Python Rope

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Selection | Removal Criteria | Constructions | Specifications

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4 PYTHON®

HIGH PERFORMANCE WIRE ROPE

PYTHONHIGH PERFORMANCE WIRE ROPE

• Overhead Cranes, metric and imperial

• Crawler-, Mobile-, Tower Cranes

• Steel Mill Cranes

• Container- Port and Heavy Lift Cranes

• Aluminum- and Paper Mill Cranes

• Special High Strength

• Superior Rotation Resistance

• Made in Germany by WDI

• www.pythonrope.com

FOR:>

PYTHON®


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©Unirope Limited, 2004 Version 01/2004Concept: Unirope Limited Layout: Unirope LimitedDesign Consultant: baustein strategic design group www.baustein.ca Graphics: Unirope Limited, Wire Rope Users Manual, Fotosearch, FotosToGo.No responsibility is assumed or implied for any printing error.We reserve the right to change at any time any technical specification,recommendations, or any other data contained in this catalogue.

Python® and Compac® are registered trademarks ofUnirope Limited, Mississsauga, Canada.Python® USA #: 2,394,943 Canada: TMA 515,411Compac® USA #: 2,490,884 Canada: TMA 567,920

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INDEXApplication Guideline ........................................................2Quick Reference Guide ....................................................3Basic Information on Wire Rope........................................4Wire Rope is a Machine ....................................................5

Wire Rope Removal Criteria ..............................................6Fundamentals of Inspection and Handling ....................7-8Wire Rope Strength ..........................................................9Compaction and Die-Drawing..........................................10Bending Fatigue Resistance ............................................11Rotation Resistant and Non-Rotating Wire Rope ............12Sheaves and Drums ........................................................13

Python® Super 8..........................................................14-15Python® Multi ..............................................................16-17Python® HS 9 ..............................................................18-19Python® Ultra ..............................................................20-21Python® Construct 6 ..................................................22-23Python® UNI-4 ............................................................24-25Python® Compac 18 ..................................................26-27Python® Compac 35 ....................................................28-29Python® Lift ................................................. ..............30-31Python® Hoist.................................................... ..........32-33

Wire Rope WILL FAIL if worn-out,overloaded, misused, damaged, improperlymaintained or abused. Wire rope failuremay cause serious injury or death!Protect yourself and others:■ ALWAYS INSPECT wire rope for WEAR,

DAMAGE or ABUSE BEFORE USE.■ NEVER USE wire rope that is WORN-

OUT, DAMAGED or ABUSED.■ NEVER OVERLOAD a wire rope■ INFORM YOURSELF: Read and

understand our literature■ REFER TO APPLICABLE CODES,

STANDARDS, and REGULATIONS forINSPECTION REQUIREMENTS andREMOVAL CRITERIA.

■ For additional information, ask your employer or your Python® Distributor

Wire rope is a very complex machinery element which primary function is the

transmission of tensile forces. Its basic constructional design allows repeated

changes in the direction of pull through reeving systems incorporating drums

and sheaves.

General purpose rope constructions are standardized in national (ASTM,

CSA) and international standards (ISO).

However, the increasing demand for higher breaking strength, greater

flexibility, better rotation resistance, and extended rope life cannot be met by

such general purpose rope constructions.

The discrepancy between expectation and operating ‘reality’ has led to the

development of PYTHON® High Performance rope constructions which,

amongst other features, offer significantly improved operating life. This has

been achieved through adaptation of engineered rope geometry and purpose

designed manufacturing processes.

WDI, located in Germany, has taken a leading role in the development of High

Performance PYTHON® Wire Rope as further described in this catalogue.

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Application Guideline

the simplicity of standard 6x19 ropes. For shock loadingapplications some users have had very god results with Python®Super 8V yet there were reports also of good performance withplastic (impregnated-delete) filled rope types (BXL), PFV orCushion ropes are some trade names). In essence, we believethat the human factor, crane design, crane location, and scope ofwork creates such a mix of conflicting requirements that we, asthe rope supplier, can only suggest that whatever works best forYOU in YOUR specific situation is also the best rope for you. Thismay not be the case for the chap next door.

Hoisting Rope for Mobile CranesMost of the smaller capacity US made cranes like Grove, Terex,P&H, Century, National, operate best with Python® Compac 18.It’s compacted outer rope surface is superior on multiple layerdrums where traditional ropes tend to fail due to friction damagesat the winding crossover points. However, Python® Compac 18,when used to it’s full fatigue life, tends to break up from the insideout (as all 19x7/19x19 rope do). Therefore, in high cycleapplications and for some high load ratings (e.g. on Manitowoc's)Python®-LIFT ropes are either already installed by the cranemanufacturer, or are the recommended upgrade choice. As analternate rope selection we recommend Python® Compac 35 asthis rope combines high strength, low rotation and die-drawnstrands at a very attractive price.Under NO circumstances do we recommend the so called '8x19spin resistant' rope construction. In service this type of rope WILLto break up from the inside out and when used with one end freeto rotate looses up to 40% of its breaking strength. Catastrophicand unexpected rope failures are the result.

Hoist Rope on Tower CranesFor tower cranes we do not recommend the use of 19x7 or 19x19style rope types; this includes out Python® Compac18 . RotationResistant ropes (having less than 14 outer strands) are verydifficult to inspect since they tend to fatigue from the inside of therope. Also, nearly all European tower cranes require high strengthnon-rotating ropes and neither 19x7 nor 19x19 types fulfill thedemand on strength and/or on non-rotating properties.For the older Pecco "double sheave lower suitcase block", whichis used strictly in a 2-line configuration, a regular 6x36 IWRC ropeis sufficient, provided the building height is no more than 10-12floors. Here, large line spacing prevents the block from spinning.For all other cranes we recommend Python® Compac 35. Forextremely high strength requirements Python® Lift ropes are thechoice.Linden, some Kroll- and Comedil tower cranes which have the 3-or 4 sheave arrangement in the block are 'rope killers'. Thereverse bend in such systems is so severe that short rope lifeMUST be expected. Under NO circumstances should you use19x7/19x19 ropes. Even if you use our Python® non-rotatingropes we will NOT guarantee no bird-cages and other ropedeformations as a result of such reeving systems. There havebeen reported sudden and unexpected rope failures. Such setups are quick and easy to convert from a 2 part to a 4-part linebut it’s not ideal from a wire rope standpoint ... and there isnothing we can do about it; you simply have to learn to live with itand INSPECT ... INSPECT ... INSPECT !

Overhead CranesDue to the vast variety of overhead cranes in service there is no'standard' rope construction which would fit all types. In mostcases, cranes made in North America require imperial size ropeseither, Class 6x19 or 6x36 are the traditional choices.

To enhance the crane performance the use of Python® HighPerformance rope is recommended. Python® wire rope canreplace traditional 6-strand construction without any changes tothe crane, other than making sure the sheaves and drum are ingood condition.If you upgrade from a standard strength 6-strand or 6-strand die-drawn type select Python® Super 8R, in either left- or right handlay. This type matches the breaking strength requirement but willgreatly outperform any traditional rope. It requires correspondingdrum grooving and thus ensures the most stable rope block youcan imagine.

If you experienced some block twisting you want to selectPython® MULTI. Even slight block twisting is a constantinconvenience when you have to position a C-clamp into stackedcoils, for example.Another application is where both rope ends are attached to thedrum. The result is that 1/2 of the rope always spools into aincorrect drum grooving direction. Particularly 8-strand ropeswithout a plastic coated core (as provided by most OEM’s) tendto torque resulting in loose strands and waviness. UsingPython® MULTI reduces and, in most cases, eliminates suchproblems. Because of it’s very unique construction Python-MULTIdoes NOT require corresponding drum grooving and still hasshown the highest degree of service life increase of all Pythontypes.

Some North American made overhead cranes have beenconverted, or can be converted, to higher lifting capacities usinghigh strength Python® SUPER 8V, Python® HS-9V or Python®Ultra compacted constructions. We suggest not to attempt toconvert your crane without professional advice, nor to select suchwithout consultation with your local Python Distributor.

Overhead Cranes and Rotation Resistant RopesAs a rule, Non-Rotating or Rotation Resistant rope types shallonly be used if the lower sheave block tends to spin and Python®Multi did not cure the problem. Generally, non-rotating ropes willhave a LOWER fatigue life than standard constructions, althoughthey seem to have 'finer' wires and appear to be more flexible.Specifically 9x17 spin resistant, 19x7, 19x19, and 24x7 rotationresistant ropes tend to break up from the inside and requirefrequent and careful inspections. Most of these rope types onoverhead cranes are smaller sizes between 5/16" and 7/16"(between 5 mm and 11 mm).For larger diameter non-rotating ropes (> 1/2” or 13 mm) werecommend Python® Lift or Python®-Hoist with a plasticcoated core to prevent premature internal wire breaks.Under no circumstances do we recommend Python® Compac18 for such applications.

Scrap and Grab Cranes, PiledriversThese are, in essence, "wire rope destruction machines". Someusers had good results with 6x19 COMPAC® ropes, others prefer

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Quick Reference

8-strand overhead crane wire rope with a plasticcoated core to increase operating life, and to providefor permanent core lubrication. Type Super 8 V is acompacted rope for increased strength. Available inleft- and right hand lay. For all overhead cranes,looping- and accumulator tower applications.

Developed for maximum performance onoverhead cranes. This rope features a plasticcoated core for extended fatigue life performanceand permanent core lubrication. Python® Multi isspin resistant to reduce block twisting onoverhead cranes. Recommended for looping- oraccumulator tower applications.

All steel high strength type for overhead cranes.This rope is compacted to enhance abrasioncharacteristic and to reduce sheave- and drumwear. Up to 40% strength increase over standard6-strand constructions.

Ultra high strength type mainly used as highfatigue resistant rope for engineered cableassemblies. Up to 55% strength increase overstandard 6-strand constructions. Sensitive tointroduced rotation so call before you select thisrope for overhead crane applications.

Due to a larger number of individual wires it ismore flexible than 19x7. The entire rope iscompacted to provide for better drum spoolingand less core abrasion. Recommended for Grove,Terex-, Century- Link-Belt-, and National cranes.NOT to be used with a swivel.

Recommended to be used on tower- andeuropean type mobile cranes. Available in left-and right hand lay as well as in regular- and lang'slay constructions. Recommended to be used insingle line applications. ALLOWED to be usedwith a swivel.

Fatigue resistant non-rotating rope. Compactingincreases strength and sheave contact area. Theplastic coated core increases fatigue life andprevents premature inner wire breaks as well asproviding for permanent core lubrication.ALLOWED to be used with a swivel.

High strength super flexible true non-rotatingrope. Oval outer strands provide for excellentsheave and drum contact area. Lift has verysuccessfully been used in multiple drum layerapplications. Needs special attention duringinstallation. ALLOWED to be used with a swivel.

Python® Super 8

Python® Multi

Python® HS 9

Python® Ultra

Python® Compac 18

Very robust 4-strand wire rope which iscompacted resulting in flat outer strands forincreased abrasion resistance. This rope is spin-resistant and is used as hoisting rope for bulk shipcranes as well as on heavy duty constructionequipment like pile drivers.

Python® UNI-4

Python® Compac 35

Python® Hoist

Python® Lift

High strength standard 6-strand rope forapplications which require a crush resistant ropeto be used on multiple layer winding systems.Ithas also shown remarkable performance gainsas main hoist rope on port container cranes andon some overhead crane applications.

Python® Construct-6

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1. Wire rope WILL FAIL IF WORN OUT, OVERLOADED,MISUSED, DAMAGED, or IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED.

2. In service, wire rope loses strength and work capability.Abuse and misuse increase the rate of loss.

3. The MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH of wire ropeapplies ONLY to a NEW, UNUSED rope.

4. The Minimum Breaking Strength should be considered thestraight line pull with both rope ends fixed to preventrotation, which will ACTUALLY BREAK a new, UNUSED,rope. The Minimum Breaking Strength of a rope shouldNEVER BE USED AS ITS WORKING LOAD.

5. To determine the working load of a wire rope, theMINIMUM or NOMINAL Breaking Strength MUST BEREDUCED by a DESIGN FACTOR (formerly called aSafety Factor). The Design Factor will vary dependingupon the type of machine and installation, and the workperformed. YOU must determine the applicable DesignFactor for your use.

For example, a Design Factor of “5" means that theMinimum- or Nominal Breaking Strength of the wire ropemust be DIVIDED BY FIVE to determine the maximumload that can be applied to the rope system.

Design Factors have been established by OSHA, by ANSI,by ASME and similar government and industrialorganizations.

No wire rope should ever be installed or used without fullknowledge and consideration of the Design Factor for theapplication.

6. WIRE ROPE WEARS OUT. The strength of a wire ropeslightly increases after the break-in period, but willdecrease over time. When approaching the finite fatiguelife span, the breaking strength will sharply decrease.Never evaluate the remaining fatigue life of a wire rope bytesting a portion of a rope to destruction only. An in depthrope inspection must be part of such evaluations.

7. NEVER overload a wire rope. This means NEVER use therope where the load applied is greater than the workingload determined by dividing the Minimum BreakingStrength of the rope by the appropriate Design Factor.

8. NEVER ‘SHOCK LOAD’ a wire rope. A sudden applicationof force or load can cause both visible external damage(e.g. birdcaging) and internal damage. There is nopractical way to estimate the force applied by shockloading a rope. The sudden release of a load can alsodamage a wire rope.

9. Lubricant is applied to the wires and strands of a wire ropewhen manufactured. This lubricant is depleted when therope is in service and should be replaced periodically.

10. Regular, periodic INSPECTIONS of the wire rope, andkeeping of PERMANENT RECORDS SIGNED BY AQUALIFIED PERSON, are required by OSHA and otherregulatory bodies for almost every rope installation. Thepurpose of inspection is to determine whether or not a wirerope may continue to be safely used on that application.Inspection criteria, including number and location ofbroken wires, wear and elongation, have been establishedby OSHA, ANSI, ASME and other organizations.

IF IN DOUBT, REPLACE THE ROPE.

Some inspection criteria on rope, sheaves and drums areoutlined further in this brochure.

11. When a wire rope has been removed from servicebecause it is no longer suitable, IT MUST NOT BE RE-USED ON ANOTHER APPLICATION.

12. Every wire rope user should be aware of the fact that eachtype of fitting attached to a wire rope has a specificefficiency rating which can reduce the working load of arope assembly or rope system, and this must be given dueconsideration in determining the capacity of a wire ropesystem.

13. Some conditions that can lead to problems in a wire ropesystem include:

● Sheaves that are too small, worn or corrugated cancause damage to a wire rope.

● Broken wires mean a loss of strength.● Kinks permanently damage a wire rope.● Environmental factors such as corrosive conditions

and heat can damage a wire rope.● Lack of lubrication can significantly shorten the useful

service life of a wire rope.● Contact with electrical wire and the resulting arcing will

damage a wire rope.

The above is based on the ‘Wire Rope Safety Bulletin’ published by the “WIRE ROPE TECHNICAL BOARD”.

Basic Information

Some Information every user should know about use and care of wire rope.What follows is a brief outline of the basic information required to safely use wire rope.

®

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A wire rope is a machine, by dictionary definition:"Anassemblage of parts...that transmit forces, motion, and energyone to another in some predetermined manner and to somedesired end.”

A typical wire rope may contain hundreds of individualwires which are formed and fabricated to operate at closebearing tolerances one to another. When a wire rope bends,each of its many wires slides and adjusts in the bend toaccommodate the difference in length between the inside andthe outside bend. The sharper the bend, the greater themovement.

Wire Rope is a Machine

Every wire rope has three basic components: (1) The wires which form the strands and collectively provide

rope strength;(2) The strands, which are helically around the core; and,(3) The core, which forms a foundation for the strands.

The core of wire rope is an Independent Wire Rope Core(IWRC), which is actually a rope in itself. The IWRC in Pythonrope provides between 10% and 50% (in non-rotatingconstructions) of the wire rope’s strength.

The greatest difference in wire ropes are found in thenumber of strands, the construction of strands, the size of thecore, and the lay direction of the strand versus the core.

The wires of wire rope are made of high-carbon steel.These carbon steel wires come in various grades. The term“Grade” is used to designate the strength of the wire rope. Wireropes are usually made of Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS) orExtra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS)

One cannot determine the Grade of a wire rope by its feelor appearance. To properly evaluate a rope grade you mustobtain the Grade from your employer or rope supplier.

Right Regular Lay RRL

Left Regular Lay LRL

Right Lang Lay RLL

Left Lang Lay LLL

Basic Information®

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Fundamentals of Wire Rope Inspection

When to replace wire rope based on number of broken wires

Table A)

Standard

ASME/B30.2

ASME/B30.4

ASME/B30.5

ASME/B30.6

ASME/B30.7

ASME/B30.8

ASME/B30.16

ANSI/A10.4

ANSI/A10.5

Equipment

Overhead & Gantry Cranes

Portal, Tower & Pillar Cranes

Crawler, Locomotive & Truck Cranes,Rotation Resistant Rope

Running Rope

Derricks

Base Mounted Drum Hoists

Floating Cranes & Derricks

Overhead Hoists

Personnel Hoists

Material Hoists

In one Rope Lay

12**

6**

6**

6**

6**

6**

12**

6**

6**

In one Strand

4

3

3

3

3

3

4

3

Not specified

In one Strand

Not specified

3

3

3

3

3

Not specified

2**

Not specified

At EndConnection

2

2

2

2

2

2

Retirement criteria based on number of broken wires found in alength of wire rope equal to 6 times rope diameter- 2 broken wires maximum, and 30 times rope diameter- 4 broken wires maximum

Number of broken wires inRunning Ropes

Number of broken wires inStanding Ropes

** Also remove for 1 valley break (see next page for further information)

Fault Possible Cause Fault Possible Cause

Accelerated Wear

Rapid Appearanceof Broken Wires

Corrosion

Kinks

Excessive localizedWear

Severe abrasion from being draggedover the ground or obstructions.Rope not suitable for application.Poorly aligned sheaves.Large fleet angle.Worn sheave with improper groove,size or shape.Sheaves and rollers have rough wearsurface.Stiff or seized sheave bearings.High bearing and contact pressures.Sheaves/drum too small.

Rope not suitable for application.Reverse bends.Sheaves/drums too small.Overload and shock loads.Excessive rope vibration.Kinks that have formed and havebeen straightened out.Crushing and flattening of the rope.Sheave wobble.

Inadequate lubrication.Improper storage.Exposure to acids or alkalis.

Improper installation.Improper handling.Slack rope pulled tight.

Drum crushing.Equalizer Sheave.Vibration.

Stretch

Broken Wires nearFitting

Sheaves/DrumsWear out

Pinching, Crushing,oval Shape

Rope Unlays(Opens up)

Reduction inDiameter

Bird Cage

Core Protrusion

Overload.Passed normal stretch andapproaches failure.

Rope Vibration.Fittings get pulled too close tosheave or drum.

Material too soft

Sheaves grooves too small.Not following proper installation andmaintenance procedure on multiplelayer drums

Wrong rope construction. Rope end attached to swivel.

Broken core.Overload.Internal wear.Corrosion.

Tight Sheaves.Rope is forced to rotate around itsown axis.Shock loads.Improper Wedge Socket installation.

Shock loading.Disturbed rope lay.Rope unlays.Load spins and rotates rope aroundits own axis.

Rope Removal and possible Cause

®

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For a complete discussion on Handling, Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance of Wire Rope, please ask for our separate Catalogue

Sheavegroove

matches rope

Sheavegroove too

small

Sheavegroove worn

out

New rope willbe damaged

Check for worn andcorrugated sheaves

Inspection of Sheaves

Handling of Wire Rope

Right Right Wrong Wrong

An inspection should include verification

that none of these removal criteria are met

by checking for such things as:

- Surface wear, normal and unusual

- Broken wires: Number and location

- Reduction in diameter

- Rope stretch (elongation)

- Integrity of attachments

- Evidence of abuse or contact with other

objects

- Heat damage

- Corrosion

See Table A on the previous page for

maximum allowable wire breaks causing

discard of the rope.

Under normal operating conditions individual wires will break due to material

FATIGUE. Such breaks are usually located at the CROWN of a strand. ALL

wire rope removal criteria are based on CROWN wire breaks.

Remove the rope from service even if you find a SINGLE individual wire break

which originates from inside of the rope. These so called VALLEY breaks have

shown to be the cause for unexpected complete rope failures.

Wire Rope Inspection

Fundamentals of Wire Rope Inspection and Handling®

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Fundamentals of Wire Rope Inspection and Handling

Overwind from left to right:Use Right Hand Rope

Underwind from right to left:Use Right Hand Rope

Left Hand Grooved:Use Right Hand Rope

Overwind from right to left:Use Left Hand Rope

Underwind from left to right:Use Left Hand Rope

Right Hand Grooved:Use Left Hand Rope

Design specification for wire rope are such

that the diameter is slightly larger than the

nominal size as shown in the catalogue.

The allowable tolerances are:

≤ 1/8" -0 / +8%

> 1/8" ≤ 3/16" -0 / +7%

> 3/16"≤ 5/16" -0 / +6%

> 5/16" -0 / +5%

Python® wire rope is produced with an

allowable oversize tolerance of only 4%, all

others have an allowable 5% oversize

tolerance.

When put into service the wire rope

diameter slightly decreases when first

loaded. A further reduction in wire rope

diameter indicates wear, abrasion, or core

deterioration.

Measuring Wire Rope

Allowable Rope Oversize Tolerance

5% Diameter Tolerance

NominalDiameter

inch

MaximumDiameter

inch

NominalDiameter

mm

MaximumDiameter

mm

3/87/161/29/16

5/83/47/81

1-1/81-1/41-3/81-1/2

1-5/81-3/41-7/8

2

.395.46.525.590

.65

.79

.921.05

1.181.311.441.58

1.711.841.972.10

10111214

15161820

22242628

30323436

10.511.512.614.7

15.716.818.921

23.125.227.329.4

31.533.635.737.8

Right

Wrong

Be sure to use the correct rope lay direction

for the drum. This applies to smooth, as

well as to grooved drums.

In some applications it may be advisable to

select the rope lay direction according to

the most frequently used drums layers. If

the first rope layer is used as a ‘guide layer’

only, it is advisable to select the rope lay

direction according to the second layer.

If you are in doubt about this issue, give us

a call and we will be happy to assist you.

Wire Rope Lay Direction

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Wire Rope Construction

TENSILE STRENGTH

The wires of wire rope are made of high-carbon steel.

These carbon steel wires come in various grades. Wire

ropes are usually made of Extra Improved Plow Steel

(EIPS) or Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS) which

roughly equivalents to a wire tensile strength of

1960N/mm2

and 2160N/mm2.

As one can see from the tables in this catalogue the

difference in the rope’s breaking strengths by increasing

the material tensile strength is only about 10%.

FILL FACTOR

In order to further increase the breaking strength of wire

rope one has to increase the rope’s fill factor.

The fill factor measures the metallic cross section of a rope

and compares this with the circumscribed area given by

the rope diameter. Traditional rope constructions ‘fill’ the

rope diameter only up to about 58% with steel. Python®

wire rope ‘fill’ the rope diameter up to 80% with steel. That

is an metallic increase of about 38% which results in a

similar increase in rope strength.

Two methods can be employed: Selecting a different rope

CONSTRUCTION or COMPACTING/DIE DRAWING the

rope/strands.

Strength

The breaking strength of wire rope can be increased in two ways: either by increasing the wire material TENSILE STRENGTH or

by increasing the rope’s FILL FACTOR.

Sol

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Pyt

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625/

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Reg

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6x3

6 IW

RC

Reg

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6x3

6 F

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75 %

50 %

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Pyt

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Fill Factor of different rope constructions

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Many of our wire ropes are made with either die-drawn strands (Python® Compac 35) or the entire rope is subjected to a compaction

process ( all other Python® types). Here are the differences:

DIE-DRAWN STRANDS

This process is applied to the strands NOT to the rope. The

ready made strands are forced through drawing dies which

compress and shape the individual wires to have a flat

outer surface. The advantages are

: increased strength

: less wire interlocking on multiple layer drums

: less contact pressures onto sheaves and drums

ROPE SWAGING

This process is usually applied to wire rope which is made

using the double parallel manufacturing method, or where

the rope core is plastic coated. This process is applied

after the rope has been manufactured and compresses

individual surface wires as well as closing strand gaps.

The advantages are

: increased strength

: transforming the entire rope into a more ‘round’ shape

: less wire interlocking on multiple drums

: less contact pressure onto sheave and drums

: embedding strands into plastic coated cores

: achieve tighter diameter tolerances

: reduces constructional rope stretch to near zero

Compaction and die-drawing

Standard strand wires Die-drawn strand wires Compacted strand wires

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The ability of a wire rope to withstand repeated bending

work over sheaves and onto drums is also called ‘fatigue

resistance’. This term describes the ultimate rope life

based on the maximum mechanical fatigue resistance of

the wire material used. This term does NOT describe the

ability to withstand mechanical damages nor the crush

resistance of a wire rope.

The fatigue resistance of a wire rope is not time- but cycle

dependent. Bending fatigue is the ability to withstand

repeated bending over sheaves and drums. The ability to

withstand a certain number of bending cycles is linked to

equipment related factors, such as

: diameter, shape, and groove dimensions of sheaves

and drums

: the load the rope is subjected to

: the fluctuation of highest to light loads

: the line speed

: rapid acceleration and braking forces

: the rope construction

The larger the bending radii become, the higher is the

expected fatigue life. Large drums and sheaves will

reduce radial rope pressures. Reverse bends in the

reeving system, especially within short distances, will have

a major negative impact on rope life.

Bending Fatigue Resistance

Many years of monitoring rope performance in the field

together with scientific research at Universities and

Technical Institutes have led to the recognition that the

number of outer strands in a rope is a very significant

factor influencing rope service life.

The number of outer strands determines the contact area

between the rope and sheave groove. If this area is

increased the points of contact are multiplied and abrasive

wear of rope and sheave is reduced. At the same time

lateral notching stresses between strands and wires are

reduced, resulting in increased fatigue life.

Extensive test programs at the University of Stuttgart,

Germany, have proven conclusively that bending fatigue of

wire rope improves with an increasing number of outer

strands.

Based on this research we have developed high

performance wire rope with 8-, 9-, and 10 outer strands.

Rope Service Life

DF 5:1

6x19 Filler8x19 Filler9x19 Filler

Research Institute for MaterialHandling, Institute ofTechnology, Stuttgart, Germany

Rope diameter: 16 mm (5/8”)Tensile Strength: 1570 N/mm2

Construction: Filler, IWRCD/d Ratio: 25:1Breaking Strength: 135.7 kN

-12-


resistant variants. With one rope end

allowed to spin freely these and regular 6-

strand ropes will spin violently and unlay

themselves when loaded. They may also

develop a significant drop in breaking

strength and an even larger drop in their

fatigue life characteristic.

As already mentioned, to achieve any

degree of resisting the tendency of a rope

to spin and unlay under load all such rope

types (other than 4-strand ones) are

constructed with 2 or more layers of

opposite twisted strands.

2-layer ropes have a larger tendency to

rotate than 3-layer ones (e.g. class 34x7).

Furthermore, 2-layer spin-resistant and

rotation resistant ropes will develop only

about 55% to 75% of their breaking

strength when one end is allowed to rotate

freely. This number increases to between

95% to 100% for 3-layer non-rotating

ropes.

Another important issue is that 2-layer

rotation resistant and 2-layer spin-resistant

rope types have the tendency to break up

from the inside. The 8 (e.g. 8x25 spin-

resistant) or 12 outer strands (19x7, 19x19)

are not able to evenly distribute the

tension- and torque forces between inner

and outer strands. Furthermore, the

inherent internal strand cross overs (which

make the rope spin- or rotation resistant)

resulting in severe notching stresses cause

the rope core to break up premature

(unless the core is plastic coated, e.g.

Python® Multi). Unexpected and sudden

rope failures may be the result. Moreover,

2-layer spin-resistant or rotation resistant

ropes satisfy only low to moderate

rotational resistance demands.

3-layer rope constructions (e.g. class

35x7) have many more outer strands which

can much better distribute the radial

pressures onto the reverse lay inner

strands. These ropes should be selected

for larger mobile- and ALL tower cranes.

When loaded, every wire rope will develop

torque; that is it has the tendency to

: unlay itself unless both rope ends are

secured against rotation.

: cause a lower sheave block to rotate and

to spin the line parts together.

Rotation resistant ropes can be divided into

3 categories:

The characteristic of these wire ropes are

that the outer layer is twisted in the

opposite direction of their inner layers. The

sometimes confusing issue is that many 8-

9- and 10 strand constructions are 2-layer

types but their inner strands are NOT

twisted in the opposite direction and

therefore these rope are NOT spin-

resistant; plus, for the untrained eye these

ropes look very much alike their spin-

Rotation Resistant and Non-Rotating Wire Rope

Spin-Resistant, 2 layer(8 to 10 outer strands)

Rotation Resistant, 2 layer(11 to 13 outer strands)

Non-Rotating, 3 layer(14 or more outer strands)

Example of a 2-layerrotation resistant

construction with 12outer strands.

(19x7)

-13-


The performance of all wire rope depends on the good

condition and sufficient dimensions of sheaves and drums.

Too small sheaves and drums will reduce the service life

of a rope. This is more a question of ‘performance’ rather

than ‘safety’. The following table is based upon

recommendations by the Wire Rope Technical Board:

Sheave opening angle should be 35˚ to 45˚ for applications

with fleet angles ≤ 1.5˚, for larger fleet angles use 60˚

opening.

Maximum rope fleet angle for general purpose ropes

should not exceed 4˚, for non-rotating/rotation resistant

types and for Python® HS-9 and Python® Ultra the fleet

angle should not exceed 1.5˚

Sheaves and Drums

Multi-layer drum systems should use die-

drawn (Python®Compac 35) or type ‘V’

Python® rope constructions having a steel

core. The higher fill factor of such rope

constructions ensure a greater resistance

to crushing and flattening than

conventional rope types. This is particularly

important for boom hoist ropes on lattice

boom cranes at the cross over point from

one rope winding to the next.

Cranes equipped with multi-layer drum

systems which require rotation-resistant or

Python® ropes also help reduce strand

interlocking which normally occurs at

adjacent rope wraps. This is caused by too

large of fleet angles as well as is the cause

of multiple layer windings on smooth

(ungrooved) drums.

All Python® ropes have a smooth and very

round outer rope surface which helps to

minimize abrasive wear due to strand-to-

strand contacts.

For further information please refer to

our Catalogue ‘Handling Procedures’.

non-rotating rope are best served with

Python®Compac 35 or Python® Lift rope

constructions as these have a smooth

outer surface allowing the rope to better

‘glide’ from one winding into the next.

To further reduce drum crushing have the

first rope layer wound onto the drum with

about 5-10% of the WLL and avoid that this

first layer unspools and re-spools without

tension. This would cause a ‘soft’ bottom

layer which will flatten rather quickly.

Sheaves and Drums

Construction

19x7 / 18x7

6x26 WS

6x25 Filler, 6x31 WS, Compac® 626

6x36 WS, Python® HS9, Python® Ultra

8x25, Python® Super 8, Python® Multi

Python® Compac 35, Python® Lift and Hoist

Recommended Sheave and Drum Contours:

Groove radii minimum: o.53 to .535x d for new rope

Groove radii maximum: o.55 to o.56x d

Sheave Groove depth: 1.5 x d

Drum Pitch for SINGLE layer minimum: 2.065 x groove radii

Drum Pitch for SINGLE layer maximum: 2.18 x groove radii

Drum groove depth: minimum ≥ o.375x d for helical grooved

Hardness: As wire rope has a hardness of about 50-55RC we

recommend that the hardness of sheaves and drums is at least

35 RC, better is 40-45 RC

Suggested

D/d ratio

34

30

26

23

20

20

-14-

Shown is Super 8 V (compacted)

Python® Super 8 for Overhead Cranes

8-strand fatigue resistant constructioncompacted design to increase strength (Type V)flat outer wires for optimum sheave contact (Type V)plastic coated core helps prevent inner wire breakspermanent lubricated core

Main Applications:Super-8 is the classic 'upgrade' rope for all overhead crane types toincrease the rope's fatigue life. The 8-strand construction providesan excellent combination of flexibility, fatigue life, and abrasionresistance.Also used in looping- or accumulator tower applications.

Rope Characteristic:8-strand high performance overhead crane wire rope with a plasticcoated core. This special engineered hard plastic prevents metal tometal contact between outer- and inner strands and greatlyreduces internal, non-detectable, wear and abrasion resulting inincreased fatigue life, plus it provides for permanent corelubrication. Type 'V' is compacted for increased surface contact area betweenrope and sheave thus reducing sheave and drum wear.Super 8 is up to 30% stronger than regular 6-strand EIPS ropes.Check listings for details.

Python® Super 8 is NOT rotation resistant or non-rotating

Standard:DIN 2078/3051 where applicable

Available in right regular lay (RRL) AND left regularlay (LRL)

Wire Rope

Do NOT use Python®Super 8 wire rope attachedto a swivel. The rope WILL

unlay resulting in anunsafe condition.

Block Twisting (Cabling)will occur when used

exceeding certain liftingheights.

Call for advice

-15-

Python® Super 8Overhead Crane Wire RopeConstruction:8 x 25 Filler

8-strand overhead crane wire rope with a plasticcoated core to prevent inner undetectable fatiguebreaks. The plastic coating also increases fatiguelife and ensures permanent core lubrication. TypeSuper V is a compacted rope for better abrasionresistance and increased strength.

Python® Super-8 is available in right- and in leftlay configurations to adopt to the correspondingdrum groove direction.Furthermore, using right- and left hand rope onthe same crane results in a rope system which isvery stable against block twisting.

7/161/29/16

5/83/47/8

11-1/81-1/4

1-3/81-1/21-5/8

1-3/4

.29

.47

.59

.741.051.40

1.872.372.97

3.534.194.95

5.61

10.313.717.4

21.730.641.1

54.869.486.9

103.4122.6144.8

164.4

15.119.1

23.933.745.2

60.376.495.7

113.8134.9159.4

180.9

16.621.1

26.437.249.9

66.584.2

105.5

125.5148.7175.7

199.4

Super 8 R EIPS

Super 8 V EIPS

Super 8 V EEIPS

101112

131415

161718

192022

242628

303234

3638

.43

.52

.62

.73

.84

.97

1.101.251.40

1.561.722.09

2.482.913.38

3.884.414.98

5.596.22

75.691.4

108.8

127.7148.1170.0

193.4218.4244.8

272.8302.2365.7

435.2510.8592.4

680.1773.8873.5

979.31091.1

119.8

140.6163.0187.1

212.9240.4269.5

300.2332.7402.5

479.0562.2652.0

748.5851.6961.4

1077.91200.9

132.0

154.9179.6206.2

234.6264.9297.0

330.9366.6443.6

527.9619.6718.6

824.9938.5

1059.5

1187.81323.5

Imperial Python® Super 8

Metric Python® Super 8

Ropedia.inch

Minimum Strength tons of 2000 lbs Weightper foot

lbs*

Super 8 R 1960 N/mm2

Super 8 V 1960 N/mm2

Super 8 V 2160 N/mm2

Ropedia.mm

Minimum Strength in kn Weightper mtr

kgs*

*Weights for Super 8V: Add approximately 10%

6-strand

The 8-strand construction provides an increase incontact points between rope and sheave. Lesswear of the rope and of your equipment.

8-strand

Wire Rope

Breaking StrengthsNote: The maximum CAPACITY, WORKING LOAD LIMIT(WLL), or LINE PULL of the rope usually is 1/5 of the belowstated values. For specific information consult the standardsapplicable to your rope application.

-16-

Wire Rope

Python® Multi Hoisting Applications

Main Applications:10-strand high performance wire rope for overhead cranes as wellas some truck- and container cranes.Special spin-resistant feature prevents much of the unwanted blocktwisting on overhead cranes.

Rope Characteristic:The core is plastic coated to prevent metal to metal contactbetween inner- and outer strands and greatly reduces internal,undetectable, wear and abrasion. Also, the core is twisted in theopposite direction of the outer strands making this rope spin-resistant and therefore ideal for cranes where both rope ends areattached to the drum. Multi is a compacted rope to reduce initial rope stretch and toincrease the outer strand contact area to sheaves and drum. 10outer strands distribute the load pressures more equally thusreducing wear of the rope and your equipment.Compared to 6-strand ropes Multi has increased service life inmany cases up to 5 times and more.

Python® Multi is SPIN RESISTANT but NOT rotationresistant or non-rotating. Used where these demandsare low or moderate. Proper and sufficient line spacingis required.


Do NOT use Python® Multiwire rope attached to aswivel. The rope WILLunlay resulting in an

unsafe condition.



Call for advice

10-strand fatigue resistant constructioncompacted design for a smooth outer surfaceflat outer wires for optimum sheave contactplastic coating SHIELDS reverse lay core preventing directcontact between outer- and inner strands thus preventingpremature inner rope failuresReverse lay core minimizes block twisting

6-strand

The 10-strand constructionprovides an increase incontact points between ropeand sheave. Less wear ofthe rope and of yourequipment.

10-strand

-17-

Wire Rope

10-Strand Hoisting Wire RopeConstruction:10 x 19

Developed for maximum performance onoverhead cranes. This rope features a plasticcoated core for extended fatigue lifeperformance and permanent core lubrication.Python® MULTI is spin resistant to reduce blocktwisting on overhead cranes. Alsorecommended for looping- or accumulator towerapplications.

131415

161820

222426

283032

343638

404244

.75

.871.00

1.141.441.78

2.152.563.01

3.494.014.56

5.145.776.43

7.127.858.62

127.9148.3170.2

193.7245.1302.6

366.2435.8511.4

593.1680.9774.7

874.6980.5

1092.5

1210.51334.51464.5

140.9163.4187.6

213.4270.1333.5

403.5480.2563.9

653.7750.4853.8

963.81080.51204.0

1334.01470.51614.0

Python® MULTI ropes in EEIPS or 2160 N/mm2 areNOT available from stock

1/29/165/8

3/47/81

1-1/81-1/41-3/8

1-1/21-3/4

.48

.61

.77

1.081.451.93

2.443.063.65

4.325.79

15.119.224.0

33.845.460.5

76.596.0

114.3

135.3181.4

13.717.421.8

30.741.154.8

69.487.0

103.7

122.7164.6

Fatigue Life ComparisonExample:Rope dia. ......................... 5/8”Sheave dia ...................... 15-3/4”Sheave opening .............. 60 degreeRope tension at DF 5:1 for a6-strand rope

Metric Python® MULTI

MULTI1960 N/mm2

MULTI*2160 N/mm2

Ropedia.mm


kgs*

MULTIEIPS

MULTI*EEIPS

Imperial Python® MULTI

Ropedia.inch


lbs

6x25 Filler

8x25 Filler

10 strand Multi


Wire Rope

Python® HS-9 High Strength Hoisting

Up to 7/8”

1” and up

Main Applications:Super high strength yet super flexible overhead crane wire rope.Used as original equipment rope and for crane capacity upgrades.Also used as high strength engineered assembly cable for tensionapplications. Type V has little to no initial constructional stretch.Sizes 11mm and 14 mm in left lay are original equipment ropes forsome DEMAG crane types.

Rope Characteristic:HS-9 V is compacted to enhance the abrasion characteristic and toreduce sheave- and drum wear. Type HS-9V in combination withEEIPS (2160 N/mm2) wire tensile grades increases rope strength ofup to about 50% over regular strength 6-strand types.HS-9 is constructed from a total of up to 358 single wires comparedto 265 single wires in traditional 6x36 wire rope. This results in asuper strong yet super flexible rope.Although HS-9 is our most successful high strength ropeconstruction there are precautions we must address before youselect this rope. One is that the direction of lay which mustcorrespond to drum grooving, the other is that large fleet anglesmay cause high strands or core protrusion because the rope will‘roll’ rather than ‘glide’ into the sheave groove. Any introduction oftorque into (any) wire rope will cause structural damages.

Python® HS-9 is NOT rotation resistantor non-rotating


Do NOT use Python® HS-9wire rope attached to aswivel. The rope WILLunlay resulting in an

unsafe condition.



Call for advice

9-strand fatigue resistant high strength constructioncompacted design to increase strengthflat outer wires for optimum sheave contact (type V)inner strands are laid parallel to the outer strands to avoidany strand cross-overs and premature wire nicking

6-strand

The 9-strand constructionprovides an increase incontact points between ropeand sheave. Less wear ofthe rope and of yourequipment.

9-strand

-18-

-19-

Wire Rope

Python® HS-9 is availablein right- and left hand lay.

Ask for availability from stock.

9-Strand High Strength CraneWire RopeConstruction:9 x 19 Seale (up to7/8”)9 x 25 Filler (1” and up)

High strength rope type. Type ‘V’ is extracompacted.Core is parallel laid to minimize strand nicking.Up to 40% strength increase over standard 6-strand constructions. Requires correspondingdrum groove direction. OEM rope on some DEMAG cranes. Ask us fordetails

Strength Comparison

6x36EIPS

HS-9 REIPS

HS-9 VEIPS

HS-9 VEEIPS

Compac 6EIPS

7/161/29/16

5/83/47/8

11-1/81-1/4

1-3/81-1/21-5/8

1-3/4

.40

.53

.67

.841.191.58

2.102.663.33

3.964.705.55

6.30

12.116.120.4

25.636.149.2

65.683.2

104.2

123.9146.9173.6

197.0

--17.522.2

27.839.252.6

70.188.8

111.2

132.3156.8185.2

210.2

--19.324.5

30.643.257.9

77.297.9

122.5

145.7172.8204.1

231.6

HS-9 R EIPS

HS-9 V EIPS

HS-9 V EEIPS

Imperial Python® HS-9

Ropedia.inch


lbs*

(1)Weights for PYTHON- HS 9 V: add approx. 10%EEIPS and 2160 N/mm2 are non-stock items

101112

131415

161718

192022

242628

303234

3638

.49

.59

.71

.83

.961.10

1.261.421.59

1.771.962.34

2.793.273.79

4.364.965.60

6.276.99

89.0107.7128.1

150.4174.4200.2

227.8257.2288.3

321.2355.9438.3

521.6612.1709.9

815.0927.3

1047.0

1173.51307.5

139.1

163.3189.4217.4

247.4279.3313.1

348.8386.5467.7

556.6653.2757.6

869.7989.5

1117.0

1252.31395.3

----

153.3

180.0208.7239.6

272.6307.8345.0

384.4426.0515.4

613.4719.9834.9

958.41090.41231.0

1380.11537.7

Metric Python® HS-9

HS-9 R 1960 N/mm2

HS-9 V 1960 N/mm2

HS-9 V 2160 N/mm2

Ropedia.mm


kgs*


-20-

Wire Rope

Python® Ultra isavailable in right-and left hand lay.Ask for availabilityfrom stock.

Python® Ultra for engineered applications

10-strand fatigue resistant ULTRA high strength ropecompacted design to increase strengthMaxFlat™ compression for optimum sheave contactparallel inner-to-outer strand design increases fatigue life

Up to 3/4”

7/8” and up

Python® Ultra when fabricated into a Uni-Loc® Cable Assembly

Main Applications:Super high strength wire rope mainly used for engineered cableassemblies, counterweight ropes, winch lines, boom pendants,extension- and retraction cables, etc. Overhead crane applicationsfor sizes above 3/4" (19 mm) may require some restrictions as tofleet angle and lay direction. Call before you select this rope.

Rope Characteristic:Python®-Ultra is our highest strength rope available. It is fullycompacted resulting in an extreme smooth outer rope surface andthe removal of nearly all of the constructional stretch. This is animportant feature if you require a low stretch rope for cablesassemblies. Ultra is an 'all parallel' construction type, meaning thatthere are no wire cross-overs within the rope body to ensuremaximum fatigue life. Ultra provides a strength increase of up to53% over regular 6-strand constructions. Refer to theconservatively calculated strength tables.Python®-Ultra requires corresponding drum grooving directions;e.g. use a right hand lay rope if the drum is left hand grooved.Large fleet angles may cause high strands or core protrusionbecause the rope will ‘roll’ rather than ‘glide’ into the sheavegroove. Any introduction of torque into (any) wire rope will causestructural damages.

Python® Ultra is NOT rotation resistant or non-rotating


Do NOT use Python® Ultrawire rope attached to aswivel. The rope WILLunlay resulting in an

unsafe condition.



Call for advice

Typical application of Python®Ultra as Retraction- and

Extension cables insidemobile crane booms.

-21-

Wire Rope

1/29/165/8

3/47/81

1-1/81-1/41-3/8

1-1/21-5/81-3/41-7/8

.59

.74

.93

1.311.732.31

2.933.664.36

5.176.106.938.11

18.022.828.5

40.253.971.9

91.1114.1135.7

160.9190.0215.7252.4

19.825.131.4

44.359.479.2

100.5125.8149.6

177.3209.5237.8278.3

Imperial Python® - Ultra10-Strand Ultra High StrengthWire RopeConstruction:10 x 19 Seale (up to 3/4”)10 x 25 Filler (7/8” and up)

Ultra high strength type mainly used as highfatigue resistant rope for engineered cableassemblies. Up to 55% strength increase overstandard 6-strand constructions. Sensitive tointroduced rotation so call before you select thistype of rope for overhead crane applications.

Rope Characteristic:

: Ultra High Strength: All steel, parallel construction: Flexible 10 outer strand type: Fully compacted: Smooth rope surface: High fatigue resistant

121314

151617

181920

222426

283032

34363840

42444648

.78

.911.06

1.221.381.56

1.751.952.16

2.573.063.60

4.174.795.45

6.156.897.688.51

9.3810.3011.2612.26

142.8167.6194.4

223.1253.9286.6

321.3358.0396.7

480.0571.3670.4

777.5892.6

1015.6

1146.51285.31432.11586.8

1749.51920.02098.62285.0

157.4184.7214.2

245.9279.8315.9

354.1394.6437.2

529.0629.5738.8

856.9983.7

1119.2

1263.51416.51578.21748.7

1928.02116.02312.72518.2

Metric Python® - Ultra


ULTRAEIPS

ULTRAEEIPS

Ropedia.inch


lbs

ULTRA1960 N/mm2

ULTRA2160 N/mm2

Ropedia.mm


kgs

-22-

Wire Rope

Python® Construct-6types are available inright- and left hand lay.Ask for availability fromstock.

Python® Construct-6 Boom Hoist- and Overhead Crane Rope

6-strand crush resistant high strength ropecompacted design to increase strengthMaxFlat™ compression for optimum sheave contact

Up to 7/8 - 24 mm6 F-V

1” - 26 mm and up6 WS-V

Main Applications:High strength standard 6-strand rope for applications which requirea crush resistant rope to be used on multiple layer winding

systems; e.g. boom hoist on lattice boom mobile- and towercranes. This rope has also shown remarkable performancegains as main hoist rope on port container cranes and on

some overhead crane applications.

Rope Characteristic:Python® Construct-6 is a swaged rope which is constructed fromspecialty made engineered and sized 6-strand wire rope. The basicwire rope is already manufactured with purpose intend to becompacted (or swaged) into the finished product. The degree ofcompacting is carefully selected to ensure the best compromisebetween crush- and fatigue resistance. The strength increasecompared to standard 6-strand ropes varies between about plus10% to 35% depending on rope diameter.Python® Construct-6 is available as a 25 wire (6 F-V) or 36 wire(6WS-V) construction, in left- and right lay, bright or galvanized.Choose 6 F-V as Boom Hoist rope, 6 WS-V for single layer drumhoisting.Because of the compacting process most of the rope’s initial stretch(constructional stretch) has already been removed.

Python® Construct-6 is NOT rotation resistant or non-rotating

Standard:DIN 2078/3051 where applicable.

Do NOT use Python®Construct-6 wire rope

attached to a swivel. Therope WILL unlay resulting

in an unsafe condition.



Call for advice

Boom Hoist

-23-

Wire Rope

5/167/161/2

9/165/83/4

7/81-1/81-1/4

.25

.44

.59

.68

.871.18

1.552.373.15

7.513.117.6

20.125.835.2

45.970.994.8

Imperial Python® Construct-66-strand compacted wire ropeConstruction:6 F-V (up to 7/8” or 24 mm)6 WS-V (1” / 26 mm and up)

6-strand rope with flat outer wire surface resistingdrum crushing and aiding in better multiple layerspooling. Compacting removes most ofconstructional stretch.

8910

111213

141516

181920

222426

283032

3436

.37

.46

.55

.65

.76

.87

1.011.131.29

1.591.751.91

2.302.703.16

3.524.104.68

5.346.03

67.182.298.3

116.2135.6156.3

178.5202.5229.9

283.1313.0342.9

408.6481.2561.0

631.2737.4843.4

952.61061.8

7.59.2

11.0

13.115.217.6

20.122.825.8

31.825.238.5

45.954.163.1

70.982.994.8

107.1119.3

Metric Python® Construct-6


Nominal Strengthin tons of 2000 lbs

EIPS

Ropedia.inch

Weightper foot

lbs

Ropedia.mm

Minimum Strength1960 N/mm2

kN tons of 2000 lbs

Weightper mtr

kgs

Boom Hoist Rope Applications

Boom and Main Hoist Ropes

Overhead Crane Applications

-24-

Wire Rope

Main Applications:Python® UNI-4 was developed for ship cranes using bulk grabs tounload coal, iron ore, and other abrasive bulk loads. Moreover, ithas shown it’s superior feature of crush resistance when used withmany other tough loads like logs which tends to easily crush normalwire rope.Because of it’s crush resistance it is also used on pile drivers andother heavy duty construction equipment which requires a crushresistant rope for multiple layer windings, even on smooth drums.

Rope Characteristic:The geometry of ropes which have 4 outer strands results in asomewhat rotation resistant characteristic. The main reason beingis that the physical lever arm length from the center of each strandto the center of the rope becomes shorter the less outer strands arope has; such shorter lever arms results is less torque. Otherreasons why this rope is rotation resistant is the ‘regular lay’construction coupled with a longer than normal rope lay length. Onthe other hand such a construction is relatively stiff; not onlybecause of the 4-strands but also because of the longer lay length.We do combat that in that we insert a fiber core into each of the 4strands and that each strand has 40 wires. This is somewhat ofcompromise between good crush resistance, attained ropestrength, and acceptable flexibility.It’s rotation resistant characteristic is not all that great but issufficient for most ship crane applications. Strength loss when used with a load bearing swivel is acceptablebut we strongly recommend to use this rope with a positioningswivel only (not having roller- or ball bearings).

Python® UNI-4 4-strand crush- and rotation resistant

UNI-4

4 outer rope strands with fiber core40 wire parallel strand constructionComplete rope is compacted resulting in oval shaped outer strandsincreased surface area for better contact and durability

Do NOT use Python®UNI-4 wire rope attachedto a swivel or have one orboth rope ends rotatefreely under load. Doingso will result in a loss ofrope strength andreduced fatigue life.

Block Twisting (Cabling)will occur when usedexceeding certain liftingheights. This is NOT anon-rotating rope.Call for advice

-25-

Wire Rope

Steel Wire Rope, Rotation Resistant, CompactedConstruction:4x40 rotation resistant, fiber core, RRL

4-strand wire rope for all applications which callfor a tough but at the same time rotationresistant rope type. Mainly used on bulkshipunloader cranes with grabs and on heavyduty construction equipment, like pile drivers.The compaction process results in nearly ovalouter strands which gives the rope a smoothouter surface for increased abrasion resistanceto be able to withstand the rough bulk unloadingprocedures and multiple layer drum crushing.

Specify if galvanized finish is required.

Python® UNI-4 4 x 40 rotation resistant

Nominal Strength

181920

222425

262830

323436

288320355

429482529

580680781

879993

1135

32.335.939.9

48.254.259.4

65.276.487.8

98.8111.6127.6

Weightper foot

kg/m lbs/ft

1.441.611.79

2.082.532.65

2.773.393.90

4.204.755.60

.961.081.20

1.391.701.78

1.862.272.61

2.813.203.75

Ropedia.mm


Ropedia.inch

3/4

7/8

1

1-1/8

1-1/4

kNtons of

2000 lbs

-26-

Wire Rope

Main Applications:Python® Compac 18 is recommended for both multipart load andsingle part applications where a medium rotational stability isneeded. Use as main- and auxiliary hoist line on GROVE, LINKBELT, MANITOWOC, TEREX and other US made mobile- and truckcranes. Often used as a single point line. Large lifting heights willrequire a tag line to prevent spinning of the load.Also used very successfully as a pulling rope on underground cablepulling winches.

NOT recommended for construction tower cranes.

Rope Characteristic:Using the rope to it’s maximum fatigue life will cause the rope todeteriorate from the inside out. For this reason we do notrecommend this rope to be used on construction for tower cranes.However, mobile and truck mounted cranes are operated on amuch less severe duty cycle and it is not expected that Python®

Compac18 has to be replaced because of inner rope fatigue butbecause of other mechanical damages. Keep in mind that thisstatement covers normal mobile crane use only.Compacted strands provide improved abrasion resistance ascompared with round wire types because of the greater wire andstrand bearing surfaces contacting sheaves and drums.Python® Compac 18 wire ropes are more resistant to the effects ofdrum crushing than 19x7 due to the compacted strands andsmoothness of the rope surface.With 18 strands of 19 wires in all sizes, Python® Compac 18remains extremely flexible and easy to handle.

Python® Compac 18 Rotation Resistant Wire Rope

Compac 18 (18x19)

12 outer rope strands19 wire SEALE strand construction for better flexibilityComplete rope is compacted for increased abrasion resistance and better spoolingInner strands are reversed lay to provide rotation resistance feature

Do NOT use Python®Compac 18 wire ropeattached to a swivel orhave one or both ropeends rotate freely underload. Doing so will resultin a loss of rope strengthof between 30% to 40%.

Block Twisting (Cabling)will occur when usedexceeding certain liftingheights. This is NOT anon-rotating rope.Call for advice

2-layer type, referto page 10

Python® Compac 18 ropes are ROTATIONRESISTANT but NOT non-rotating.

Steel Wire Rope, Rotation Resistant, CompactedConstruction:18 x 19 IWRC, compacted, bright, RRL

Python® Compac 18 is recommended where amedium rotational stability is needed. Use asmain- and auxiliary hoist line on GROVE, LINKBELT, MANITOWOC, TEREX and other USmade smaller mobile- and truck cranes. Oftenused as a single point line. Larger liftingheights will require a tag line to preventspinning of the load and/or block twisting.

NOT recommended for constructiontower cranes.

-27-

Wire Rope

Python® Compac 18 (18 x 19 rotation resistant)

Nominal Strengthtons of 2000 lbs

EIPS

3/87/161/2

9/165/83/4

7/81

1-1/8

7.610.414.5

18.422.732.7

44.558.173.5

Weightper foot

lbs

.30

.40

.54

.69

.851.25

1.682.172.74

Ropedia.inch


Non-Rotating Wire Rope

16 outer rope strands (19x7 has 12 only)Compacted rope designOuter wires are die drawn to provide a smooth rope surface thus enhancingspooling characteristic (less interlocking on drum)Inner strands are reversed lay to provide good non-rotating properties of the rope.

Python® Compac 35 Non-Rotating Wire Rope

Main Applications:Main- and auxiliary hoist line for european type mobile- and for alltypes of construction tower- and offshore cranes which require ahigh strength rotation resistant rope construction. The rotationresistant properties make this rope the preferred choice for allsingle- and multiple line reeving applications.

Rope Characteristic:This rope is constructed from 16 outer die-drawn strands over 12inner die-drawn strands. The compacted Lang Lay strands reduceinterlocking while spooling onto multiple layer drums as well asinter strand- and inter layer nicking. This rope is suited to be used on tower cranes as well as europeanmade mobile crane models. Python® Compac 35 comes with alimited diameter tolerance of between +2% to +4% to comply withLEBUS drum criteria. The large number of outer strands distributethe pressures introduced by sheaves and drum more evenly ontothe core minimizing the danger of unexpected rope failuresbecause of undetected core deterioration. Aside from this safety issue Python® Compac 35 satisfies the high-strength requirements of late model tower- and mobile craneswhich can NOT be met with neither 19x7 nor 19x19 style ropes.Recommended to be used on grooved drums.

Python® Compac 35 is available in right- AND left hand lay tocomply with OEM specifications (Krupp, Demag, Liebherr etc.)

Python®Compac 35 ropes are classified as NON-ROTATING

YES, Python® Compac 35ropes can be used with aswivel at the end. In fact, wesuggest you use a swivelduring installation and the'break-in' period to get therope settled. After the breakin period you can lock theswivel to stabilize the rope.

When properly usedPython® Compac 35 isstable against blocktwisting. Fleet angles, smallsheaves, small line spacing,low block weight willnegatively impact thischaracteristic.

Compac® 35 (35x7)

✔O.K.to use


-28-


Ropedia.mm

Minimum Breaking Strength

141516

171819

202122

232425

262830

323435

363738

404142

444648

505254

565860

6264666870

7274767880

Ropedia.inch

9/16

5/8

3/4

7/8

1

1-1/8

1-1/4

1-3/8

1-1/2

1-5/8

1-3/4

1-7/8

2

2-1/4

2-3/8

2-1/2

2-3/4

3

3-1/8

196226253

287317358

402444482

527565615

656771892

100610861148

122112761371

147014831553

183919692156

235625542771

292331503390

36323850407843494630

48705155541057195994

Weightper meter

kg

Non-Rotating Steel Wire Rope,Python® Compac 35Euro Style - Lang’s LayClass & Construction:35 x 7 die-drawn strands (up to 42 mm / 1-5/8”)35 x 19 die-drawn strands (over 44 mm / 1-3/4” and up)

Recommended to be used on tower-, europeantype mobile-, and offshore cranes. Available inleft- and right hand lang’s lay construction.Recommended if you require a rope for singleline hoisting applications.

Due to reduced diameter tolerance to between+2% to +4% it conforms to the tight LEBUS drumspecification.

ALLOWED to be used with a swivel.

kNtons of

2000 lbs

22.025.428.5

32.235.640.2

45.149.954.1

59.263.569.1

73.786.6

100.2

113.0122.0129.0

137.2143.4154.1

165.3166.7174.5

206.7221.3242.3

264.8287.1311.5

328.5354.1381.0

295.8432.7458.3488.8520.4

547.4579.4608.1642.8673.7

Python® Compac 35 Euro StyleBreaking StrengthsNote: The maximum CAPACITY, WORKING LOADLIMIT (WLL), or LINE PULLof the rope usually is 1/5of the below stated values. For specific informationconsult the standards applicable to your ropeapplication. .96

1.121.25

1.411.561.76

1.982.192.37

2.622.813.06

3.263.844.44

5.005.615.92

6.316.597.08

7.598.058.43

9.5010.2011.10

12.2013.2014.30

15.1016.3017.50

18.8019.9021.1022.5023.90

25.2026.6027.9029.5031.00

-29-

-30-


Python® Lift High Strength Non-Rotating

15 OVAL shaped outer strandsCompacted rope design for highest breaking strengthOuter strands have 5 wires to enhance abrasion resistance plus each strand hasan inserted aluminum buffer coreInner strands are reversed lay to provide excellent non-rotating properties

Main Applications:Main- and auxiliary hoist line for high performance mobile-latticeboom- and for all types of construction tower cranes which requirea super high strength rotation resistant rope construction. This isTHE true NON-ROTATING rope construction.

Rope Characteristic:This 3-layer rope is constructed from 15 unique oval shaped outerstrands over 24 alternating diameter sized inner strands. The outerstrands of Python®-LIFT have 5 wires instead of the usual 7. Eachwire is slightly larger for better abrasion resistance. In the inside ofeach of these strands we put a aluminum wire duringmanufacturing; this aluminum wire has NO function once the ropeis in service.

Python® Lift is our strongest non-rotating rope construction, both interms of strength with fixed AND with the ends allowed to rotatefreely. The gain in strength compared with the same sized 19x7 isan astonishing 60%.

Python® Lift ropes are used where high fatigue resistance coupledwith high strength and excellent non-rotating properties is required;e.g. in tunnel boring projects, subway construction, etc.However, we do not recommended this rope to be used on smoothdrums. It works best on LEBUS drums with appropriately sizedgroove contours.

Python® Lift ropes are classified as NON-ROTATING

YES, Python® Lift ropes canbe used with a swivel at theend. In fact, we suggest youuse a swivel duringinstallation and the 'break-in' period to get the ropesettled. After the break inperiod you can lock theswivel to stabilize the rope.

When properly usedPython® Lift is stableagainst block twisting. Fleetangles, small sheaves,small line spacing, lowblock weight will negativelyimpact this characteristic.

✔O.K.to use

Python® Lift


-31-


7/161/29/16

5/83/47/8

11-1/81-1/4

.38

.51

.64

.811.141.53

2.032.583.19

13.117.422.1

27.739.052.3

69.888.4

109.3

14.419.224.4

30.543.057.7

76.997.5

120.5

101112

131415

161819

202224

262830

32

.47

.57

.68

.79

.921.06

1.201.521.69

1.882.272.70

3.173.684.22

4.80

96.2116.4138.6

162.6188.6216.5

246.4311.8347.4

384.9465.8554.3

650.6754.5866.1

985.5

106.1128.3152.7

179.1207.7238.5

271.3343.4382.6

423.9513.0610.5

716.5830.9953.9

1085.3

Metric Python® - LIFT

High Strength Non-RotatingCrane Wire RopeClass: 34 x 7

High strength super flexible true non-rotatingrope. Oval outer strands provide for excellentsheave and drum contact area. Because of it’sflexibility it is sensitive to multiple layer drumcrushing and mechanical damages and thusrequires grooved drums; works best on Lebusdrum lagging. It is NOT a good idea to use LIFTon smooth (un-grooved) drums. LIFT is ALLOWED to be used with swivel.

Ropedia.inch

lbsperft

Ropedia.mm

kgper

meter

Imperial Python® - Lift


LiftEIPS

LiftEEIPS

Minimum Breaking Strengthtons of 2000 lbs

Lift1960 N/mm2

Lift2160 N/mm2

Minimum Breaking StrengthkN

-32-


Compacted rope design with 17 outer- and 21 inner strandsOuter strands have 7 compacted wires to enhance abrasion resistanceThe CORE IS PLASTIC COATED to prevent metal-to-metal contact of rope coreto outer strands PLUS it locks in factory applied lubricationInner strands are reversed lay to provide non-rotating properties

Python® Hoist Non-Rotating Wire Rope

Main Applications:Load line on construction tower cranes. Main- and auxiliary hoistline for tower- and overhead cranes as well as ship cranes whichrequire a non-rotating rope for severe dynamic load conditions.Hoist is a medium strength non-rotating wire rope.

Rope Characteristic:Constructed from 17 outer strands over a 2-layer 24 strand plasticcoated core. The plastic coating prevents metal to metal contactbetween outer- and inner strands and thus nearly 100% reducingthe chance of undetectable inner wire- or strand failures. Plus, theplastic shield locks in factory applied core lubrication. That is prettyfancy, I say !

This rope is recommended for applications with high dynamicfatigue loads where otherwise the core might fail. The plastic coreshield acts like a shock absorber much like in other Python® ropetypes.

Python® Hoist requires grooved drums, preferable with LEBUSgrooving.

Python® Hoist ropes are classified as NON-ROTATING

YES, Python® Hoist ropescan be used with a swivel atthe end. In fact, we suggestyou use a swivel duringinstallation and the 'break-in' period to get the ropesettled. After the break inperiod you can lock theswivel to stabilize the rope.

When properly usedPython® Hoist is stableagainst block twisting. Fleetangles, small sheaves,small line spacing, lowblock weight will negativelyimpact this characteristic.

✔O.K.to use

Python® Hoist


-33-


7/161/29/16

5/83/47/8

11-1/81-1/4

1-3/81-1/2

.37

.49

.63

.781.101.48

1.972.503.13

3.734.42

11.915.920.2

25.335.747.8

63.780.8

101.2

120.3142.6

HoistEIPS

13.217.621.3

27.839.352.7

70.289.0

111.5

132.6157.1

HoistEEIPS

101112

131415

161819

202224

262830

.45

.55

.65

.77

.891.02

1.161.471.64

1.822.202.62

3.073.564.09

87.9106.3126.5

148.4172.2197.6

224.8284.6317.1

351.3425.2506.0

593.7688.6790.6

Hoist1960 N/mm2

96.8117.1139.4

163.5189.7217.8

247.8313.6349.4

387.2468.5557.6

654.4758.9871.1

Hoist2160 N/mm2

Non-Rotating Crane Wire Ropewith a plastic coated coreConstruction: 38 x 7Class 34 x 7

Medium strength, high fatigue resistant non-rotating type. Compacting increases strength andsheave contact area. The plastic coated coreincreases fatigue life and prevents prematureinner wire breaks as well as providing forpermanent core lubrication. ALLOWED to beused with a swivel.

Ropedia.inch

lbsperft

Ropedia.mm

kgper

meter

Imperial Python® - Hoist

Metric Python® - Hoist


Minimum Breaking Strengthtons of 2000 lbs

Minimum Breaking StrengthkN

Increased contact points between rope andsheave results in less internal rope pressure andless rope and sheave wear.

Python®Hoist

19x719x19

© Unirope L imited 2004

PYTHON®


04


11

/ 2

00

3

WIRE ROPECATALOGUE

MAKE SURE YOU CHECKOUT OUR PYTHON® WIRE

ROPE WEBSITE

Available from:

Unirope Limited3070 Universal DriveMississauga, Ontario L4X 2C8 Phone: 1 800 457 [email protected]

Hercules Sling and Cable3800, route TranscanadiennePoint-Claire, Quebec, H9R 1B1Phone: [email protected]

Bridgeport Wire Rope & Chain Ltd.70 Akerley Blvd.Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B3B 1R1Phone: 1 [email protected]

All ropes manufactured byWDI - Seile, in Germanywww.wdi.de

represented byUnirope LimitedA member of the WDI Group of CompaniesPhone: 1 800 457 [email protected]

Python Wire Rope is manufacturedunder the ISO 9000 Quality System

www.pythonrope.com

Wesco Industries Ltd.9663 - 199A Street, Unit 1Langley, British Columbia, V1M 2X7Phone: 604 881 [email protected]

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Python Rope