Alloy chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings, and metal mesh slings can all be used to move, lift and position loads safely and efficiently.
Choosing the right type of lifting sling depends on a complete understanding of the application, the environment that the sling is being used in, and how the sling is to be used to support and lift the load. To have balanced lifts, the following considerations are to be noted:
- Center of gravity
- Weight of objects to be lifted
- Hitch Type
- Number of attachment points
- Geometry of lift – sling angles
- Reach
- Clearance – height restrictions
- Upper and lower fitting requirements
- Ambient conditions
Let’s check the type of slings in detail:
- Chain Slings
Chain slings are tough and dependable and can be used to lift heavy and bulky loads on a regular and repetitive basis. They have been manufactured with high tensile strength of Grade 80 components. The flexibility in their design provides durability and strength, allowing it to withstand impact, extreme temperature, and conditions, in addition to chemical and UV ray exposure.
Chain slings are most suitable for high-temperature applications, and for lifting heavy-duty loads as well. Chain slings’ durability and strength make them the perfect lifting sling for use in steel mills, foundries, the heavy machine stops, or in any environment that requires repetitive lifts and operates in harsh conditions that could ideally damage or destroy any other type of lifting sling. In the event of any damage to a chain sling, chain slings are completely repairable. After the necessary repairs are done, the chain sling can be load tested and re-certified.
Below are some notable features of Dutest’s chain slings:
- Strong and durable in design
- Chain sling diameters can vary from 7mm to 32mm
- Ease of repair
- Loads are placed on the hooks of chain slings and are lifted accordingly – chain slings have a maximum capacity to bear loads at a 600 angle
- Dutest’s chain slings have multi-leg configurations, such as single leg, double leg, and 3 & 4 leg slings. Multi-leg chain slings are most popular on account of their reliability as well as their efficiency.
- Chain slings are resistant to heavy impact, cuts, crushing, abrasions, chemicals, and UV ray exposure too.
- These chain slings have the capacity to tolerate very high temperatures.
- Dutest’s chain slings can be affected by dirt or oil in its vicinity.
- These chain slings do not elongate upon being loaded
- They are adjustable.
- Wire Rope Slings
Wire rope slings are lifting equipment been widely used for considerable periods of time. These lifting slings are the main choice for most industries when it comes to heavy load lifting. Wire rope slings are highly robust with greater strength than nylon slings, with higher temperature endurance levels.
Listed below are some salient features of wire rope slings:
- Wire rope slings are extensively used to lift heavier loads in industries such as manufacturing and construction
- These lifting slings are highly robust and durable with the capacity to endure higher temperature limits
- Wire rope slings of any type should not be used at temperatures lower than -40 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wire rope slings consist of a helix structure consisting of small individual wires framed into strands
- Constructed with several grades of steel, the wire ropes are highly resistant to elements such as heat, moisture, UV rays as well as chemicals
- Dutest’s wire rope slings contain absolute corrosion resistance properties
- These wire rope slings have unique serial identification numbers so they can be traced with ease
- Synthetic Slings
Synthetic lift slings are also known as polyester slings. They are the most versatile kind of sling. Their flexibility allows them to be molded to the shape of irregularly shaped loads, ideal for securing delicate or breakable loads. Synthetic slings are typically developed from nylon or polyester fibers and are a common choice for riggers. These slings cannot be used under rugger environmental conditions as they wear down quicker than other types of slings.
Synthetic slings are also lightweight while covered with a protective jacket. This rugged woven fabric sleeve adds a layer of protection to items being lifted and protects the sling’s fibers as well. Synthetic web slings in polyester are available in round sling designs, known as an endless lifting sling, or an eye & eye configuration with little stretch as compared to nylon.
Synthetic web slings in nylon have more stretch than polyester slings, also available in a wider variety of configurations. Both polyester and nylon slings are easy to handle, with ease of storage on account of their lightweight fabrication. Synthetic slings are also typically more cost-effective than chain slings or wire rope slings, which are a suitable choice for a large variety of general lifting applications.
Subject to your individual requirements, the best lifting sling for you shall vary with application. Synthetic slings are lightweight and flexible and are thus suitable for lifting fragile and oddly shaped loads. Wire rope slings are suitable for lifting heavyweight loads, while chain slings are best for operating in extreme temperature environments.
The best way to select a top-quality lifting sling is to procure it from a reliable company like Dutest. A recognized chain slings supplier in the UAE, Dutest supplies superior quality chain slings for lifting. They also provide inspection & testing and regular maintenance of the products.
