Common Steel Grades
The performance of the wire rope depends heavily on the grade of stainless steel used:
- SUS 304: The most common and cost-effective grade, offering excellent rust resistance for indoor or mild outdoor environments. It is widely used in construction, handrails, and general rigging.
- SUS 316 (Marine Grade): Contains molybdenum, providing superior resistance to chlorides and saltwater. This grade is recommended for harsh marine environments, coastal installations, and chemical processing.
Strand Construction Types
Construction is defined by a two-number system (e.g., 7×19), where the first number is the number of strands and the second is the number of wires per strand.
- 1×19 Construction: Consists of a single strand with 19 wires. It is very stiff and strong with minimal stretch, making it ideal for static applications like balustrades, standing rigging, and architectural frameworks.
- 7×7 Construction: Features seven strands of seven wires each. It offers medium flexibility and is a “good general-purpose” choice for security cables, fencing, and tensioning.
- 7×19 Construction: Comprised of seven strands of 19 wires. This is highly flexible and suited for dynamic loads where the rope must bend over pulleys or winches, such as in cranes, hoists, and garage doors.
Look for our lifting & marine specialists to advise you on the most suitable wires for your usage!
