Key Tips for Antirotation Wire Rope Safety and Maintenance

What makes lifting operations both safe and efficient? The answer often lies in seemingly minor details—such as a high-performance rotation-resistant wire rope. This component not only impacts operational efficiency but directly affects worker safety. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of rotation-resistant wire ropes, covering their characteristics, applications, maintenance requirements, and safety protocols to ensure optimal selection and use.

According to the Wire Rope User's Manual , a rotation-resistant wire rope features a specialized construction with multiple layers of strands wound in alternating directions. This design counteracts the torque generated when the rope is under load, significantly reducing its tendency to rotate. While commonly called "non-rotating" or "spin-resistant" ropes, the industry standard term—"rotation-resistant"—more accurately describes their performance.

It's crucial to note that these ropes don't eliminate rotation entirely but substantially minimize it. Understanding their operational limitations is essential for safe and effective lifting applications.

Bridon American manufactures several types of rotation-resistant wire ropes, categorized as follows:

• Standard Rotation-Resistant Ropes:
  • 19 x 7
  • 18 x 7 FC
  • 8 x 19 IWRC
• Specialized Rotation-Resistant Ropes:
  • Endurance Dyform® – 18
• Multi-Strand Rotation-Resistant Ropes:
  • Endurance Dyform® – 34LR
  • Endurance 35LS

The table below summarizes key characteristics of these ropes to guide selection based on operational needs:

• 19 x 7, 18 x 7 FC, 8 x 19 IWRC: Mobile cranes and overhead cranes.
• Dyform-18: Mobile and overhead cranes (higher strength variant).
• Dyform-34LR and Endurance 35LS: Tower cranes and specialized lifting applications.

Due to their complex construction, rotation-resistant ropes require secure fixing (via wire, strand binding, or welding) before cutting to prevent unraveling. Endurance 35LS and Dyform-34LR ropes must use welded terminations.

A fleet angle of ½° to 1½° is recommended to prevent improper spooling, especially for low-torque ropes like Dyform-34LR and Endurance 35LS.

Standard rotation-resistant ropes (19 x 7, 18 x 7 FC, 8 x 19 IWRC, Dyform-18) should not connect directly to swivels. Multi-strand ropes (Dyform-34LR, Endurance 35LS) may use swivels in all applications.

Retire ropes if 2 broken wires appear within 6 rope diameters or 4 broken wires within 30 rope diameters. Deformation from shock loading or induced torque warrants immediate removal.

• Sheave/drum diameter ratio: ≥18:1
• Design factor: ≥5

Proper storage, handling, and inspection are mandatory to prevent failure. Consult relevant standards (AISI, ASME, ANSI) for comprehensive guidelines.