Despite being one of the most overlooked aspects of modern engineering, wire rope keeps the modern world functioning! Wire rope keeps large loads suspended and allows efficient mobility and distribution of loads from construction equipment, lifts, etc. and helps to move construction materials, office equipment, and appliances around, etc., all of which we depend on every day. Knowing the fundamentals of wire rope as an end-user, at home on a construction project, or in the office, and as a business supplier, can save you loads of time, money, and headache.
Typical applications around the house
Many homeowners don’t consider wire rope for their DIY projects around their house, but they might be surprised. For example, wire rope is a great material to use for garden structures like pergolas, trellises, and shade sails as it is both strong and visually discreet. For this reason, a 3mm or 4mm stainless steel rope is ideal for supporting climbing plants as it becomes virtually invisible from a distance.
Another example of everyday applications around the home are garage doors. Garages have a smooth and reliable opening mechanism thanks to wire rope that is balanced and runs through a pulley system. However, these cables eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If they are not, the garage door becomes increasingly difficult to open and can be dangerous to operate.
In residential areas, wire rope is also used for securing boats to moorings, supporting heavy mirrors or artwork, and creating balustrades on decks. The main thing to consider for these applications is to ensure the rope matches the requirements of the job. If you are the one doing the installation, a safety margin is recommended.
Commercial and Industrial Applications
When it comes to commercial applications, wire rope is of the utmost importance. Cranes, hoists, and other lifting devices rely on wire rope due to its ability to take on extreme amounts of weight, and it can handle this weight and pull it repetitively, repeatedly, without failure. Construction sites can be seen with tower cranes that lift and pull tons of concrete and steel hundreds of feet in the air.
Mining operations are the most extreme and rigorous for wire rope. Shaft hoists that are designed to pull people and materials from the ground underneath the earth’s surface are specifically designed with wire rope to meet safety requirements for the wire rope. When safety requirements are in place, the wire rope must be replaced, even if it is in fully functional order, as schedules dictate that wire rope is replaced long before any failure is seen.
The maritime industry is one of the most widely used. This industry revolves around maritime wire rope, especially in towing, mooring, and cargo handling. Ships must be able to withstand salt water, constant exposure to the sun, and repetitive flexing as the ship moves up and down in the waves.
Selecting the Right One
Wire rope comes in configurations that are tailored to specific tasks. Each configuration is unique. For example, the configuration could be 8×19, meaning it contains 8 strands and approximately 19 wires running down its length.
More wires mean more flexibility, but also more wear. A 6×19 rope can cover most general purposes, but for 6×36 performance is better if bending is required around smaller pulleys.
Maintenance and Safety Considerations
Getting to know and understand when it is time to replace wire rope is important because it does not last forever. Regular inspections should be to look for broken wires, kinks, excessive wear, or areas where the rope has been flattened. A good rule is to replace it if you can see six broken wires.
Proper lubrication increases longevity of service life. Quality wire rope comes with factory lubrication to protect internal wires from damage because of friction and corrosion. During operation, lubrication is necessary to enhance performance, especially in dry and abrasive environments.