If you are thinking about using steel wire ropes, then you should also consider taking things a step further. Galvanised steel ropes have added benefits that you might find useful. What are they?
1. Corrosion Protection
Untreated steel ropes run into problems in damp, humid or wet conditions. Moisture will eventually trigger the corrosion process and the steel will start to rust. When this happens, the rope might lose some integrity. Rust eats away at the metal and makes it more likely to break down. Your ropes might not stay intact.
If you use galvanised steel, then you add corrosion protection to the ropes. The ropes go through a galvanisation process that coats them with a protective layer such as zinc. This extra layer protects the inner steel of the rope. It doesn't corrode, so you'll have no problems with rust as long as the outer layer stays intact.
2. Lighter Weights
While you need your wire ropes to be strong and sturdy, you don't necessarily want them to be too heavy. For example, stainless steel ropes often add to a building load because they are heavier than the norm.
Galvanised wire ropes are relatively light. While they are made of regular steel, their coating is lightweight. So, they give you a viable lightweight option. They are strong enough to hold their own but won't affect your weight limits as much.
3. More Core Flexibility
Wire ropes aren't always made from a single material. You can choose ropes with different cores for different applications. For example, a steel core makes a rope stronger while a fibre core makes it more flexible. Fibre cores work better in applications where ropes have to deal with movement.
If you choose galvanised wire ropes, then you can use different cores including fibre options. You can install ropes that better match your needs and applications.
4. Lower Cost
The cost of wire ropes varies according to their materials. For example, stainless steel ropes typically cost more than galvanised products. The manufacturing process for this metal is more complex. It uses a mix of alloys that increases its cost.
If you don't have a specific need to use stainless steel, then you'll save money by going for galvanised ropes. They are easier and cheaper to manufacture. You simply use a base of regular steel followed by a galvanisation treatment.
To find out more about galvanised ropes and whether they'll be a good fit for your project, ask wire ropes suppliers for advice.
Share12 April 2021
Hello, my name is Richard and I own a medium-sized industrial unit in Sydney, Australia. I only started the business a few months ago, so I am not a professional in any sense of the word. Before I could set the business going, I had to kit out the new factory with equipment. I didn't have a clue where to source the best equipment or how to get the best deal. Thankfully, my brother-in-law is worked in manufacturing for many years. He came along with me when we viewed the equipment and got me the very best stuff. I decided to start this blog to help others who are just starting out.