Why Wire Rope Matters More Than You Think
Take a stroll around any building site, any cargo terminal, or any industrial complex, and you will see it everywhere. You will not, however, necessarily notice it. This is because it is one of those ubiquitous items that, like the air we breathe, goes unnoticed. It is one of the unsung heroes that holds our modern world together, literally. Yet, despite its importance to many industries, it is surprisingly not well understood by the people who need it the most. So, what do you do when you are tasked with the job of selecting the best wire rope for the first time? You will soon discover that the number of varieties is overwhelming. So, what is the best way to go about it? Well, the good news is that you do not have to be a genius to figure it out. You do not even have to be good at math. You simply need to understand what you want to achieve. So, what makes wire rope so special?
What Makes Wire Rope Special?
Wire rope is, at its heart, very simple. It is made up of metal wires twisted together to form strands, which are then twisted around a central core. This simplicity, however, belies the complexity of its uses. Wire rope is special because it is flexible. It can bend around pulleys, it can wind onto drums, it can stretch, it can flex, but it can still carry huge weights. This is why it powered the Industrial Revolution, why it is the very heart of the suspension bridge, why it is the very heart of the tower crane. It is the very best material that we have, the one that can do the very best job that any material can do. The Real-World Applications
Mining operations depend upon wire rope to hoist mining gear and people from great depths that would make most people shudder. Marine vessels use wire rope for mooring, towing, and anchors in conditions that would destroy most other materials. The entertainment world uses wire rope to suspend lighting rigs and scenery above packed theatres, trusting their lives to its strength. Your local car park probably uses wire rope in its parking lot barriers too. Oil rigs, forestry gear, weights at your health club, zip lines, and many other uses round out the range. The problem is, different wire rope constructions are required for different uses. So, how do you know which to use?
Breaking Down the Choices
The wire rope construction varies greatly depending upon its intended use. A 6x19 wire rope construction, where there are six strands each containing 19 wires, is great for flexibility. It is often used in general lifting purposes. However, a 6x36 wire rope construction is even more flexible and therefore better suited to conditions involving multiple bends or small drum diameters. The core can also vary. Fibre cores offer maximum flexibility and are lighter. Steel cores offer better resistance to crushing and better performance in high-temperature conditions. Neither is better; they are simply different. Material selection is also important. Galvanized steel rope is great for resistance to corrosion and can be used in most outdoor conditions. Stainless steel rope is more expensive but excels in marine conditions or food processing plants. Specialised wire rope can even include titanium wire rope or other specialty materials.
The Safety Factor Nobody Mentions
Something else that might surprise first-time buyers is that the working load of wire rope is usually only a fraction of its breaking strength. This is not a flaw in the construction of the wire rope; rather, it is a safety factor to account for all the variables that affect the wire rope.
Of course, this is second nature to a professional rigger, but to a newcomer to the field of wire rope, this point should be stressed. Cutting corners when buying wire rope and continuing to use worn-out wire rope past its service life is not only foolish; it could be disastrous.
Getting It Right First Time
So, you ask, the best way to go about finding the right wire rope? The answer to this question is quite simple: speak to people who have used wire rope within your industry. They will be able to offer you information that you cannot gain from any supplier.
Think about your environment, too. Are you going to be exposed to chemicals? Are you going to be exposed to extreme temperatures? Are you going to be bent many times? These all play a role in the wire rope you should be choosing.
Maintenance is another factor to consider when choosing your wire rope. If you plan on regularly inspecting and maintaining your wire rope, you will be able to increase the service life of your wire rope considerably.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, wire rope has come a long way since the early days of industry and has been perfected in the last century and a half of use. Today's wire ropes benefit from technology and construction methods that our forebears could only dream of.
Despite this, the fundamental principle of wire rope remains the same; a series of wires twisted together to achieve something that a single wire could never accomplish on its own.
The perfect wire rope for your needs is out there; you simply need to think about the actual conditions you will be placing on your wire rope to get the job done.
