Understanding wire rope specifications

Wire Rope Specifications

Wire rope, though a seemingly small and simple piece of equipment, is actually a little more complex than meets the eye. While this complexity is what gives it such a wide range of benefits and that has seen it taken up by dozens of industries around the world, it is by no means the same as standard rope. Below we have laid out a short guide to explain more on wire rope specifications.

How is wire rope made?

Understanding how this equipment is actually made is the first step towards understanding any relevant wire rope specifications. Although wire rope is one piece of equipment, you can essentially view it as lots of little pieces of equipment making up the final piece. The manufacturing process is conducted in stages. It starts with hundreds of small metal filaments which are twisted and braided together to create inner wires. Next, these wires are then braided and twisted together to create strands. Finally, these strands are twisted around a strong inner core, which creates the final piece of equipment. There are many things to consider with this equipment Why is this important? The different strands and different wires will tell us everything that we need to know about wire rope. When purchasing this piece of equipment, you will see two numbers supplied alongside it. For example, 7 x 19 or 6 x 36. The first number relates to how many strands are in that particular piece, and the second number how many wires. So for a 6 x 36, your rope is comprised of 6 strands, each with 36 wires within. Therefore, the total number of wires in the piece will be 216.

Lays

Wire rope will also come in different lays; that is, the way in which the wires are laid around the internal core. This is done to create varying end results, for example it may make them non-rotating or offer a higher breaking strength. The different lays are:

Right regular lay

The wires are laid to the left, while the strands are laid to the right

Left regular lay

The opposite to the above, where the wires are laid to the right, and the strands to the left

Right lang lay

Here, both the wires and the strands are laid in the same direction, going to the right

Left lang lay

And, as you may have guessed, this is the opposite to the above. Both the wires and strands are laid to the left

Reverse lay

Here, some wires are laid to the left, while some in another strand will go to the right. The direction will alternate from one strand to another

Get in contact with us

We are sure that you have plenty more questions regarding this equipment, given its popular nature! If you want more information on some of its uses or applications, please read our extensive guide Wire Rope Uses Across Different Industries and Sectors. If you have another question about this product, or something else that we stock, then please get in contact with us here.