Choosing wire rope material is an important choice
Wire ropes can assist in the moving of an object, loading of an object and in supporting the rigging and lifting industries. Their use can be static (e.g. architectural), or dynamic (e.g. cranes). Wire ropes make it easier to translate motion than gears or levers. They can be used to move one object or the other from one place to another (e.g. elevators). And while wire ropes may not have moving parts wire ropes are actually extremely complex mechanical constructions.
Working of wire ropes: The wire ropes are attached to a crane or hoist, with swivels, shackles or hooks fitted in the end for the loading and movement in a controlled manner. Applications include lifting and lowering elevators and suspension of towers and bridges.
Follow this for a further Comparison of Stainless Steel and Galvanised Steel in general
Components of the wire rope
Wire ropes have a steel or fiber core and may also have lubrication. These are wires made from a metal form a singular strand. These wires make up the individual strands of the rope. The wire ropes can be stainless steel or galvanized wire ropes. The galvanized steel wires can be found as an applicant in the electrical industry (stay wires). There are different strands which are characterized for their resistance to abrasion and breaking load capability.
There are different types of stainless steel wire ropes and galvanized wire ropes. The kind of wire rope chosen depends on the application and complexity of work. Using wire ropes are beneficial as it eases the jobs to be done. The wire ropes have greater durability and strength; manufactured in such a way that the strength of each wire is too strong that one rope is extremely hard for any kind of damage to occur. Wire ropes are not too expensive – worth every penny spend since the workload is reduced with the help of wire ropes.
Stainless Steel Wire Rope
Stainless steel is made by adding chromium to molten steel and resists rust and resists damage due to water (even salt water). Stainless steel is the best element for marine environments (due to its properties). Since stainless steel is an alloy of iron along with a very small percentage of chromium (10.5%), the surface of the steel has a thin layer of oxide.
This layer is known as the passive layer. With the help of this layer, corrosion on the surface is prevented. Stainless steel also contains carbon, silicon, nickel, molybdenum, and manganese in various concentrations. Since stainless steel has many elements in it, it has various useful properties, which includes increased corrosion resistance and enhanced formability.
Stainless steel wire ropes are highly resistant to the corrosion in salt water (higher resistant than the galvanized wire ropes) and are perfect for marine applications. One of the most attractive and striking features of stainless steel is that it stays the same over years; the appearance of stainless steel does not dull or fade away and gives the shining look in the longer run. Due to the lustrous property of stainless steel, it is used for architectural purposes and modern display (railings, handrails, cable balustrades, architectural cables, etc.
Key Features and applications of stainless steel wire ropes
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Excellent breaking load qualities
- Non-magnetic; naval and aeronautical fields
- Marine applications (rigging, sewage treatments, mast stay, and steering cable)
- Low stretch
- High decorative appearance
- Control cable, slings, davit ropes (general applications)
- Architectural applications (balustrades, decking, a guardrail)
Galvanized Steel Wire Rope
The galvanized wires are dipped in molten zinc for attaining a thick layer of zinc coating- forming the galvanized steel wire ropes. The wires are drawn for the reduction in diameter and increase in the tensile strength. The thick outer coating of zinc gives the wire strong protection against corrosion.
The galvanized wire ropes are strong and flexible and offer a great ability in handling bend stresses. The other major properties of galvanized steel wire ropes include crushing resistance, abstraction resistance, rotation resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability. The outer layer of zinc resists corrosion and thus, the galvanized steel is commonly used in screws, nails, nuts, bolts and other fasteners. The galvanized steel wire ropes prevent the damage caused due to water exposure but cannot resist the occurrences of salty water as the stainless steel wire ropes.
Galvanized wire ropes are cheaper than the stainless steel wire ropes and have higher breaking strength when compared to stainless steel wire ropes. Galvanized wire ropes are also excellent corrosion resistant with great fatigue strength. Though the galvanized wire ropes have less wear than other ropes, the galvanized property of the rope reduces friction (lubricant). The galvanized steel wire ropes make it easier for the inspection of corrosion damage and remain ductile in the longer run.
The protective, rust preventing outer coating of the wires makes it capable to stand through any weather and climate. The durability and strength of the wires are helpful in supporting wall projections, paintings, etc. The binding of construction materials with galvanized wire ropes are ideal for the construction of homes and corporates. Fences with galvanized steel wires are a blessing for the homes as it prevents both animals and humans from trespassing.
Other applications of galvanized wire ropes also include Winch ropes, security cable, engineering application, catenary wire rope, garage door cable, etc.
Key Features and applications of galvanised steel wire ropes
- Excellent compression and abrasion resistance
- Superior non-work-hardening qualities
- Magnetic for use in trace wire applications
- Support applications (rigging, catenary wire, guide cable)
- Lower shear strength of cutting
- Lower cost at every comparable MBS point
- Control cable, slings, davit ropes (general applications) in commercial rigging
- Industrial applications (guardrails, stress members)