Kulkoni, Inc. 1-800-231-2357

Page 7 Kulkoni, Inc. v921 WARNING: NEVER EXCEED WORKING LOAD LIMIT STRAND PATTERNS: They refer to different types of arrangements of wires and their diameters within a strand. Com- mon strand patterns are Filler Wire, Seale, Warrington and combinations thereof. LAY: indicates how the wires have been laid to form strands and how the strands have been laid around the core. A right regular lay rope (RRL; the most common) has its strands laid right on the rope - similar to threading a right-hand threaded bolt. Regular means that the direction of the wire lay in the strand is opposite to the direction of the strand lay in the rope. (The wires in regular lay rope appear to be in line with the axis of the rope). CAUTION: When combining separate ropes in a single line application always use ropes of the same lay pattern. Different lays can increase rotation at connection points decreasing rope efficiency. PREFORMING: A manufacturing process wherein the strands and their wires are permanently formed - during fabrica- tion - to the helical shape that they will ultimately assume in the finished wire rope. Proper preforming prevents the strands and wires from unlaying during normal use. The vast majority of wire rope sold today is preformed. FINISH: Wire rope is either sold as "bright" (or "black") - meaning uncoated, or galvanized for better corrosion re- sistance. "Drawn Galvanized" wire has the same strength as bright wire, but wire, "galvanized at finished size" is usually 10% lower in strength. Plastic coated wire rope is also available, usually galvanized or stainless steel cable. The most common plastic coatings are vinyl or nylon in either clear or white, although other materials and colors are available. These coatings do not add strength to the wire rope itself. LUBRICATION: During fabrication, wire ropes receive lubrication. The kind and amount depends on the rope's size, type and use, if known. This in-process treatment will provide the finished wire rope with ample protection for a reasona- ble time if it is stored under proper conditions. But, when the wire rope is put into service, the initial lubrication will nor- mally be less than needed for the full useful life of the wire rope. Because of this, periodic applications of a suitable wire rope lubricant are necessary. ORDERING WIRE ROPE: Construction, lay, core, finish and other factors mentioned above impart greatly differing char- acteristics to different wire ropes. They must be understood and considered when selecting wire rope. There is no per- fect wire rope for all applications; usually some less desirable properties are traded off for other, more desirable ones. Refer to the Wire Rope Users Manual by the Wire Rope Technical Board for a better understanding of wire rope proper- ties and consult professional help when in doubt. Lacking a complete description of the wire rope desired, a supplier can make several assumptions: 1. If direction and type of lay are omitted from the rope description, it is assumed to be right regular lay (RRL). 2. If finish is omitted, this will be presumed to mean ungalvanized, "bright" finish. 3. If no mention is made with reference to preforming, preformed wire rope will be supplied. 4. If a supplier receives an order for 6 x 19 wire rope he may assume this to be a class reference and is, therefore, legal- ly justified in furnishing any construction within this category. GENERAL INFORMATION ON WIRE ROPE