Wire Rope Fittings
The majority of wire rope fittings are elements of a complete wire rope assembly designed for a specific task such as motion control or mechanical automation. Wire rope fittings are heavily implicated in a number of industrial processes and equipment such as mining equipment, braking, aircraft cables, levelers, hood latch releases and more. The versatility of fittings renders them essential to industries such as automotive, agriculture, construction, marine, aerospace, transportation and virtually all applications where wire rope is used. Specific examples include clamps, clips, sleeves, links, hooks, forks, eyes, studs and pins. When used for heavy duty lifting, pulling or other activities, fittings are often permanently attached or affixed to a given cable for added durability and security though change tool kits are sometimes available allowing for interchangeable fixtures. Wire rope manufacturers often provide a range wire fitting options as well in order to accommodate the many different uses for the cables.
Fittings function by creating an end point to which other apparatus may more easily be affixed or which simply preserves the integrity of a given cable by preventing fraying, a common problem for unfitted stranded wire ropes. As aforementioned, the specifics of a fitting vary greatly as does their construction, shape and size, all of which should be carefully considered in regards to their intended use. Swaging, metal stamping and die cutting are commonly used to create the metal forms needed for wire rope assemblies. Swaging involves compressing and deforming materials to achieve a permanent connection or bonding. While stamping and cutting are used to create additional hardware, swaging is performed when no additional hardware is desired, but instead the fitting requires the rope to be folded back onto itself to create a loop or eye. Potted or poured sockets use both permanent and affixed elements as the rope end is inserted into a conical cavity that is then filled with molten zinc or an epoxy resin compound. The materials used to create the fittings themselves vary with application, but often mirror that of the wire rope or cable. Copper, brass, bronze, steel, titanium, stainless steel and other durable metals are among the most popular. It is important to consider the integrity of the wire cable itself when selecting and applying a wire fitting as it may alter the strength, length and dimensions of that particular section of rope. Fittings known as sleeves and thimbles are often used in complete wire rope assemblies to protect the stranded wire from wear, tear, crimping, bending, pinching or other damage.
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Wire Rope Fittings Images Provided by Tyler Madison, Inc.
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Wire Rope Fittings Images Provided by Lexco Cable Mfg.
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Wire Rope Fittings Image Provided by Loos & Company, Inc.
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