![]() Cable Sling is wire rope that consists of several strandslaid (or 'twisted') together like a helix. Each strand is likewise made of metal wires laid together like a helix. Initially wrought iron wires were used, but today steel is the main material used for wire ropes.Historically wire rope evolved from
steel chains which had a record of mechanical failure. While flaws in
chain links or solid steel bars can lead to catastrophic failure, flaws
in the wires making up a steel cable are less critical as the other
wires easily take up the load. Friction between the individual wires and
strands, as a consequence of their twist, further compensates for any
flaws.
HISTORY Modern wire rope was invented by the German mining engineer Wilhelm Albert in the years between 1831 and 1834 for use in mining in the Harz Mountains in Clausthal, Lower Saxony, Germany. It was quickly accepted because it proved superior to ropes made of hemp or to metal chains, such as had been used before. Wilhelm Albert's first ropes consisted of wires twisted about a hemp rope core, six such strands then being twisted around another hemp rope core in alternating directions for extra stability. Earlier forms of wire rope had been made by covering a bundle of wires with hemp.
Manufacturing a wire rope is similar to making one from natural fibers. The individual wires are first twisted into a strand, then six or so such strands again twisted around a core. This core may consist of steel, but also of natural fibers such as sisal, manila, henequen, jute, or hemp. This is used to cushion off stress forces when bending the rope. This flexibility is particularly vital in ropes used in machinery such as cranes or elevators as well as ropes used in transportation modes such as cable cars, cable railways, funiculars and aerial lifts. It is not quite so essential in suspension bridges and similar uses. ire rope is often sold with vinyl and nylon coatings. This increases weather resistance and overall durability, however it can lead to weak joints if the coating is not removed correctly underneath joints and connections.
![]() The specification of a wire rope type – including the number of wires per strand, the number of strands, and the lay of the rope – is documented using a commonly accepted coding system, consisting of a number of abbreviations. Example. 6x19 FC RH OL FSWR
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