Steel wire rope

What is steel wire rope?

Steel wire rope, sometimes also called steel wire or steel cable, is available in many variations – from very thin ropes with diameters of just a few millimeters to giant grommet wire slings with diameters up to 200 mm. It is made of steel, an alloy primarily composed of iron and carbon.

A steel wire rope consists of many thinner steel wires, which are wound together to form a strand. Several strands are then wound around a central core (also called a heart) to form the finished wire rope. The core can consist of steel, plastic, or fiber, depending on the requirements for flexibility, strength, and environmental conditions.
 

Core designations:

• FC (Fiber Core)
  o Used when the steel wire rope is built around a fiber core
  o Often preferred for use at high temperatures
  o Suitable under hard impacts
  o Suitable for high working speeds
  o Performs well under hard compression on drums
• WSC (Wire Strand Core)
  o Used when the rope has a steel core consisting of a single steel strand
• IWRC (Independent Wire Rope Core)
  o Used when the rope has a steel core consisting of a separate wire rope
   

Where is steel cable used?

Steel cable is used for heavy lifting in industries such as the lifting and transport industry, for lifting and lashing systems, in cranes and elevators, as bridge cables, and in the offshore sector due to its great strength and durability.

They are used in construction for fixtures, building support, and attaching cables and rods to concrete structures.

Steel cable is also used in agriculture for fences, plant trellises, and greenhouses as support structures.

Artists use steel cable and thinner cable for sculptures, jewelry making and other craft projects where both strength and a clean, industrial look are desired.
 

Types of steel wire rope

Steel wire ropes are available in a myriad of constructions, each with its own unique properties. It is therefore important to choose the right one for the intended application. Correct rope selection maximizes the life of the steel wire rope. We offer steel cables in the following categories:
  

• Standard steel wire rope
• Crane wire rope
• Non-rotating steel wire rope
• Elevator wire rope
• Stainless steel wire rope
   

Steel wire rope maintenance

It is important to keep your steel wire ropes clean and well-maintained. This ensures optimal function, maintains their strength and extends their service life. Remove dirt, dust and other contaminants with a brush, blower or cleaning agents suitable for use on steel surfaces. Then apply a suitable lubricant – it reduces friction and protects against corrosion.

Steel wire ropes can suffer many types of damage, leading to discarding if they are not properly maintained and used.
  

ROPETEX – our own steel wire rope brand

The ropes in this range were developed by Axel Johnson International’s Lifting Solutions Group, of which we are a part. This means we have access to a large, shared central warehouse of ROPETEX steel wire rope, so we can deliver it to you at short notice. ROPETEX steel cables complement our top brands and are therefore a cost-effective alternative to our other high quality brands.