Ropes are essential element of equipment in tourism, climbing, mountaineering, height works, speleology, rescuing works, sailing etc. All works at heights are one way or another connected with the use of a rope.
There is many types of ropes for different purposes and situations. Depending on the scope of their application and characteristics, the ropes differ in diameter, coefficient of linear elongation, processing of the braid or core, material of the braid and core, the presence of a double outer braid, weaving technology.
Let's look at several main types that are used in extreme sports:
Dynamic ropes - with a high degree of stretching. They are used in rock climbing and mountaineering to organize the upper or lower belay of an athlete. They are used both on rock climbing walls and in the mountains. When a rope falls, it stretches, cushioning the fall and distributing the load from the jerk along its entire length. The linear stretch of a dynamic rope varies from 20% to 35% of its length. This helps to avoid serious injuries from a jerk when an athlete falls from a height.
Dynamic ropes can be treated with various impregnations during the production process to protect them from water and abrasives and thus increase the life of the rope. Such treatment is necessary when using the rope outdoors, where there is a high probability of getting wet from rain or snow. Popular diameters of dynamic ropes are from 7.8 mm to 10.5 mm.
Static ropes – with a low degree of stretching. They are used under static load, without jerks and breaks. Such ropes are intended for industrial mountaineering, rescue operations, arboriculture, caving and canyoning, sport tourism. Frequently used diameters of static ropes are from 8 mm to 12 mm.
Construction of static and dynamic ropes
All ropes have a braid and a multi-strand core, the strands of which are twisted in different directions 50/50, which helps the rope not to twist when using friction descenders, blocks or pulleys. Depending on the weave, material, and impregnation, it has different degrees of resistance to abrasion, abrasive particles and moisture. The most common material for making static rope is polyamide.
Static ropes with a diameter of 2 mm to 8 mm are used as auxiliary and are called REP ropes. Such ropes cannot be used to insure a person, lift heavy loads, install railings, crossings, etc. Auxiliary cords are used to transport light loads, tools, hang equipment and other work.
The safe service life of static and dynamic ropes, subject to the storage and operating conditions stated by the manufacturer, is up to 7 years.
TENDON Technologies
The patented TeFIX® technology reliably connects the rope core to the outer sheath. This connection prevents the braid from shifting relative to the core. This result was achieved by adding a special TeFIX® material between the core and the sheath during production. The subsequent technological process allows for a strong and flexible connection of these two parts. The rope has zero sheath feed, a much longer service life, is soft and easy to handle, and performs well in lifting and lowering devices.
The SBS braiding system is a system in which each thread is woven into the braid separately, so it does not go in pairs. Thus, the SBS braid has a smoother surface than the standard tandem braid. This results in ropes with such a braid having a lower coefficient of friction and thus becoming more resistant to abrasion and damage due to friction with the surface of the rock or equipment.
Due to the density of the braid, the effect of the penetration of small particles between the fibers is also reduced, which reduces damage to the internal structure of the rope core. Another advantage is that ropes with SBS braiding are more pleasant to the touch, have excellent flexibility and are pleasant to work with.
LOWE technology - thanks to a unique combination of materials, the weight of the rope was reduced without changing its diameter, and in accordance with the EN892 standard. The user will save valuable grams and appreciate the practical diameter of the rope.
TEFLON ECO full protection technology
Maximum protection of static and dynamic ropes from water, dust and abrasion. TEFLON ECO is applied to the braid and core of the rope in the form of very fine particles, creating a virtually impenetrable protective layer. Thus, each fiber of the rope is protected from dust, water and other contaminants that could otherwise damage the rope. Ropes with COMPLETE SHIELD treatment usually have a longer service life. All ropes of this modification meet the requirements of the UIAA 101 standard.
Rope strength values
The strength of ropes and cables is one of the main characteristics when choosing. This is the force in N (Newtons), which is developed when the rope breaks. Strength is also given in kg or in kN (kilonewtons) and dN (decanewtons).
1 kg = 0.981 dN
1000 kg = 9.81 dN
The maximum rope strengths correspond to the following European standards:
- EN ISO 1346 - Polypropylene tape, PP Multitex
- EN ISO 14687 - Polysteel
- EN ISO 1140 - Polyamide
- EN ISO 1141 - Polyester
- EN ISO 10556 - Polyester and polyolefin double fibre
The maximum rope strengths are determined based on in-house measurements in the Lanex laboratory and on testing equipment certified and supervised by Germanischer Lloyd.
Rope Load Capacity
It is important to understand the difference between the maximum rope strength and its load capacity.
The load capacity is the maximum load on the rope that must not be exceeded and is dependent on the specified safety factor.
Example: a rope with a maximum strength of 1000 kg, which will be used to lift a load and has a safety factor of 5:1, its load capacity is 200 kg.
Factors that affect safety and reduce service life:
- Intensity of use. Visually check for wear of the outer sheath.
- Storage conditions. All ropes must be stored in a dry place without direct sunlight.
- Contact with chemically active substances during storage or high-altitude work (paints, oils, solvents, resins, etc.)
- Under heavy load or jerk. Not allowed for further use.
Take care of your life and do not neglect safety regulations!
SMG is the official representative of Lanex, Tendon, Singingrock, Black Diamond. We have been selling wholesale and retail ropes for all industries for over 15 years. We are professionals and have a good understanding of the intricacies of using rope and cable products.
