Steel Cable Industry Information
Steel Cable
Cables consist of two or more wires twisted together and helically wrapped around a core, to form a single assembly commonly known as wire rope. Thus, steel cables are those cables composed of individual steel and steel alloy filaments. Sometimes, cables are also known as wire rope. Because of the diversity of the members of the steel family, which include alloys with a number of different iron and carbon concentrations and metallic variations, steel cable can be fabricated to exhibit a wide range of physical and mechanical characteristics. Stainless steel cable, for example, is known for heightened corrosion and wear resistance, while galvanized cable, made from galvanized steel, is highly cost effective and useful in moderate environments. Other common steel alloys used to make cable include non-galvanized steel and bright steel.
The basic composition of all steel cables is as follows: First, cold-drawn steel wires, called filaments, are braided or twisted together to form a grouping called a strand. Filaments are generally fairly small in diameter. They may be laid together in a cross lay configuration, wherein wires of different layers cross each other, or a parallel lay configuration, in which all wire lengths are equal and the different layers lay parallel to each other, or neighbors. To complete the cable, the strands are wrapped in a helical pattern around the core, which serves to provide support and cushion the cable as it bends. There are three basic types of cores: the fiber core, the wire strand core and the independent wire rope core (IWRC). Fiber cores distinguish themselves as the most flexible and elastic, as they are made of natural or synthetic materials like sisal, hemp, jute or manila. The drawback of fiber cores is that they are easily crushed. Next, wire strand cores are simply one additional strand of wire in the middle of the other strands. Typically, steel cables with wire strand cores are used for suspension. IWRCs are the most durable cores of all, suitable for the harshest environments. To enhance their connectivity and prevent fraying, steel cables are often additionally outfitted with hardware such as fittings and fasteners.
There are a number of ways in which a steel cable may be identified and grouped. First, it may be identified by its core type. Second, it may be classified by its strands. For example, a 6x19 steel cable is a cable that has 6 strands and between 15 and 26 wires in each strand. It may also be grouped according to its diameter, rope type or strand lay.
Steel cables are durable, with a high breaking stress, high corrosion resistance and excellent wear resistance. The multi-strand construction of steel cables also allows them to remain ductile even when burdened with the heaviest loads. For these reasons, they lend themselves well to a variety of industrial and manufacturing applications, such as hoist ropes, safety cables, control cables, supportive guy lines, cable railings and general braking applications. When considering the purchase of steel cable, customers must keep several specifications in mind, such as: composition, diameter, length, reliability, ductility and resistance to flattening or crushing. To make sure a steel cable will work work for their application, interested parties may also request that their steel manufacturer conduct work load limit tests. Usually, steel cable can be made to meet various regional and/or industry standards and regulations, such as those put out by ISO (International Standards Organization), ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), the NSC (National Safety Council) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). To get the most out of their steel cable, customers must take care to treat it well.
First, they must store it in an area that is clean, dry and well-ventilated. In addition, this storage space should be free from chemicals and/or corrosive agents that may damage the cable. This is especially important because one of the primary causes steel cable deterioration is corrosion and moisture exposure. Whatever cable owners can do to decrease this risk will help. Cable owners or operators must also take care to regularly examine their cables, checking for visible signs of deterioration or weakening, such as breaks, kinks and wear. If the cable receives lubrication applications to avoid corrosion, operators must also check and reapply this lubrication regularly. From time to time, operators must also take apart whatever system of which the steel cable is a part, so that they can examine all parts of the cable. With diligence, a steel cable should be able to function safely and properly for a long time.
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