Choosing Lifting Slings
When it comes to lifting and moving operations, the right sling type is a critical component. When it comes to choosing slings, you need to consider the weight of the load, the centre of gravity and other factors.
It is also important to take into consideration environmental conditions when using slings. Temperature, moisture and exposure to corrosive substances can all affect the strength of the sling.
Alloy Chain Slings
Alloy chain slings are versatile industrial lifting slings that can be used for a variety of applications. They are available in a wide variety of leg options, chain link widths and diameters, and end fittings. They are generally used to lift bulky, heavy and rough loads. They are also able to conform to the shape of the load they are lifting, which can help with balancing and stability when handling.
When choosing an alloy chain sling, you will need to consider the weight and strength of your load, as well as the ambient temperature of the work environment where it will be used. For example, many chain slings can be heated up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for steel factories and other environments with harsher temperature conditions. However, you will need to ensure that the chain sling you choose can withstand the temperatures you are working with, as any heat exposure can reduce the working load limit (WLL) significantly.
You will also need to select the right attachments for your slings, as they are available with a wide range of lifting slings hooks and other components. It is recommended that you only use accessories with a rated capacity equal to or greater than the slings they are attached to. Any worn or damaged slings or attachments should be removed from service and replaced as soon as possible, or repaired and reconditioned by a qualified person.
Braided Slings
There are many different types of slings on the market, each suited to a specific type of load. The key is understanding the factors that need to be considered when choosing a sling for your application. Having a complete understanding of the load, environment and rigging configuration will help you select the most suitable sling to achieve your desired outcome.
Braided slings are constructed by braiding or helically laying multiple rope parts together. They can be made with either single or multiple ropes. They are ideal for applications where a combination of high strength and flexibility is required. They are particularly useful for heaving and bending loads since they have good resistance to kinking. They are able to be snugly wrapped around the load in choker hitches and can be maneuvered to grip a load. They can also be used to form bridles that can be hooked into lifting eyes or placed over projections.
Generally, these slings have hand-tucked or mechanically spliced eyes. They are commonly referred to as wire rope slings and have a much higher lifting capacity than chain slings. They are commonly chosen for loads that require a heavy-duty sling or where the loading point is fixed. The eye construction varies, but the most common are flemish eyes that are formed by tucking and locking a strand of the component rope into pressed sleeves.
Twin-Path Slings
Twin-Path slings are two complete slings in one. They have 2 independent paths to connect to the crane hook or fitting, which provides back-up protection in case of damage. Each path has its own internal capacity, so if one is damaged during use the other will still be strong enough to support the load until it can be repaired.
They also have double layered, color contrasted inner red covers for inspection purposes to help spotting any signs of damage before it becomes a safety hazard. The patented CheckFast External Overload Indicator is installed on these slings to provide a pass/fail inspection, allowing any visible damages such as UV degradation, fiber on fiber abrasion, fatigue and severe overloads to be detected by the EWI which is designed to disappear when overloaded above rated capacity.
These high-performance synthetic roundslings can save you time and money Lifting Slings Manufacturer on large lifts when compared to wire rope slings. They have less than 1% elongation at rated capacities, making them ideal for general industrial applications and heavy manufacturing or machine shops. They are soft and lightweight, which means they can be easily carried and rigged by one person, and they offer superior strength when compared to other synthetic slings. They have excellent abrasion resistance and withstand high temperatures as well. This makes them the ultimate choice for securing and supporting oversized, bulky loads.
Safety Slings
Safety slings provide a direct link between your hoist, crane or other lifting equipment and the load that you’re working with. That connection allows you to lift large, bulky loads that would be difficult or impossible to move manually.
It’s important to take proper care when using these slings, though. They should only be used under the guidance of a trained rigging and lifting specialist. The team should ensure that the sling is properly attached to the load and that any attachment is rated for the capacity of the sling itself (hook, ring, oblong link, pear-shaped link, or welded link component). Makeshift links or other shop-fabricated attachments should never be used on these slings. The slings should also be visually inspected before each use to prevent damage or a sudden breakdown in performance.
The team should also determine the center of gravity of the load before they begin to lift it. Doing so will help them achieve total control and avoid dropping the load. Finally, the slings should be restrained to prevent movement or damage during the lift.
Every six months, a supervisor or other designated employee should inspect all of the slings in that workplace for wear and defects in composition and welds. Any sling that has been damaged should be removed from service and replaced with a new one.