Marine & Offshore
Wire ropes
The correct lubricant film strength that penetrates deeply
Wire ropes are subjected to considerable stress from moisture, movement, bending and heavy loads, which can cause wear and corrosion. Choosing the right (biodegradable) oil or grease creates a strong lubricating film that penetrates deep into the core of the rope, reducing friction and preventing wear. The products are water-resistant and suitable for both fresh and saltwater environments, as well as dusty conditions, ensuring your steel cables remain optimally protected, regardless of the circumstances.
The importance of the proper lubricant for wire ropes
Wire ropes consist of thin steel wires made of high-quality steel that are twisted together to form a strand. These strands of twisted wires are wound around the core to form a flexible yet strong structure. When the rope is subjected to load and bending, friction and wear occur between these strands, especially in dynamic applications.
Well-chosen lubricating oil or grease:
Reduces friction between wires, strands and discs without causing slippage.
- Increased bending efficiency through easier and more flexible bending without losing (significant) strength.
Protects against corrosion and rust formation.
Extends the service life of the rope by a factor of 5
Improves performance and reduces maintenance costs
What should you pay attention to?
When maintaining wire ropes, a number of aspects are essential:
Type of lubricant: Depending on the application (indoor/outdoor, static/dynamic), choose an oil or grease with the right penetration, viscosity and adhesion.
Regular inspection: Check for wear, broken wires, rust or deformation. Lubrication should not mask this; visible damage must always be assessed first.
Application of the lubricant: The lubricant must penetrate deep into the core of the rope, not just remain on the surface.
Environment: Extreme temperatures, water or chemical exposure, dirt and dust can influence the lubrication strategy.
Passion for Smarter Lubrication
With our many years of experience in maritime and offshore applications, proven technical expertise and a strong passion for the profession, we understand precisely what wire ropes need in extreme conditions. Combined with our high-quality portfolio of specialised lubricants for wire ropes, we offer reliable, durable and practical solutions for every application on board.
The quality of the lubricant is particularly crucial for these critical components. Heavy loads, bending cycles, friction, salt, moisture and dirt place extreme demands on both the rope and the lubrication. If the lubrication fails, this can result in rope wear, rust formation or even breakage.
As lubrication specialists, we assist our customers in selecting, applying and optimising the proper rope lubricant for their specific situation. Reliable lubrication is not a minor detail. It is a prerequisite for operational safety and maximum service life.
Would you like to know more?
Curious about what we can do for your organisation in the field of lubrication technology? Please feel free to contact us at +31 (0)294 494 494 (NL) or +32 (0)53 76 76 00 (BE) or send an email. We are happy to contribute ideas and assist you further.