IQS Newsroom Articles on Stranded Cable and Wire
Stranded Cable and Wire
A stranded cable consists of multiple wire strands that are laid together helically and symmetrically arranged in multiple layers with uniform pitch or lay. The wire strands are twisted around a central core of wire, creating a sturdy wire rope. Stranded cable and wire are used in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, communications, chemical, electronics, defense, security, and medical.
Stranded cables are generally listed by the number of wires per strand and the number of strands per cable; for example, a 7 x 18 stranded cable would have seven strands of 18 wires each. Stranded cables can alternately be measured by their lay length or pitch, defined as the distance in a straight line measured for a wire to make one complete spiral around the center of a strand or cable: either a left hand "S" or right hand "Z".
Stranded cable and wire can be made from a number of different metals and alloys to suit different applications. One of the most common materials used is stainless steel, which is chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, availability, and affordability. For higher strength applications, carbon steel is often chosen. Copper and aluminum, on the other hand, are used for their electric conductivity. Copper, brass, and bronze may be chosen for aesthetic purposes, while aluminum is a good lightweight choice. Nickel alloys provide electrical resistance and high resistance to corrosion.