rope when applied with a pressure lubricator.
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.
Since its beginnings, wire rope has undergone fantastic changes leading to the many varieties found in industrial use today.
The most common use of wire rope is as a part of a crane hoist (*Discover Hoist Crane Manufacturers) 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 (*Discover Conveyor System Manufacturers) 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. These strong steel cables, made of several smaller strands, are used to suspend actors in the air, create exciting car chases, or perform thrilling aerial maneuvers. They are tough and can handle heavy loads, making stunts safe and reliable. Experts carefully calculate how tight the cables should be and at what angles to ensure the safety of performers. These cables are hidden from the audience and help make dangerous scenes look real.
The live theater industry uses wire ropes to raise and lower curtains, support overhead rigging, and hold backdrops and scenery pieces. Wire rope plays a vital role in live theater, providing strong and safe support for various performances. It helps lift actors, scenery, and equipment smoothly and securely. Whether it's for aerial stunts or set changes, wire rope ensures everything goes smoothly. Its durability and flexibility allow creative directors to be more adventurous in their productions, while also keeping everyone safe. In live theater, wire rope quietly plays a crucial role in making the stage performances magical and safe.
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 the potential to damage and cause abrasions on wire rope if they become rough and uneven. Of the various elements of a crane and lift, guide rollers have the greatest contact with the mechanism‘s wire rope. Regular inspection of guide rollers will ensure they are not damaging the rope or causing abrasions.
Bending is normally a regular part of wire rope usage; this occurs repetitively as the rope passes through a sheave. As a wire rope traverses the sheave, it is continually bent and develops cracks or breaks. The cracking and breaking are exacerbated by movement on and off the groove of the drum. Normally, the breakage happens on the surface and is visible. Once it appears, it accelerates to the core of the rope.
A birdcage break is a term used to describe a particular pattern of wire rope damage or breakage that resembles the shape of a birdcage or a mesh-like structure. This type of breakage is typically characterized by wires unraveling or spreading out from the main body of the rope, creating a cage-like appearance.
This break is a significant concern in industries where wire ropes are used for lifting, rigging, and other critical applications. It can compromise the structural integrity of the rope and pose a safety hazard.
Localized wear is part of the contact with the sheave and is difficult to detect unless the rope is closely inspected. This wear can result from various factors, including friction, abrasion, corrosion, or other forms of mechanical stress. Localized wear is a concern because it can weaken the wire rope and potentially lead to failure if not detected and addressed in a timely manner.
Regular inspections, maintenance, and proper lubrication can help identify and mitigate localized wear issues. If significant localized wear is detected, it may be necessary to replace the affected section of the wire rope to ensure safe operation.
Drum crushing, also known as drum compression or drum bulging, can occur in wire ropes when they are wound or spooled onto a drum or reel. This happens primarily in applications where wire ropes are subjected to a high level of tension and are wound onto a drum with a smaller diameter than the minimum recommended bending diameter for the rope. Drum crushing can cause damage to the wire rope and potentially compromise its strength and integrity.
Wire ropes are multi-layered; this makes them flexible and torque balanced. The layering inside and outside creates flexibility and wear resistance. Relative motion between the wires causes wear over time, which leads to internal breakage. The detection of these breaks can be indicated by an electromagnetic inspection that calculates the diameter of the rope.
These kinks can occur when a wire rope is subjected to excessive twisting, bending, or torque forces beyond its design limits. Kinking can also happen if the wire rope is improperly handled, coiled, or spooled.
Kinks in a wire rope are a significant concern because they can weaken the rope and reduce its load-bearing capacity. The sharp bends in the wire can create stress concentrations, making the rope more susceptible to breaking or failing under load. Kinked wire ropes are also more prone to abrasion and wear, as the kinks can rub against each other or against other surfaces.
Regular inspections should be conducted to identify any signs of kinking or other damage, and damaged wire ropes should be replaced promptly to maintain safety.
Corrosion damage is the most difficult cause of wire rope damage to identify, which makes it the most dangerous. It is a persistent and detrimental issue encountered in various industries, particularly maritime and construction. It occurs when metal wires composing the rope react with environmental factors, such as moisture, saltwater, or chemicals, leading to the gradual degradation of the material. Over time, this process weakens the wire rope, reducing its load-bearing capacity and compromising safety.
Rust and pitting are common visual indicators of corrosion, making routine inspection and maintenance crucial. Preventive measures like galvanization, protective coatings, and proper storage are employed to mitigate corrosion's impact, ensuring the longevity and reliability of wire ropes in critical applications.
The types of damage and problems listed here are only a small portion of the problems that can be caused if a wire rope is not regularly lubricated and inspected. Various regulatory agencies require that wire ropes be inspected weekly or monthly and provide a list of factors to examine.
As with any type of heavy duty equipment, wire rope is required to adhere to a set of regulations or standards that monitor and control its use for safety and quality reasons. The two organizations that provide guidelines for wire rope use are the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
ASME is a professional association that provides guidelines to promote the engineering profession. OSHA is a government agency whose purpose is to protect workers and ensure their safety.
All wire rope manufacturers and users closely follow the standards and guidelines established by OSHA and ASME. In the majority of cases, they will identify the specific standards they are following in regard to their products.
OSHA‘s regulations regarding wire rope fall under sections 1910, 1915, and 1926, with the majority of the stipulations listed in 1926 under material handling, storage, use, and disposal.
Covered in 1926 are:
Guidelines for wire rope inspection are stipulated in section B30.30 Ropes Standard.
ASME 30-1.8.1 (b) states Frequent Inspections
"Running rope in service shall be visually inspected daily, unless a qualified person determines it should be performed more frequently. The visual inspection shall consist of observation of all rope that can reasonably be expected to be in use during the day‘s operations. The inspector should focus on discovering gross damage that may be an immediate hazard."
In regard to ASME guidelines under B30.30, inspectors should look for:
ASME 30-1.8.1 (c) states Periodic Inspections
"The inspection frequency shall be based on such factors as rope life on the particular installation or similar installations, severity of environment, percentage of capacity lifts, frequency rates of operation, and exposure to shock loads. Inspections need not be at equal calendar intervals and should be more frequent as the rope approaches the end of its useful life. Close visual inspection of the entire rope length shall be made to evaluate inspection and removal criteria."
In regard to ASME guidelines under B30.30, inspectors should look for:
Repetitive Wear Sections
Known Wear Areas Based on Previous Experience with the Machine Being Inspected
Locations Where Rope Vibrations are Damped
ASTM A1023 covers the requirements for steel wire ropes with specifications for various grades and constructions from ¼ in. (6 mm) to 31/2 in. (89 mm) manufactured from uncoated or metallic coated wire. Included are cord products from 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) to 3/8 in. (10 mm) made from metallic coated wire.
ASTM A1023 covers:
United States Federal Spec RR W 410 covers wire ropes and wire seizing strands but does not include all types, classes, constructions, and sizes of wire rope and strands that are available. The purpose of Spec RR W 410 is to cover more common types, classes, constructions, and sizes suitable for federal government use.
Wire rope and wire seizing strand covered by United States Federal Spec RR W 410 are intended for use in general hauling, hoisting, lifting, transporting, well drilling, in passenger and freight elevators, and for marine mooring, towing, trawling, and similar work, none of which are for use with aircraft.
API 9A lists the minimum standards required for use of wire rope for the petroleum and natural gas industries. The types of applications include tubing lines, rod hanger lines, sand lines, cable-tool drilling and clean out lines, cable tool casing lines, rotary drilling lines, winch lines, horse head pumping unit lines, torpedo lines, mast-raising lines, guideline tensioner lines, riser tensioner lines, and mooring and anchor lines. Well serving wire ropes such as lifting slings and well measuring are also included in API 9A.
Further specifications for wire rope are available from the Wire Rope Technical Board and Associated Wire Rope Fabricators.
Wire rope is used by both private and public sector organisations that engage in construction, rigging, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, marine, mining, military, natural resources, chemicals, manufacturing, warehousing and rail activities.
Available in various constructions, sizes and finishes, wire rope is a versatile material that can be used to (among other things) lift, hoist, separate, position, secure, remove, repair, readjust, support and brace items in a safe and effective manner.
Wire rope was initially designed to assist in the mining industry. Removing minerals from the earth required heavy duty cables that could be sent towards the core of the earth and extract deposits for fuel, manufacturing, construction and fashion purposes. Nowadays, wire rope serves an important role across many industries because of its features and properties.
Wire rope can be fabricated to minimise torsion, withstand high temperatures, carry very heavy loads, be suspended in water or chemicals for long periods of time, suffer continuous vibrations or ad hoc shocks and much more. The diverse application of wire rope makes it an ideal choice in various commercial and industrial operations.
We stock a wide range of wire rope to suit your exact needs and requirements. Instead of making a decision from a limited selection of wire rope, we stock all kinds so that you do not settle for anything less. We stock stainless steel wire rope 0.30mm-20mm, galvanized wire rope 1.6mm-48mm and PVC & nylon coated wire rope in various diameter at competitive prices to suit your specific needs. Our wire ropes and stainless steel cables are sourced from reliable suppliers and are tested to comply with the relevant Australian standards.
To help you understand more about how wire rope is used across various industries, here is a summary of common applications in the top 5 industries.
Construction is one industry that continues to use wire rope extensively. Whether that be during construction of a building, the lifts that operate in a building, window cleaning equipment, supporting utility equipment, operating doors, securing shafts, bracing, anchoring, restraining and many more, wire rope is a common construction material.
Each application has its own requirements. For example, wire rope that is used to suspend lift cars and the external window cleaning and maintenance equipment must be able to withstand heavy loads and also not twist under stress.
The lifting industry comprises cranes and hoists, both mobile and fixed. You will see these lifting apparatuses at warehouses, ports, construction sites, infrastructure build sites, and other venues that require heavy and/or bulky loads to be lifted, positioned and moved.
The wire rope for these applications need to be designed to suit the exact requirements of the activity so that they operate effectively while in use. Lifting, positioning and moving heavy items needs to be done safely, so the wire rope needs to be sturdy, resist torsion, not snap, have enough flex and withstand a shock or sudden impact.
The mining industry was the primary user of wire rope, and continues to be a major contributor to wire rope consumption in Australia. Wire rope would be used in the lift shafts, to extract minerals, provide essential supplies down below the ground to the mining team, install equipment, secure stairwells and in many other applications.
Together with other stainless steel components, wire rope is an essential material to secure, fasten, position and brace equipment used for mining and natural resource activities.
The manufacturing industry uses wire rope in its assembly lines and facilities to manufacture goods for the Australian and overseas economies. Whether the wire rope is fitted in a conveyor belt, hoist, manufacturing equipment or other device, without an easy to install and maintain component the manufacturing industry would not be flourishing today.
Items always need to be moved around and wire rope makes it easy to lift, pull or push items no matter how small or large with precision and without human effort. With automation, wire rope continues to play an important role in operating robotics.
The automotive, aerospace and rail industries continue to use wire rope in various ways. Each application of wire rope has different requirements so that it can function appropriately. While wire rope is common in pedals for cars, trucks, trains and aeroplanes, the latter form of transportation requires heat resistant and corrosion resistant cables due to travel at high altitudes and fast speeds. There are many moving parts in transportation and each mechanical part relies on a system of components which commonly include wire ropes or steel cables.
At Keble’s Trading, we are a wire rope and stainless steel cable supplier who stocks a wide range of wire rope for your review and selection. We are one of the leading suppliers of galvanised, stainless steel and PVC & nylon coated wire rope and cable in Australia. If you would like to enquire about our wire rope or stainless steel cable products, or place an order with us, please contact us on 1800 067 687.
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