For Hoist Lines, Slings and Wire Rope Inspections Call PWR Located in Surrey

However your company utilizes wire rope, it is always subject to wear and tear. Improper handling or incorrect usage will also affect its overall performance and effectiveness. Whatever the application, you can’t afford to be uncertain about its condition, suitability, or timeline for replacement. When in doubt, contact the team at Pacific Wire Rope Ltd. We understand the nuances involved in selecting the specific type of wire that will serve you best. Located in Surrey, we serve customers from Pemberton to Hope.

You can learn more about wire rope here. At PWR, our product range and services include:

Cut and reel lengths 1/16" to 2" diameter from stock
Wire rope assemblies from 1/16" to 2" diameter from stock (larger diameter wire rope and assemblies available)
On-site hand splicing and socketing
Inspection, destructive and non-destructive testing of wire and assemblies

Construction

Wire rope consists of three main components; the core, wire, and strands.

The core is in the center. There are a variety of cores available; natural fibre, synthetic fibre, stranded wire, and an independent wire rope core.

The wires are helically laid around an axis consisting of a wire or fibre center producing a symmetrical section known as the strand.

The strand is helically laid around the core creating the wire rope.

CROSS SECTIONS

Wire Rope Identification

Construction Identification

To correctly identify the construction of a wire rope the following information must be known:

Number of wires making up the strands
Number of strands making up the wire rope
Type of core used
The direction the strands and wires in the strands are laid to make up the wire rope ("lay")
Type of lubrication in the core and the strands
Type and grade of wire used in manufacturing the wire rope
Type of wire rope finish

Types of Wire Rope Cores

FIBRE: FC - fibre core, PP - poly propylene core, fibre - hemp or poly core, HC - hemp core
WIRE: WSC - wire strand core, IWRC - independent wire rope core

Wire Rope Lays

The most common wire rope used is right regular lay (RRL). However, there are many equipment applications where right lang lay (RLL) or left lang lay (LLL) are required. The use of left regular lay (LRL) is minimal, and alternate lay (right alternate lay - RAL, left alternate lay - LAL) wire ropes are used in special applications only.

Right Hand Regular Lay (RRL)

The strands are laid in a clockwise direction around the core, and the wires in the strand are laid in a counter-clockwise direction.

Left Hand Regular Lay (LRL)

The strands are laid in a counterclockwise direction around the core, and the wires in the strand are laid in a clockwise direction.

Right Hand Lang Lay (RLL)

The strands are laid in a clockwise direction around the core, and the wires in the strands are laid in a clockwise direction.

Left Hand Lang Lay (LLL)

The strands are laid in a counter-clockwise direction around the core, and the wires in the strand are laid in a counter-clockwise direction.

Right and Left Hand Alternate Lay

The strands are laid in a clockwise direction for right hand alternate lay and in a counter-clockwise direction for left hand alternate lay. The wire in the strands for both RAL and LAL are laid in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction in alternating strands.

Wire Rope Finishes

Ungalvanized - referred to as bright or black wire
Galvanized - drawn galvanized - maintains the same breaking strength as bright wire (KIS wire products)
Dipped Galvanized - breaking strength is approximately 10% less than bright wire

Common Grades of Wire used in Wire Rope Construction

IPS - improved plow steel - not as strong as EIPS but well suited where wire rope goes over sheaves and for running lines
EIPS - extra improved plow steel - also referred to as XIP or high strain
SS - stainless steel - type 304 or type 316

Wire Rope Lube

Wire rope is lubricated during the manufacturing process in a variety of ways dependent upon the application. One type of lubrication can be used for the core and another type used on the strand wires. This creates a large variety of lubrication combinations, optimizing the selection of lube for different applications.

A Lube: Yellowish in color "standard lube" is used for wire rope and assemblies that are handled frequently - chokers, slings etc. It is usually a petro-chem lube, slightly tacky to touch.
B Lube: A heavy black lube used for wire rope and assemblies used in marine applications, fishing, towlines and bridles. It is a black asphaltum lube comprised of approximately 60% petroleum and 40% asphalt, and is tacky to touch.
C Lube: An extra heavy lube, used predominantly on wire ropes for the marine industry.
Dry Lube: A very light transparent lube, used primarily for protection against corrosion during transit and storage. It is petro-chem based and not tacky to touch.