Africa's Number One Wire Rope Steel Distributor: 6x19, 6x36, 35x7 and Compacted Constructions Explained

As a candidate for Africa's number one wire rope steel distributor, CML SARL combines a strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea, a broad product range and logistics know-how to...

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As a candidate for **Africa's number one wire rope steel distributor**, CML SARL combines a strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea, a broad product range and logistics know-how to deliver steel wire rope where Africa is building and growing. The designation "6x36 IWRC" or "35x7" is not just a code: it determines flexibility, abrasion resistance, crush resistance and rotation behaviour. Here is a practical explanation by the CML SARL team. ### Reading a wire rope designation Each element of a rope designation matters: strand count and wires per strand define flexibility; the core (FC fibre core or IWRC steel core) defines crush resistance and strength; the grade (1770, 1960 or 2160 N/mm2) defines breaking load; and the lay (regular or Lang, right or left) defines handling and wear behaviour. ### The main constructions compared | Construction | Flexibility | Abrasion resistance | Rotation | Common use | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 6x7 | Low | Very high | Rotating | Guy wires, haulage | | 6x19 | Medium | High | Rotating | Winches, slings | | 6x36 | High | Medium | Rotating | Cranes, slings, mooring | | 19x7 | Medium | Medium | Low rotation | Hoists | | 35x7 | High | High | Very low rotation | Tower and mobile cranes | | 8xK26 compacted | High | Very high | Rotating | Port gantry cranes | ### Fibre core or steel core? Steel core ropes (IWRC) are stronger and keep their diameter better under load and on drums, which is why they dominate crane applications. Fibre cor...