Why Lubricate Wire Ropes?
Wire rope is a complex mechanical device with many moving parts all working in tandem to help support and move an object or load. In the lifting and rigging industries, wire rope is attached to a crane or hoist and fitted with swivels, shackles, or hooks to attach to a load and move it in a controlled matter.
Like all products used for industrial applications, wire rope needs maintenance to ensure an optimum life cycle. This includes lubricating the cable for it to function properly. The reasons for lubricating wire rope are:
Characteristics of Wire Rope Lubricants:
Wire Rope Lubrication Methods:
RELATED PRODUCTS
| BGI-ROPEGARD | It is specially formulated for applications on wire ropes and chains. It penetrates to the fiber rope core to prevent drying out, extending wire ropes service life.
Working Temperature: -20°C to 180°C |
|---|---|
| For more information and advice on suitable application, please contact us at sales@biog.my |
|
Why Choose BiOG?
We Offer Comprehensive and Specific Solutions
We are Professional
We are Expert
We are Trusted
Updated Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Wire ropes used in crane services are often made with a fiber core soaked in oil, around which wire strands are wound. This fiber core acts like a sponge, actively draining or releasing lubricant when the rope is bent or loaded. Most wire ropes fail from the inside, so this fiber core can be beneficial when binding conditions occur.
Wire ropes without fiber core are usually coated with lubricant during the manufacturing process to reduce internal friction and cover the surface to minimize corrosion from water or the environment.
The selected wire rope lubricant should have anti-corrosion properties and be able to penetrate as far as possible into the core of the wire rope.
In machines where the ropes are moving, one may choose to use a drip, spray, or trough method. These methods lubricate at a single fixed point and use the movement of the rope to distribute the lubricant along the entire length of the system. Some trough systems are pressurized, which can be beneficial as it forces the lubricant into the core of the rope.
If the wire ropes are static, manual brushing or spraying is usually the easiest way to apply the lubricant. In most cases, it is best to remove excess lubricant from the surface to prevent dirt and water from sticking to the lubricant, especially in dirty environments.
KEEP THE MOTION WITH THE LEAST FRICTIONS
From as simple as a door hinge at home to sophisticated types of machinery bearings that moves during production, adequate lubrication will significantly reduce the friction of these moving parts. Hence the wear and tear are minimized. The key to a smooth motion of the moving parts is applying the suitable lubricant with the proper means. Our engineers at BiOG International Sdn Bhd have many success stories to share and are ready to assist at your doorsteps.
A trough system with a pressurized lubricant chamber (image courtesy of SKF) connected to an air/hydraulically/electrically driven lubrication pump to lubricate wire ropes from a rotating drum.