Even though Steel Wire Ropes are quite reliable and durable, they can still be prone to breakage. Your wire ropes could break due to overuse and constant pressure, among other factors. Wire ropes, especially steel ropes, are a costly and crucial asset. You will not be able to conduct specific tasks without such ropes. For this reason, many wonder how they can extend the lifespan of their wire ropes and prevent damage or breakage, to further avoid downtime and hefty repair charges.
Moreover, damaged wire ropes can result in a dangerous working environment too. So, if you want to improve the durability of your wire rope, it is essential to understand what can damage it. Here are a few significant causes of damage to wire ropes.
Corrosion-Caused Damage
Corrosion issues are reportedly a common cause of steel wire rope damage and are quite difficult to detect. One of the primary reasons for corrosion is poor lubrication. You can evaluate the lubrication by checking the rope's pitted surface. However, chances are that you might not be able to detect still the damage caused to the rope's core. For this reason, it is advisable to carry out a routine inspection by hiring an expert. Plus, ensure that you buy wire ropes from reputed Steel Wire Suppliers to lower the risk of corrosion.
Fatigued-Caused Damage
When Steel Wire Ropes go through continuous bending or prolonged mishandling, it can result in cracks in the wire rope. The sections of the ropes that move over the sheaves experience heavy fatigue. As such, even a tiny crack can damage the wire rope. However, such damage can be easily identified, with a thorough inspection. As such issues are caused due to regular wear and tear, fatigued-caused damage is normal.
Abrasion-Caused Damage
This can happen when the ropes have been damaged due to abnormal contact with hoist sheaves or when the ropes rub against a crane girder or shelving. You will know your wire ropes are experiencing abrasion if their ends are worn thin. There will be knife-edge thinness at the ends of the wires.
Other Causes to Consider
Apart from the above-mentioned primary causes, here are some other reasons that can cause wire rope damage:
- Core failure fatigue
- Heat damage
- External as well as internal wire break
- Fatigue in wire bends
- Oxidation and premature rust
- Shear breaks
Some Easy-to-Follow Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Wire
- You can use a good quality rope cleaner to clean build-up and contamination.
- Regularly inspect the wire ropes for wear and damage.
- Provide frequent greasing using an industrial-grade lubricator.
Final Thoughts
Proper maintenance, as well as a regular inspection routine, can help immensely in extending the lifespan of the wire rope and improving workplace safety. By detecting potential failures early, you can keep your workers safe and save money and time too. If you find any issues with the wire rope, don't neglect them. Instead, get them fixed or replace them with new wires from top-rated Steel Wire Suppliers. Always trust the best supplier for all your steel wire rope requirements.
