Wire Rope Structures

Wire Rope Structures govern flexibility – within a given diameter – and to a much lesser degree the MBS (Minimum Breaking Strain) MBL (Minimum Breaking Load) interpreted as Safe Working Load or “Breaking Strain” of the wire. See also our  Wire Rope Specifications for various sizes and structures of Wire.

Rest assured that there are many OTHER factors also involved. Generally, the more wires twisted to make a strand, the more flexible is the overall wire rope because it deforms/bends without damage. Relevant terminology involves Wire, Strand, Core, and Rope

 

Wire Structures

Common wire strand constructions are:

• 1×7 indicates 7 thin wires twisted together in a highly reflective smooth finish. Consequently, 7 individual wires twisted together construct a single strand of wire. A single strand forms the core, so this structure is WSC. For a given diameter, this is the least flexible ‘common’ wire structure. Normally, it is seen in thin or miniature wire rope.
• 1×19 indicates 19 thin wires twisted together in a silky and therefore smooth finish. Consequently, 19 individual wires twisted together construct a single strand of our premium wire. A single strand forms the core, so this structure is WSC.  This is the least flexible wire structure. As a result, it is the easiest to keep clean.
• 6×7 indicates a collection of 42 individual wires grouped as 6 sub-strands of 7 wires each. Consequently, 6 wire bundles twisted together form a single strand. Since a single Fibre forms the core, this structure is FC.  This is more (medium) flexible wire than 7×7. It is a structure found in Galvanised Wire for ‘general purpose’ applications and is most economical because it is commonly available.
• 7×7 indicates a collection of 49 individual wires grouped as 7 sub-strands of 7 wires each. Consequently, 7 wire bundles twisted together form a single strand. Since a single bundle forms the core, this structure is IWRC.  This is more (medium) flexible wire than 1×19. As a result, it is for ‘general purpose’ applications and is most economical because it is commonly available.
• 6×19 indicates a collection of 114 individual wires grouped as 6 sub-strands of 19 wires each. Consequently, 6 wire bundles of 19 wires twisted together form a single strand.  Since a single Fibre forms the core, this structure is FC.  This is our most flexible wire Galvanised Wire. Often for use in event rigging or small cranes or winches rather than balustrade construction.
• 7×19 indicates a collection of 133 individual wires grouped as 7 sub-strands of 19 wires each. Consequently, 7 wire bundles of 19 wires twisted together form a single strand.  Since a single bundle forms the core, this structure is IWRC.  This is our most flexible wire for use in rigging or small cranes or winches rather than balustrade construction. Low Cost Wire does not recommend 7×19 wire for balustrade construction.
• 6×36 indicates a collection of 216 individual wires grouped as 6 sub-strands of 36 wires each. Consequently, 6 wire bundles of 36 wires twisted together form the wire rope. Normally only used in very thick wire (generally > 6.0mm).This is our most flexible wire
  for use in rigging or small cranes or winches.

…In conclusion, the more wires twisted to make a strand, the more flexible is the strand of wire because it deforms/bends without damage. More details are also available Here … and if you are STILL interested –  Further information is available at this Wiki Page