Photo Courtesy of Loos and Company Inc.

It was over a year ago that thirty three miners were trapped underground in Chile. They were stuck for roughly two months, nearly half of a mile underground. Luckily, in this case they were able to be rescued. Mining can be a dangerous job, and there seem to be accidents far too often. Sadly, mining is still an important part of our economy, so risks continue to be taken. Mine shafts can be very deep, so efficient and safe measures must be taken to make sure that nothing goes wrong when working in those underground tunnels. Extra precautions are also taken when lowering and hoisting people, equipment and minerals in the shaft. Wire ropes are often employed for these processes.

Wire rope is created by twisting several wire filaments together into strands, which are then twisted helically around a center wire core. They are usually made out of steel, but stainless steel is also often applied for harsher environments because they tend to be corrosion free and are more wear resistant. This construction allows wire ropes to be stronger and more flexible than other wires. Different designs are also available depending on the service the wires will be used for. The helical design is typically favored because of its ability to maintain strength while at the same time remaining ductile.

Wire rope has many applications in a number of different industries. They are employed in jobs that require heavy-duty lifting as well as support for structures. Popular applications for wire rope involve bridge construction, marine applications and oil rigging. Everyday applications can include fitness machines, small or large electronics, and medical devices. Due to the wires corrosion resistance, flexibility and strength, the possibilities for these wire ropes are nearly endless. Whether it is being used to rescue workers from being trapped in a mine shaft, or lowering them underground in the first place, wire ropes are a highly reliable investment for any heavy-lifting business.