Wire Rope Slings
Wire rope slings are cable assemblies used to attach loads to cranes, winches and hoists in a wide spectrum of heavy industrial applications. Fabricated from stainless steel wire rope, alloy steel, Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS) or Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS), wire rope slings may have wire rope or synthetic cores and are assembled into various configurations using wire rope fittings. Slings have attachments on each end consisting of an eye and an eye, an eye and a thimbled eye, an eye and a hook, two thimbled eyes or a thimbled eye and a hook. Sleeves, splicing and swagging are used to form each eye or thimbled end. Wire rope slings may have multiple "legs" consisting of multiple slings connected at one end by a link (or loop); the opposite ends of these legs swing freely and may be connected to different points of a load to increase load stability.
Industrial construction uses wire rope slings to lift large metal I-beams, planks and other materials into place. Offshore and marine industries use wire rope extensively to move cargo, equipment, ships or submarines. Wire rope slings used in aircraft applications are generally fabricated from aircraft cable and are used to lift jet engines, wings and other parts into place during assembly or repair. Bridge construction, ship construction and cargo transportation use wire rope slings to transport materials, often using wire rope sling assemblies configured into "webs" which cradle cargo safely during transportation. Equipment users choose the correct sling for the job based on the wire rope sling's strength, its ability to bend without distorting, to withstand abrasion and to withstand abuse. Wire rope slings are stress tested during manufacturing to determine breaking point and safe usage guidelines.
Wire rope slings are ideal for applications which require strength, durability, abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance. Unlike synthetic slings, wire rope slings may be used for lifting hot materials or cargo. Chain slings and synthetic fiber slings are the main alternatives to wire rope slings, although not each of these slings are appropriate for all applications. Synthetic fiber slings, generally nylon or polyester, offer shock absorption for fragile materials and inclement environments; while beneficial in certain applications, bounce can be detrimental in others, and wire rope offers superior strength for massive loads. Chain slings are used similarly to wire rope slings, but may be used in more rugged applications than wire rope is suitable for.