Synthetic Rope
Synthetic rope is a durable type of rope that is made from high molecular polyethylene material. This material is coated with a urethane coating to protect the rope from chemicals and ultraviolet damage. Some synthetic ropes are fitted with sliding sleeves to prevent wear and abrasion while they are being wound up in a winch or pulley. The main advantage of synthetic rope over steel rope or cable is that it is extremely light and easy to handle. Steel rope develops sharp burs over time which can make it difficult to handle, and when it is wrapped up, it can add a lot of extra weight to a utility vehicle.
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Synthetic Rope and Winches
Synthetic rope has uses in many industries. Because it is so strong, it can be used for towing vehicles of all sizes. A heavy duty synthetic rope is capable of pulling the weight of large construction equipment. Many people who drive trucks or SUVs for work or recreational purposes have a winch on the front of their vehicle. A winch is motorized and it can be unraveled and hooked to a stationary object like a tree to pull the vehicle out of mud, or it can even be attached to another vehicle to pull it. The problem with the steel cable on the winch is that it tends to add a lot of weight, and this is especially inconvenient when the winch is mounted on the front of the vehicle. Synthetic rope is the perfect solution because it accomplishes the same task without adding unnecessary weight. Although the rope is strong, it should still be checked for signs of fraying and it may weaken after too much exposure to moisture. This all depends on the quality of the coating that was applied to the rope to protect it.
Applications of Synthetic Rope
Various commercial marine activities also use a synthetic rope for salvage, boat towing, and even docking. Synthetic rope can easily be stored away on board until it is needed. Because it is so easy to handle, fewer crew members are required and tying up a boat is much faster. Large winches similar to vehicle winches are often used to move cargo or boats in commercial marine settings, and synthetic rope can easily be used with these mechanisms.