Rope Core

         The purpose of the core is to provide support and maintain the position of the outer strands during operation.  The core provides an elastic bed to enable movement or relative displacement and allow deformation of the wire strands when the rope is flexed round a sheave.  A core of incorrect size or inferior material will cause a rope not to function properly and will shorten its life.

There are two main types of rope core – Fibre (FC) and Steel (IWRC or WSC)

FC                   Fibre core around which wire strands are laid.

FC ropes provide excellent flexibility.  Additionally, the fibre core is impregnated with lubricant during manufacture thus providing internal lubrication to reduce internal corrosion and wear between wires.

IWRC             Independent wire rope core around which wire strands are laid.  IWRC ropes have increased strength and provide good resistance to crushing, distortion and heat. The steel core also provides better support for the outer strands thus ensuring even stress distribution and retention of the rope shape.

WSC               Wire strand core around which wire strands are laid. 

Used in ropes below 13mm dia. 

Has the same benefits as IWRC.