FIBRE ROPES RECENT ADVANCES IN SOME SYNTHETIC FIBRE ROPES MAKE THEM JUST AS STRONG AS STEEL. AS A STEEL WIRE REPLACEMENT, MANY FIBRE ROPES ARE LIGHTER, EASIER TO HANDLE, SAFER AND STRONGER. THEY ALSO DO NOT CORRODE LIKE STEEL. New advanced rope designs can compensate for the inferior wear characteristics of fibres and take full advantage of the other fibre properties. Some fibre ropes have tension and bending fatigue performance superior to those of wire ropes. The newer forms of fibre ropes are thus ideal for mining, construction and marine applications. Unlike string, thread, and line (which are single units of fibre material), most ropes are a combination of braided fibres which helps to increase strength. Rope can be made from natural or synthetic fibres. Synthetic rope is more popular than ever these days because of its many advantages. DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIBRE ROPES There are many different types of fibre rope available. All with their own advantages and disadvantages, when considering their application, and when compared to wire rope.
SYNTHETIC ROPES WINCHLINE
Is UHMwPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) 12 strand rope. It is lighter and stronger than its wire rope equivalent, and highly resistant to abrasion and UV light. NYLON Manufactured from nylon fibres, this 8 strand rope is resistant to UV light, chemicals and decay. Provides excellent strength, however elongation is around 40%. It is often used for marine and mooring applications. POLYPROPYLENE Polypropylene is 3 strand synthetic rope which is resistant to deterioration in water, oil sunlight and weather. It can however, be easily damaged by abrasion. POLYESTER Polyester has high strength and torsion resistance, and its soft to touch structure makes it easy to handle, knot and splice. Polyester ropes do however sink in water. NATURAL FIBRE ROPES SISAL Sisal is made from natural staple fibres which are bio-degradable. It is a relatively cheap rope that is coarse, strong and durable. Chemicals and moisture will affect its longevity. Sisal is often used as tagline and for decorative applications. MANILLA Made from hemp which is a 3 strand rope, Manilla is one of the strongest natural fibre ropes. Both abrasion and weather resistant, this low stretch rope is often used for stage rigging and decorative purposes.
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