Rope consists of a group of fibres/materials that are twisted or braided together into a cable. For material lifting applications, there are two primary types of rope; wire rope and synthetic ropes, such as PP rope.

Ropes have tensile strength, meaning that they have a limit to how much they can be stretched or pulled before they will break. This limit is commonly identified as the 'Safe Working Limit' or SWL for short.

Ropes are primarily used for jobs that involve dragging, lifting, or pulling and are commonly used in industries such as construction, exploration, sports & communications.

Types of Ropes:

• Wire Rope - Wire ropes are commonly used in industrial settings, for example with cranes. Wire type ropes are used in demanding situations and conditions, therefore they have to offer high-quality, crush resistance and durability when bending. They must also be resistant to abrasions as they are often used in situations where they are prone to scraping.
• Stainless Steel Wire Rope - These types of wire ropes are made from steel or stainless steel. They are highly resistant to adverse weather conditions and chemical composition. Therefore they are tough and durable making them perfect for construction/industrial settings.
• Galvanised Wire Rope (Steel) - Slightly different to its steel counterpart, the galvanised steel wire rope is coated with a thin layer of zinc to help further protect it against corrosion. Galvanised steel usually stands up well to water exposure.
• Polypropylene Rope - This type of rope is a great general-purpose rope. Typically, it is more suited to domestic settings such as business use or leisure. They are tough and hard-wearing, made from strong hard polymers that are highly resistant to solvents, water, and more. They have a high-melting-point when compared to common polymers which are useful in settings where heat can be a problem.