Factors to consider when selecting your wire rope
How can I ensure the right steel wire rope selection? We've compiled a table of 10 essential questions below to assist you in determining the most suitable steel wire rope for your specific requirements. Opting for the correct steel wire rope ensures maximum service life, provided regular inspection and proper lubrication are maintained.
Contact switchboard
By calling our main number, +47 66 79 95 00, you will be greeted by our automatic switchboard.
- Press 1 for Industry and Retailers
- Press 2 for Maritime
- Press 3 for Offshore og Renewables
- Press 4 for Service
By pressing said number(s), you'll be forwarded to one of our available customer service representatives.
Send us an email
Choosing your steel wire rope
When placing an order for a new steel wire rope, ensure that you consider the appropriate type, construction, dimensions, and length. Adhere to the recommendations of the machine manufacturers and verify that the equipment aligns with the correct machine group/grade.
WARNING! Choosing the wrong steel wire rope may lead to a reduced working life, rope fractures, and/or equipment damage.
The following questions can guide you in selecting the right construction of the steel wire rope. In case of conflicting answers, opt for the most frequently occurring alternative. Combining the answers to these ten questions will assist in choosing the most optimal wire rope construction, although additional questions or considerations may sometimes point to a different wire rope construction.
| Questions | Yes | Yes and No | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is freedom of rotation required? | Choose low-rotation wire rope | Choose low-rotation wire rope | 6, 8, 9 and/or 10-cord wire rope |
| Is a high breaking strength required? | Special steel rope, compacted | Steel rope with steel core | - |
| Are there many bends in the operation? | Multi-strand steel rope with small outer threads | Multi-strand steel rope with small outer threads | - |
| Should the wire rope withstand heavy external wear and tear? | Soled rope with coarse outer threads | Steel rope with coarse outer threads | - |
| Spooling of steel rope in several layers? | Strong wire rope, compacted | - | Cross-braided wire rope |
| Is there a risk of deformation damage | Steel rope with fiber in the steel core | Steel rope with fiber in the steel core | - |
| Left spool drum? | Right-handed wire rope | - | Left-turned wire rope |
| Left-handed wire rope steering? | Right-handed wire rope | - | Left-turned wire rope |
| Is there a corrosive environment during the operation? | Galvanized/stainless steel rope | Galvanized/stainless steel rope | Galvanized/bright wire rope |
Rotation resistance
To minimize rotation, especially with high lifting heights, use "rotation-resistant" or "Low Rotation" ropes. Rotation-resistant ropes consist of multiple layers of strands, with each layer laid in the opposite direction to the next, balancing torque forces within the rope.
Definitions of breaking load
Minimum Breaking Load (MBL)
The minimum breaking force (MBL), in kilonewtons, is the lowest breaking strain of the rope when tested to destruction.
Calculated breaking load
This value is calculated from the product of the sum of the cross-sectional metallic areas of all individual wires in the rope and the tensile strength grade(s) of the wires. The total metallic area is directly proportional to the square of the nominal diameter of the rope. A standard spinning loss factor, resulting from the twisting of strands and wire, is then applied.
Multiple layers of wire rope on the drum
Using the wrong type of wire rope and/or winding it incorrectly can damage the underlying layers when multiple layers are spooled onto the drum.
Fleet angle
An excessively large fleet angle can cause excessive wear of the rope against the adjacent flange on the drum, potentially leading to torsional problems.
Wire rope drum – the correct winding direction
The direction of rotation and the wire rope attachment point determine how right- or left-hand lay wire rope should be wound onto the drum.
A simple rule is:
- Right-hand drum groove – left-hand lay wire rope
- Left-hand drum groove – right-hand lay wire rope
Warning! Choosing the wrong wire rope lay can significantly reduce the service life of the wire rope!
The winding directions shown in the illustrations apply to both plain drums and grooved drums.
Left Lay
Winding left to right
Left Lay
Winding right to left
Right Lay
Winding left to right
Right Lay
Winding right to left
Grooves on drums
The grooves should support approximately one-third of the wire rope’s circumference. The groove radius should be between 0.53 and 0.55 × d. A radius of 0.54 × d is recommended, corresponding to 8% more than the wire rope diameter.
Wire rope sheaves
Before installing a new wire rope, check the sheave grooves for wear and sharp edges. Measure the groove diameter with a sheave gauge and inspect the general condition of the groove.
The groove diameter should be 8% to 14% greater than the nominal wire rope diameter (0.54 × d to 0.57 × d).
Warning! Worn sheaves should be replaced or repaired.
Corrosion
Corrosion of wire rope can be prevented by galvanizing or lubrication, or by choosing a wire rope with thick wires.
Maintenance - lubrication
During operation, steel wire rope wires experience wear against each other. Lubrication during manufacturing improves the rope's function and increases its lifespan. Check the lubrication immediately after installation, clean the rope from inappropriate materials, and, if necessary, complete the wire rope with lubrication before use. It's crucial to lubricate the rope at regular intervals based on valid operational conditions.
Warning! An unlubricated or incorrectly lubricated wire rope significantly shortens its lifespan.
