1. WIRE ROPE & CHAIN ASSEMBLIES
WIRE ROPE
Wire rope is a machine with dozens–even hundreds– of individual wires which are formed and fabricated to move or operate at close tolerances to one another. When a wire rope bends, each of its many wires slides and adjusts to accommodate the differences in length between the inside and outside of the bend. The sharper the bend, the greater the movement.
Every wire has three basic components: the wires, strands and core. The core may be either fiber (FC) such as sisal, manila or jute, or an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC), which is actually a smaller wire rope within the strands of the outer wire rope.
The wires are predominantly constructed from high-carbon steel, but may also be formed from various metals such as iron, stainless steel, monel or bronze. Carbon steel wire rope is manufactured in various grades, including Improved Plow Steel (IPS), Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS) and Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS), which designate the nominal strength of the wire rope. EIPS is the most commonly used and manufactured grade today.
CHAIN ASSEMBLIES
Alloy chain slings are often selected when operating under high temperatures or rugged conditions that would abrade or destroy other types of slings. They are flexible, durable and long lasting, ductile, easy to inspect, collapsible for convenient storage, and will adhere securely to the contours of a load. Although chain will show little or no stretch at rated capacity, it does have the ability to elongate up to 20% prior to failure. This elongation serves as a visual warning sign prompting users to remove the sling from service before injury or damage is sustained from a broken chain sling. Perhaps the most advantageous feature of a chain sling is its ability to be repaired. Nearly any damaged component discovered during an inspection can be repaired and restored to useful condition. During the repair process, slings will be refurbished, proof tested and recertified, offering an economical alternative to new chain sling replacements.