High performance synthetic roundslings

From the invention of wire rope by W.A.J. Albert in 1834 to 1987 there was no better alternative for heavy lift tension members. Wire rope slings replaced heavier natural fibre cordage and chain slings. In 1987 the first high performance synthetic fibre was used in the construction of roundslings that were competent to lift heavy loads. The invention of aramid fibres by DuPont in the 1960’s and subsequent commercialism provided the resource to improve tension members by lowering their weight in a significant manner. The advances in these products over the last twenty years have led to the replacement of wire rope slings in many applications.

Author(s): St. Germain, G.F.D.