company news about Maintenance and care of steel wire ropes

As a key component of cranes, the maintenance and upkeep of steel wire ropes are of great significance to the safe operation of the equipment. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the key points of maintenance and care for steel wire ropes, helping operators and equipment managers ensure that the steel wire ropes are always in good working condition.

1.Inspection of steel wire ropes

• Visual inspection: Regularly inspect the appearance of the steel wire rope to see if there is any wear, broken wires, deformation or corrosion, etc. Special attention should be paid to the parts where the steel wire rope passes through pulleys and drums. Due to the greater friction and bending stress in these areas, wear and broken wires are more likely to occur.

• Broken wire inspection: According to national standards, when the number of broken wires in a steel wire rope reaches a certain proportion, the steel wire rope must be replaced. For instance, for cross-lay steel wire ropes, when the number of broken wires within one lay reaches 10% of the total number of wires, they should be scrapped and replaced with new ones.

• Wear inspection: Measure the diameter of the steel wire rope. If the wear exceeds 7% of the original diameter, the steel wire rope should be considered for replacement. Severely worn steel wire ropes will reduce their load-bearing capacity, thereby leading to a decline in safety.

2.Lubrication of steel wire ropes

• The importance of lubrication: Lubrication can reduce the friction between the wires inside the steel wire rope, slow down the wear rate, and also prevent the steel wire rope from rusting.

• Lubrication method: Use special wire rope grease. Evenly apply the grease to the surface of the wire rope and try to make it penetrate into the interior of the wire rope as much as possible. When lubricating, tools such as oil guns can be used to ensure that the grease is evenly distributed.

• Lubrication cycle: Depending on the usage frequency and working environment of the crane, it is generally recommended to lubricate at least once a month. In harsh working environments (such as open-air and damp conditions), the lubrication cycle should be appropriately shortened.

3.Replacement of steel wire rope

• Replacement standard: The steel wire rope should be replaced in a timely manner when the following conditions occur
  • ​The number of broken wires exceeds the proportion stipulated by the national standard.
  • The wear exceeds 7% of the original diameter.
  • The steel wire rope shows obvious deformation, corrosion or damage.
• Replacement steps:
  • ​When replacing the steel wire rope, the operation should be carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of the equipment manual. Ensure that the specifications and models of the new steel wire rope are consistent with those of the original one, and make appropriate tension adjustments and lubrication after installation.

4.Storage of steel wire ropes

• Storage environment: Steel wire ropes should be stored in a dry, clean and well-ventilated environment, avoiding direct sunlight and moisture
• Storage method: Neatly wind the steel wire rope on the drum to avoid twisting and bending. During storage, regularly inspect the condition of the steel wire rope to confirm that it has not been damaged.

Through the above maintenance and care measures, the service life of the steel wire rope can be effectively prolonged, ensuring the safe operation of the crane. Regular inspection and timely maintenance are the keys to ensuring the good working condition of steel wire ropes. It is hoped that the information provided in this article can help you better understand and implement the maintenance and care work of steel wire ropes.