Steel-wire ropes are among the components subjected to the heaviest loads in conveyor and lifting technologies. The load is distributed to a lot of individual wires, leading to immaculate operation at high rate and high operating security. Attributes include an efficient relationship between innate weight and splitting strength, not to mention economic advantages and movement. Except for corrosion as a result of atmospheric conditions and use during operation, cable ropes are not susceptible to any substantial reduction of strength. In addition, their maintenance is simple and also their operational status is easy to track. However, the right choice is not a simple decision: the diversity of applications and operating conditions requires careful specification.
You will require cables that are extremely strong to support all your heavy duty tasks such as hoisting, towing, lifting, and also anchoring loads. The best cables have strong fabrications and are excellent in heat resistance and abrasion resistance so you can use them even in high temperatures and extreme conditions. Additionally, you need cables that have pliable designs, and that can conform to the shape and weight of different loads for more secure applications.
Some of the most commonly used cables for hoisting and lifting applications include:
- Chain
- Wire ropes
Chain
Chain cables are easier to move compared to wire cables. Therefore, they are more flexible, and you can use them if you have enough room to switch positions when carrying loads. The capacity of chain cables varies but usually, has a smaller range than wire ropes. This means that chain is suitable for lesser loads and where weight isn’t much of a concern mostly between 1/8 of a ton to five tons. Chains are used in small factories at workstations where lifting is necessary.
Wire Rope Cables
Although wire ropes are more expensive compared to chain, they are an important part of many machines and are often more permanent compared to chain. Therefore, they are used in stationary equipment. Unlike chain, steel wire rope is often used to lift heavier loads typically between 2 tons and 30 tons. This means that if you have high weight capacity, you will most likely require using a wire rope.
Wire ropes are also suitable for use for longer working hours, or when you want to handle different loads within a short time. These cables are strong and can be used in intense environments when taking harsh weather conditions or extreme heat into account.
Wire ropes are manufactured in different conformations, with 6×19 and 6×36 being the most common. These numbers represent the number of wires that make up a single strand and the number of strands that are wrapped around a single core. For instance, a 6×36 wire rope indicates that it has 36 wires in one strand, and the six strands are enfolded around the core.
Although training may be required when switching, especially if your workers are familiar with only one system, switching from chain to wire will enable your workers to handle heavier and larger loads in future which means that they will complete tasks much faster.
To find out more about steel wire ropes and the different applications they can be used for, speak with one of our consultants here or check out more about the products here
