10
Mar
Wire Rope End Terminations
Wire rope is an extremely versatile mechanical device that can be used to help support and move an object or load. In the lifting industry, wire rope is attached to a crane or hoist and fitted with swivels, shackles or hooks to attach to a load and move it in a controlled matter. It can also be used to lift and lower elevators, or as a means of support for suspension bridges or towers. Ranger have partnered with global manufacturers including Usha Martin, Diepa, Bridon, Wireco and Molycop (WRI) to provide the best quality wire rope. To browse our wire ropes and fittings range click here.
However, wire rope can be prone to fray easily at the ends making it difficult to connect to equipment. Wire rope fittings or wire rope terminations are used to secure the ends of wire rope and prevent fraying. This article aims to give industry workers a better understanding of wire rope end terminations that may be best for your next application.
Common Types of Wire Rope End Terminations
The type of end termination selected is determined by the application and strength required of the final assembly. Each wire rope termination attaches with a special method which may affect the strength of the wire rope. Please see the relevant Australian Standards for more information about this.
Different types of slings are available in the market, depending on the type of end-fitting loops. Here are a few common ones:
FLEMISH EYE
In this type of loop, the spliced end of the rope is tied around the body of wire rope slings using a metal sleeve. The Flemish eye splice is best suited for six-strand ropes. However, if you are using these loops with other types of wire ropes, you need to use aluminium or loop-back (turn-back) steel sleeves.
ALUMINIUM SLEEVE MACHINE SPLICED SOFT EYE
This is the most common type of splice; an aluminium sleeve is pressed using fabrication over both rope parts. The integrity of the pressed sleeve solely determines the strength of these wire rope slings. You can also add thimbles to these slings known as hard eye.
STEEL SLEEVE MACHINE SPLICED SOFT EYE
This is similar to aluminium sleeve loop-back splice. However, it uses steel sleeves with a slightly smaller diameter. It can also be used for making stainless steel rope slings of a larger rope diameter.
OPEN SWAGED FITTINGS
The rope gets inserted into the fitting bore, and it then gets swagged onto the rope. With this method, you can attach open and closed sockets, buttons, threaded studs, and load hooks directly to the rope. The process results in a high-efficiency bond.
SPELTER SOCKETS
This is a type of socket that is attached to one or both ends of a wire rope to form a sling. It does this by pouring molten zinc or resin into a socket that then hardens and holds the fitting onto the end of the cable. The strength of these sockets is the actual rope strength.
WANT MORE?
At Ranger Lifting, we offer all different kinds of wire rope from a variety of leading manufacturers including CASAR. Learn more about our wire rope services here.
If you’re looking for a standard or custom-specified wire rope or cable assembly for your next project, contact a Lifting Specialist at Ranger on 1300SLINGS.