1 Introduction
rna-chine:
an
assemblage ofparts
..
.that transmit forces, motion, and
energy
one
to
another
in
some predetermined manner and
to
some desired end
...
-Webster's Third New International Dictionary
In and
of
itself, wire rope is a machine. The
geometry-or
configuration-
of
its cross-section and the method and material
of
its manufacture are precisely
designed to perform
"in some predetermined manner and to some desired end."
Hence, as befits any useful machine, it is imperative that the rope's potential use
be fully recognized, that its functional characteristics be understood, and that
procedures for proper maintenance be scrupulously adhered to.
By
giving active
recognition to these generally accepted concerns, the user can be reasonably cer-
tain that maximum service life and safety will be realized for every rope installa-
tion or application.
A thorough understanding
of
wire rope characteristics is,
of
course, a primary
essential. This means familiarity with operating conditions, design factors, rope
grades and constructions. Full recognition
of
their inherent use-potential derives
from a realization
of
the great number and wide variety
of
wire ropes available
for general and special operating needs. It is
of
special importance that the user
becomes familiar with the particular characteristics
of
the various constructions
in order to make the right selection for a given function.
Fabricated to close tolerances, wire rope is inspected at all significant manu-
facturing intervals to assure the user
of
a uniformly high quality product.
Immediately after manufacture, wire rope care becomes an absolute necessity. At
no time can a proper regard for care and maintenance be neglected; this rule
must be observed in handling, shipping, storage and installation procedures.
Following
this-after
putting the rope in
operation-approved
maintenance
practices and rigorous inspection (of both the rope and its associated equipment)
must take place on a continuing basis.
Only through strict adherence to these
care and maintenance procedures can there be positive assurance that the rope
will perform with optimal safety and efficiency throughout its entire life span.
This publication
is
the culmination
of
a joint effort by the wire rope industry. Its
intended audience may be viewed, in broadest terms, as comprised
of
two sectors:
One
of
these-
made up
of
those with a working knowledge
of
wire
ropes-
will find in these pages a comprehensive and convenient source
of
reference data
from such areas as properties and characteristics, handling, storage, operation
and
maintenance-in
short, a handy checklist.
For the second sector, the not as well informed or new user, this publication
can serve as a broad-ranging introduction; for those readers, the information pro-
vided can help establish sound practices in rope selection and application. This
means practices that are efficient and economical.
As a cooperative industry effort, this manual brings together a significant por-
tion
of
the enormous collection
of
data now scattered about in the files and publi-
cations
of
many individual companies. The text offers many recommendations,
both explicit and implied, but these have been made to provide some
initial judg-
ment points from which ultimate decisions as to design and use may be made.
Wire Rope Technical Board - Wire Rope Users Manual, Fourth
Edition·
5
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