Technical Specifications
Data based on GB/T 9944-2015 and DIN 3055/3060 standards. Actual breaking loads may vary slightly by grade (304 vs 316). Refer to the MTC for detailed figures.
| Construction | Diameter Range (mm) | Nominal Tensile Strength (MPa) | Metallic Fill Factor | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x7 | 0.3 - 8.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.97 | Simplest single-strand construction. Highest stiffness and tensile utilization. Used for precision instrument cable anchors and short-span supports. |
| 1x19 | 0.5 - 12.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.95 | Extremely high breaking load with minimal elongation. For static support applications. |
| 1x37 | 2.0 - 16.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.92 | Single-strand multi-wire construction. More flexible than 1x19 while maintaining high strength. Suitable for architectural cables and precision measuring cables. |
| 6x7+FC | 2.0 - 16.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.89 | Large-wire, coarse-strand construction. Outstanding abrasion resistance. Ideal for ground dragging and applications involving frequent contact with rollers or guides, such as mining and agricultural machinery. |
| 7x7 | 0.5 - 10.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.88 | Balances flexibility and abrasion resistance. General-purpose construction. |
| 6x19+FC | 3.0 - 36.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.87 | The most widely used hoisting rope construction. Combines flexibility and wear resistance. Suitable for overhead cranes, port hoisting, and elevators. |
| 6x19+IWRC | 5.0 - 40.0 | 1570 / 1770 / 1960 N/mm² | 0.875 | Independent wire rope core (IWRC) improves resistance to crushing. Increases breaking load ~7.5% over FC core. For high-load, multi-layer drum winches. |
| 7x19 | 1.5 - 16.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.85 | High flexibility for frequently bending applications. |
| 6x37+FC | 6.0 - 52.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.84 | Excellent flexibility and multi-layer spooling. For large winches, drilling equipment, and heavy-duty applications requiring frequent bending. |
| 6x37+IWRC | 8.0 - 52.0 | 1570 / 1770 / 1960 N/mm² | 0.845 | IWRC-reinforced 6x37. Maintains high flexibility while adding resistance to lateral compression and rotation. Used in offshore engineering and large port machinery. |
| 7x37 | 4.0 - 20.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.82 | Ultra-high flexibility. Preferred construction for large-diameter wire ropes. |
| 19x7 | 8.0 - 40.0 | 1570 / 1770 N/mm² | 0.8 | Rotation-resistant construction. Multiple outer strands balance torque. For single-line vertical lifts to prevent load spinning. Used in tower cranes and vertical hoisting. |
Standards Reference
- GB/T 9944-2015: Chinese national standard, applicable to most industrial uses.
- DIN 3050-3072: German industrial standard, commonly required by European customers.
- ASTM A492: American Society for Testing and Materials standard, for US-spec projects.
- MIL-DTL-83420: US military standard (primarily for aviation cables).
Material Comparison
| Element | SUS 304 | SUS 316 | SUS 316L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 - 10.5% | 10.0 - 14.0% | 10.0 - 14.0% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 - 20.0% | 16.0 - 18.0% | 16.0 - 18.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | - | 2.0 - 3.0% | 2.0 - 3.0% |
* Mo significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of SUS316 in marine environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 7x7 and 7x19 wire rope?
The numbers describe the rope's construction: the first digit is the number of strands, and the second is the number of wires per strand. A 7×7 rope has 7 strands of 7 wires each (49 wires total), making it relatively stiff with moderate flexibility — ideal for standing rigging, cable railings, and architectural applications. A 7×19 rope has 7 strands of 19 wires each (133 wires total), giving it significantly greater flexibility and bend radius. This makes 7×19 the preferred choice for running rigging, pulleys, winches, and any application involving repeated movement or tight sheave radii. In general, more individual wires means a more flexible rope, while fewer, thicker wires means higher abrasion resistance and greater rigidity.
What is the breaking strength of 304 stainless steel wire rope?
The breaking strength of 304 stainless steel wire rope depends on the diameter and construction. As a general guide: 1/8" (3.2 mm) 7×7 rope has a minimum breaking strength of approximately 920 lbs (4.1 kN); 3/16" (4.8 mm) 7×7 reaches roughly 2,100 lbs (9.3 kN); and 1/4" (6.4 mm) 7×7 achieves around 3,700 lbs (16.5 kN). Our 304 stainless steel wire rope is manufactured to a nominal tensile strength of 1,570–1,960 MPa. Always apply an appropriate safety factor — typically 5:1 for general lifting and 10:1 for critical life-safety applications — when selecting a rope for a given working load limit.
What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel wire rope?
304 stainless steel contains 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, providing excellent corrosion resistance in most atmospheric and freshwater environments at a lower cost. 316 stainless steel adds 2–3% molybdenum to a similar chromium-nickel base, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion. This makes 316 the preferred grade for marine environments, coastal installations, swimming pools, chemical processing, and any application involving prolonged exposure to saltwater or chloride solutions. If your application is inland or sheltered, 304 is typically sufficient; for offshore, dockside, or continuously wet environments, invest in 316 for significantly longer service life.
What diameter wire rope do I need?
Selecting the correct diameter starts with determining your maximum working load, then applying the appropriate safety factor (commonly 5:1 for rigging, 7:1 for lifting people). Multiply your maximum working load by this factor to find the minimum breaking strength your rope must meet, then consult the load table for the corresponding diameter and construction. Other factors include the minimum bend radius (tighter bends favor smaller, more flexible constructions), the fitting or swage terminal bore size, abrasion conditions, and aesthetic requirements for architectural projects. Our team can assist you with load calculations — provide the application details, span length, and load conditions and we will recommend the correct diameter and construction for your project.
What standards does your wire rope comply with?
Our stainless steel wire rope is manufactured and tested in compliance with multiple international standards to ensure consistent quality. These include GB/T 9944-2015 (Chinese national standard for stainless steel wire ropes), DIN 3050–3072 (German standards covering rope construction and dimensional tolerances), ASTM A492 (American standard specification for stainless steel strand and wire for wire ropes), and MIL-DTL-83420 (U.S. military specification for stainless steel wire rope). Each production batch undergoes tensile strength testing, dimensional inspection, and surface quality checks. Mill test certificates (MTCs) and material certifications are available upon request for quality-critical procurement.
What is 1x19 wire rope used for?
1×19 wire rope consists of a single strand of 19 individual wires laid together without any inner core strands. This construction produces the stiffest and most torsionally stable form of stainless steel wire rope, with the highest breaking load for a given diameter. It is the standard choice for standing rigging on sailboats and yachts, cable railing infill, architectural tension systems, and any application where a rigid, non-rotating cable is required. Because it has very limited flexibility, 1×19 should only be used in straight or gently curved runs and is not suitable for sheaves, winches, or applications requiring repeated bending.
How do I maintain stainless steel wire rope to extend its service life?
Even 316 stainless steel wire rope benefits from regular maintenance. Rinse ropes with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chemicals to prevent chloride deposits from initiating pitting corrosion. Periodically apply a compatible lubricant or wire rope dressing to the core and outer wires to reduce internal friction, slow corrosion, and extend fatigue life — particularly for running rigging. Inspect for broken wires, kinks, bird-caging, corrosion pits, and end-fitting wear at regular intervals; replace any rope showing 10% or more broken wires per lay length, visible core protrusion, or significant pitting. Avoid contact with dissimilar metals in wet conditions, and ensure fittings are correctly swaged or properly sized to avoid stress concentrations.