Wire rope is our best-selling product. It’s innovative structure, high level of strength, and good resistance to corrosion and the elements has made it one of the most widely used pieces of lifting equipment around the world. It’s used for hundreds of different applications across dozens of industries. It’s regular use means that you need to keep it well lubricated to keep it working at its very best! Below we have explained the best lubrication methods for the lifting medium, as well as its applications.
Preforming wire rope
It is constructed from metal, mostly steel, and it is common for metals to be lubricated in many industries to keep processes flowing smoothly and to prevent friction. Steel rope by
nature is stiff and hard, and this will further cause friction.
Before it is even lubricated, it is important that it is preformed, which helps to keep the strands in place and prevent any wires sticking out, which can cause a safety hazard.
Why does it need to be lubricated?
Once the equipment has been preformed, it’s important that you consistently lubricated to keep it working smoothly. There are two main reasons for keeping the equipment lubricated, one of which we touched upon earlier:
Reducing friction
As steel rubs on steel, there is a natural cause of friction; lubricating helps to reduce this level of friction. Friction can cause heat damage and wear and tear, which could lead to your rope snapping, so it’s important that this is prevented.
Reducing corrosion
Another crucial reason for lubrication is to enhance the level of corrosion resistance that it has. The lifting medium is already designed with a strong level of corrosion in mind, but lubrication further adds to this, increasing its service life.
Lubrication helps to reduce the risk of the equipment being corroded
This is especially important if it is to be working in elements where there may be chemicals or moisture present.
The types of lubrication available
There are two types of lubrication available; penetrating and coating. The former will continue to the inside of the lifting medium, providing internal lubrication too, while the latter is just for the rope's exterior. The type you use will depend on how heavily exposed your equipment will be to corrosion.
Looking for more information?
If you’d like more information on best practices, then you can
contact us here.
