What is Sling Rope?

The ability to handle materials-to move them from one location to another, whether during transit or at the worksite-is vital to all segments of industry. Materials must be moved, for example, for industry to manufacture, sell, and utilize products. In short, without materials-handling capability, industry would cease to exist. Slings play critical role of materials handling apparatus.

Sling types

The dominant characteristics of a sling are determined by the components of that sling. For example, the strengths and weaknesses of a wire rope sling are essentially the same as the strengths and weaknesses of the wire rope of which it is made.

Slings are generally one of six types: chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural fiber rope, synthetic fiber rope, or synthetic web. In general, use and inspection procedures tend to place these slings into three groups: chain, wire rope and mesh, and fiber rope web. Each type has its own particular advantages and disadvantages. Factors to consider when choosing the best sling for the job include the size, weight, shape, temperature, and sensitivity of the material to be moved, as well as the environmental conditions under which the sling will be used.

Single use slings offer a low cost means of lifting, loading, transporting and unloading certain types of cargo; they are designed to be attached/fitted to the load for the very first lifting operation, they will stay with the load throughout its journey which may or may not include loading and unloading multiple times, until it arrives at its final destination. Load safety is paramount at all times. It is common place to remove and destroy the slings after completion of the lifting operation, especially when it is for more odd-ball loads, such as moving a barge or boat, hence the term disposable slings. One way disposable lifting slings are typically used by steel yards, tube mills and for other mass produced bulk items.

Sling application area

Slings are commonly used by tubing / pipe manufacturers as well as lifting and transporting large structures for the construction industry, this often includes roof trusses and pre-fabricated timber, housing panels / walls. Another use is for lifting boats and barges from water to dry dock for repairs and maintenance or for transportation to another location. Besides, they are also used in many other areas including manufacturers of steel mesh, steel bars, and on production lines for assembling components.

Sling safety operation 

Slings must be selected in accordance with their intended use, based upon the size and type of load, and the environmental conditions of the workplace. All slings must be visually inspected before use to ensure their effectiveness.

The operator can prolong the service life of equipment and reduce costs by avoiding the potentially hazardous effects of overloading equipment, operating it at excessive speeds, taking up slack with a sudden jerk, and suddenly accelerating or decelerating equipment.

Remember, damaged slings cannot lift as much weight as new or older well-cared for slings. Proper and safe use and storage of slings will increase their service life.