Coated and Uncoated Wire Rope can present a dilemma. Unsure about which of these is appropriate for your application? Read on and find out. Surprisingly, uncoated wire rope may not outlast any coated wire rope. Coated wire rope typically has a petrochemical coating or jacket which enhances the rope’s resistance to both corrosion and wear-and-tear. It also provides a soft protective shield for stainless steel and galvanized wire ropes. Do you have particular questions about your application? Just contact us for assistance.
Usage Scenarios
PVC is a softer, quieter coating that can be removed from the core wire rope. When swaging or attaching fittings onto coated wire rope, remove the wire rope coating before applying the fittings. This accomplishes two important things – it avoids slipping and it maximizes the strength of the joint.
Coated Wire Colors
Coated wires can appear invisible or non-existent from a reasonable distance, making it popular choice for rigging and suspension applications in many industries.
Stock Colors
Most Suppliers have coated wire rope in a variety of colors (some being opaque, and others translucent) but the most popular being white, black, and clear. Perhaps due to practical aesthetics, neutral colors blend more easily into the background.
Custom Colors
Low Cost Wire has gone a step further. We can supply Stainless Steel wire (7×7 or 7×19 or 1×19) in extremely specific opaque colors – as specified by a Pantone Hex Code. There is a minimum order of 1000M, but you can now have coated wire rope in the EXACT color to match your corporate colors, your logo, or the anything else you fancy. If we can specify a Pantone Hex Code – we can supply your wire. Lead time is approximately 6 weeks. Contact us for more details.
When to use PVC Coated Wire
By Application
PVC coated wire is used in a wide range of applications. Both are best suited if you require a protective layer for
- shielding goods,
- running quietly over a pulley or
- where protection from abrasive injury is required for animals or humans
Plastic coated wire is best for a variety of aquaculture, farming, agriculture, animal husbandry, public stadiums, and zoos. Nylon coated wire is ideal for pulley applications that require silent operation.
By Industry
- Transport industry uses coated wire rope in slings and strops for unloading cargo.
- Mining operations use red coated wires to highlight safety concerns.
- Theatre productions utilize coated wires for pulling up or lowering down props, and for rigging theatre lighting.
- The event hire industry use coated wire for rigging marquees and stages
- In construction sites and similar height safety and restraint applications, coated wire is used for lanyards restraint cables