Steel Wire Rope

Steel wire ropes manufactured from PFEIFER can be summarized into four construction types based on the core concept: fibre-core wire ropes, steel-core wire ropes, steel-fibre hybrid-core wire ropes, and plastic-coated wire ropes, both consisting predominantly of high-carbon steel. Fibre-core ropes use a natural or synthetic fibre core (e.g., PP) and are typically selected where flexibility, contact behaviour and lubricant retention are beneficial. Steel-core ropes (e.g., IWRC/WSC concepts) provide higher structural stability and crush resistance, making them suitable for higher loads and more demanding winding conditions. Steel-fibre hybrid-core ropes combine steel and fibre in the core to achieve a balanced compromise between flexibility and structural stability. Plastic-coated ropes add a polymer coating on the rope surface to address specific service needs such as surface protection, wear mitigation or environmental exposure. These four construction types are supplied for two main application families: elevator wire ropes and hoisting wire ropes. Elevator ropes are used in building elevator systems for traction and suspension duty; given the high-cycle operating profile, different core concepts (fibre core, hybrid core and steel core) may be applied to balance flexibility, dimensional stability and consistent operation. Hoisting ropes are used for industrial lifting duties (cranes, hoists and related applications) where higher loads, dynamic loading and drum winding are common; therefore, steel-core constructions are typically dominant, with plastic-coated options applied where additional surface protection or wear control is required.