Synthetic flat lifting slings are manufactured with high-strength, high tenacity synthetic polyester yarn. These Durable and specially woven 100% polyester slings with standard folded eyes incorporate ‘wear’ padding to provide maximum protection around the eyes. They are widely used across global and local industries and governed by Australian Standards like AS 13531. There almost universal use arises because they provide an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and easily conform to the shape of irregular or fragile loads without scratching them. Each Flat Sling is proof tested, individually serial number, tagged and complete with test certificates.
Core Construction & Design
- Folded Eye Configuration: Flat Lifting Slings are built from a length high tenacity strand of material (synthetic yarn) with padded soft eyes on each end. This construction paradigm excels at providing wear resistant physical eyes.
- Two-Part Design: Flat Lifting Sling features include reinforced loops at each end to connect easily to crane hooks and shackles. Construction is completed with high-tenacity fibers (typically polyester, though high-performance HMPE like Dyneema can be used for extreme capacities).
- Load Bearing Protection: Flat Slings have a flat, wide surface that acts like a soft cushion during a lift. Think of it like carrying a heavy box using a wide, padded strap instead of a thin, sharp rope.
- High Safety Factor: The Flat Slings for sale are designed with a mandatory 7:1 design safety factor under Australian lifting guidelines. A 7X safety factor means that aflat synthetic lifting sling has a breaking point is seven times its stated and certified Working Load Limit (WLL)).
Performance Characteristics
- Excellent Flexibility: The highly pliable characteristic of flat lifting slings allows the core fibers to flatten and spread out across the load surface which provides a broader support base and lessens the tendency to slip.
- Low Elongation: Typically made of polyester or HMPE, flat synthetic slings exhibit minimal stretch under load. This characteristic prevents “load bounce” and ensures precision positioning in tight headroom settings.
- Padded Wear Points: The fixed eye loop with wear padding allows users to maximize the resistance over time to the hook and pick points. This ensures durability and significantly extends the lifespan of the sling.
- Lightweight Efficiency: Flat Synthetic Lifting Slings weigh up to 90% less than equivalent-rated chain or wire rope slings. This substantially decreases rigger fatigue and the risk of manual handling injuries.
Standardized Color Coding (WLL)
To ensure immediate safety verification on job sites, synthetic slings are internationally color-coded by their vertical Working Load Limit (WLL). Reliable rigging suppliers provide a certified product that follows the standard capacities:
🟣 Purple: 1 Tonne
🟢 Green: 2 Tonnes
🟡 Yellow: 3 Tonnes
🟤 Brown: 6 Tonnes
🔵 Blue: 8 Tonnes
🟠 Orange: 10+ Tonnes
Limitations & Weaknesses
- Hidden Damage: Because the core is completely hidden by any protective sleeve, undetected internal damage may be present. Internal fiber breakdowns from shock-loading or severe chemical exposure can be difficult to spot visually. Riggers must meticulously feel the sling for internal lumps or core bunching.
- Sensitivity to Abrasion: While resilient against smooth objects, the flat synthetic lifting slings can easily melt, shear, or tear if pulled over sharp corners or rough, hot metal edges without proper protective corner pads.
- Chemical Vulnerabilities: All Synthetic lifting slings a highly resistant to moisture, rot, and most acids, but standard polyester round slings degrade rapidly when exposed to alkaline-based chemicals. As mentioned above, the same vulnerability applies to extreme heat.
Options and Advice
If you are evaluating options for an upcoming lift and you can provide:
- the estimated (static) mass/weight of your load,
- the type, configuration, and format of material you are hoisting, and
- your physical/geographical rigging environment.
Low Cost Wire can help you determine the safest configuration.