Wire ropes are solid and dependable, but that is only the case when suitable ropes are used for the job: and are used correctly. The number of options between rope types, sizes, and materials can be overwhelming. Each component of how wire ropes are constructed directly affects several integral characteristics for lifting. By knowing these four essential factors, picking proper wire ropes becomes a lot easier.
Before picking wire ropes, you should know the answers to the four below questions:
What Fatigue Resistance Do I Need?
A wire that is frequently bending and flexing needs a reliable fatigue resistance. Higher resistance levels are found in ropes with tiny wires that help enhance bending performance. For even higher levels of fatigue resistance, ropes should have many outer wires. Although fatigue resistance is high in wire ropes with many small wires, it lacks crush resistance.
How Heavy Are Lifted Loads?
Regardless of the wire rope used, it must always have the strength required to manage lifted loads. All wire ropes have a maximum load that the manufacturer designates.
How Flexible Should My Wire Ropes Be?
Flexibility is essential because it directly affects the performance of what is being lifted. The amount of flexibility needed is broken down into a numeric value referred to as a minimum factor. Although those changes depend on specifics, many services have a standard minimum factor. Ski lifts wire ropes under 3,000 feet in length have a minimum factor of 5, but when that number exceeds 3,000 feet, the minimum factor drops to 4.5.
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