The two main types of steel cable are galvanised or stainless.
Galvanised cable is hot dipped in zinc to give it
a protective coating, although its effectiveness is not as good as
stainless steel.
Galvanised wire rope offer plenty of benefits, especially for industrial applications. With strength, flexibility and resistance to corrosion, these wires withstand harsh weather conditions and constant use. Another big win is that they provide excellent value for money, yet they can be used with pulleys and winches, elevating safety and performance.
Stainless steel cable is produced with a different
mix of chemicals and contains at least 10.5% of Chromium and usually
nickel. It is the Chromium content which gives the protection from
oxidation/rust. There are different types of stainless steel and are
assigned specific AISI numbers to identify them. Typically AISI or
SAE followed by 3 or 4 numbers which denotes the composition. The
majority of our stainless ropes are AISI 316.
Stainless steel wire rope can be more expensive than galvanised but provides superior corrosion resistance. It's used extensively in marine, offshore engineering and chemical processing, where regular exposure to salt water and other corrosive elements is a big concern. Stainless steel rope is also more aesthetically pleasing than galvanised, making it the preferred choice for architectural purposes.
Non-rotating wire is another popular rope although relates to its construction rather than
the material. It is explicitly designed for applications where the cable must be taut without any spin, twist or kinks. This type of wire is most commonly used in lifting and construction operations, as it's engineered to provide the highest levels of stability and strength, even under heavy loads.
Plastic-coated rope may be relatively new, but it has become increasingly popular (think washing lines). A strong core of galvanised or stainless steel with a special protective outer layer, delivering a long lifespan while providing additional protection from environmental elements such as UV rays and saltwater. The extra layer of protection makes it an excellent choice for applications in which the cable is exposed to potential wear and tear.
Stainless Steel Wire Rope
Stainless steel rope is used in different tasks and areas to galvanized rope, this is because of its differing properties. Due to the fact that stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing to the eye it is popular for home interior projects like balustrade on stairs, hanging shelves or other decorative features. As stainless is very corrosion resistant its outdoor use is endless, perfect for highlighting garden areas or as decking balustrades.
Stainless steel is a steel alloy made from many elements. It is different from standard steel because of the chemical compounds it contains, specifically Chromium and Carbon. The Chromium mass must be a minimum of 10.5% and carbon no more than 1.2% to be stainless steel.
One of the main advantages is its corrosion resistance which increases as the chromium content is raised, or Molybdenum is added. This means it will not succumb to uniform corrosion and rust so can be used for applications where the rope may get wet, such as in marine environments. Indeed, our ropes are graded AISI 316 so they can be used in marine environments. They also comply with EN12385 and EN10264.
This type of rope also resists staining so the aesthetics of the rope will not change, making it an attractive choice for many interior design projects for things such as barriers and balustrades in public areas such as shopping malls and public attractions.
Finally, it is easy to clean and sterilize which is why it is abundant in the food industry such as high-end kitchens, food production plants and cooking materials.
At Rope Services Direct, our range is second to none and we can supply you with stainless steel wire rope. If you would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01384 78004.
We also supply to the water treatment industries where it is constantly utilised in wet conditions. The marine and aviation sectors also these ropes for many tasks. More commercially these ropes are used in architecture and as safety barriers in public areas.
Our range of Steel Cables
Also available within our rope range are:
· Galvanised
· Plastic coated
· Compacted
· Anti-spin / Non-rotating
· Winch Rope
· Trailer rope for lorries and trucks
· Security cable
· Theatre cable for the entertainment industry
· Catenary cable to hold power cables out of the way
· Forestry ropes for the arborist
· Cable socks for guiding wires
· Gym rope
· Balustrade Wire
· Garage door cables
Custom Steel Cable Assemblies
As mentioned above we have our own workshop where we have the right machinery and experienced riggers to make custom steel cable assemblies. Rope set ups can be produced to your exact specifications from rope type, size, length, working load limit and end terminations.
For example you may need a 2 metre cable of 5mm diameter with a thimble loop at one end and a simple fuse and taper at the other. Perhaps you need a 2mm cable with a loop at each end or even a cable with a socket and rigging screw. The choice is huge, so whether you need a 2mm or a 32mm diameter rope, socket, turnbuckle, thimble eye, swaged or swageless with added rings or hooks we can help. There are a number of other fittings also available which help to fit your ropes. For instance, eye base plates, eye bolts, shackles, rope grips and snap hooks. Our choice of cable comes in many different constructions and your choice can impact its use. Find out more below.
Not sure what you need? No problem! Talk to us about your requirements and we will most likely come up with a solution.
Considerations When Choosing Your Steel Ropes
When choosing a cable/rope, it is important to ensure you get the correct one for your purposes.
Things to consider include:
- The breaking strength of the rope
- Corrosion resistance
- Difficulty in flattening or crushing the rope
- Flexibility and suitability for the task
- Average lifespan and frequency of use
- Working conditions
- Rotation needs
- Type of spooling on the drum
- Length of rope
- Finish e.g. galvanised
- Minimum breaking force
- End terminations needed
- Lay and construction type
Rope Construction
Whatever type of rope wire you choose, it is important to be aware of the properties and construction of it so that you are using the correct rope and also enhances your safety knowledge.
In manufacturing, hundreds of tiny metal filaments are wrapped, twisted and braided together to make the inner wires. These will then turn into strands by twisting together the smaller inner wires / filaments. Twisting strands in various ways around a central core is what makes the rope. It is how they are twisted which gives them their differing properties e.g. non-rotating, low stretch, higher breaking strength. There are also different constructions depending on left and right hand rope lay.
Note: The numbers used when describing a rope denote the number of wires and strands within it. For example, a 6 x 36 rope has 6 strands made of 36 wires. Likewise, a 7 x 19 has 7 strands with 19 wires. Strength and/or flexibility is provided when the strands are twisted around an inner core which can be steel wire or fibre core.
Due to their construction, it’s important to identify any broken wires or strands which could have severe consequences if used without inspection and testing. However, if a few strands break during a specific lift, it is more likely the intact wires and strands will hold the load whilst it is safely lowered – then the rope can be destroyed. It is this property which makes them safer than chains because if a chain link breaks then the load will likely fall.
There are many factors which can affect them, including bad coiling using pulleys and sheaves etc., grooves that are too big or too small, excessive pulling angles or twisting the rope in the opposite way to its ‘lay construction’, dirt ingress and poor lubrication to name but a few.
Diameter
There are many different diameters available. They are commonly found in diameters ranging from 3mm to 76mm. It’s important to choose the right diameter as a 50mm rope would be no use round a pulley with a groove of 10mm.
Usage
One of the most important considerations is how you will use it. This is especially true if it is being used in the lifting industry, where if the rope fails then serious injuries can occur. It is of the upmost important that you examine the rope for signs of wear and if in any doubt, do not use. It is also a good idea to have a regular inspection and testing schedule, carried out by a suitably qualified person so that you know the rope is fit for purpose and safe.
Handling, Storage and Protection
In this section we look at how to safely handle and store it as well as how to prolong the life of it.
Safety
Handling it can impart numerous hazards. From metal splinters when cutting the rope to acute bruising if the rope abruptly recoils so vital safety strategies must be adapted when handling the product.
Personal Protective Equipment suitable for the job must be worn including mandatory safety gloves, overalls and boots. Eye protectors may also be required when cutting.
Cable Unreeling
Damage to the rope is easy to do, especially when unloading reels from a vehicle or unreeling. Throwing a rope from the reel is a big no-no.
The best option is to raise the reel off the floor so it turns without restraint. Some possible ways to do this is to utilize a soft sling through the centre of the reel which can be let down by means of an electric hoist or passing a bar through and resting it over the forks of a forklift truck or jacks could be a possibility, or using a reel turntable. However, if you are using a forklift truck do not place the forks directly onto the reel as misguided forks could damage it.
Before unreeling – make sure the floor space is clear so that the rope can be pulled off the reel in a straight line safely. The rope must always be pulled from the top, not the bottom of the reel and it should be pulled in a straight line which should minimise the danger of bending or kinking the wires, which will permanently damage it and make it unusable.
If it's in a coil rather than a reel, then the only safe way to remove the rope is to carefully roll the coil in a similar way to pushing a child’s loop, again ensuring the surrounding area is clear of debris.
Cable Reeling / Winding
Equally, it can be damaged when it is being reeled back up again after use. You need to keep it wound tightly and wind it the same way the wire has been wound out which will avoid reverse bending of the rope. You should also ensure the wire is wound over the top of the reel to ensure it’s even and to avoid the bottom layers crushing.
Storage
Storing it correctly is just as important as using it correctly as any damage, even tiny damage, can result in a significant impairment in performance.
Storage should be ideally on a rack, stand or pallet and not on the ground. It is also important to store the rope in a clean, cool and dry environment as moisture or condensation can develop amid the wires and begin the decay process rendering the rope unusable – waterproof containers and breathable tarpaulin like bags should ideally be used if the rope is stored outside.
Our rope wires are lubricated during manufacture but further lubrication at frequent intervals should be done, especially if it’s being stored for long periods of time. This will help to shield it from moisture ingress.
To summarise:
- A well ventilated and dry storage area is the best practice.
- Periodically rotate reeled rope to help to prevent the migration of the lubricants within the rope.
- You should not store the rope in areas where the temperature is high, as this can affect its performance.
- You should try to keep the rope elevated, off the floor to allow good air circulation. Reduce the risk of the rope becoming contaminated with dirt, dust and other particles that may affect it.
- A-frames or cradles can be used for storing reels.
- Ropes that are in storage should be inspected from time to time, and re-lubricated if necessary.
- Check new ropes before being placed in storage.
Storing rope should be done in such a way that it will not be at risk from any accidental damage. Either whilst in storage or whilst removing the rope from the storage area.
Overall, always remember manufacturers guidelines and instructions should be followed at all times to keep safe and prolong the life of the rope. If you are unsure if your rope is fit for purpose, always get it inspected and load tested which ought to be done regularly anyway.
Whatever your wire rope or webbing requirements are, we
are ready to help. Contact us today for up to date prices and lead
times.