Fiber Line Characteristics and Care for the Maritime Industries

Rope Fabrication

Rope provides the ability to control objects in situations, and in the maritime industry rope must often control massive objects in critical situations.

The first step in using a tool properly is knowing your tool. All rope has characteristics, properties and tendencies that are products of the way the rope is manufactured, and what it’s composed of.

Modern rope making is a far cry from twisting vines by hand. Choreographed automation, and a variety of synthetic materials, provide the ability to engineer a rope with specific characteristics for applications with specific needs. Factory break testing helps assure a uniform dependable product.

The fabrication formula, developed by early rope makers is still in use today. It involves alternate direction twists during different stages of the process.

Synthetic Rope Properties

Comparing properties of different fibers is necessary in choosing the right rope for a particular job. Properties and characteristics including strength, weight, durability, and stretch should be considered. The choice should be the rope with the combination of properties that best fits a specific job or application.

In general, synthetic fiber ropes are stronger than natural fiber ropes. They’re also lighter, and easier to handle.

Synthetic fiber ropes are more abrasion resistant, they’re mildew resistant, and most are more resistant to ultraviolet damage. Polypropylene, with poor UV resistance is an exception. 27 min.

Synthetic ropes:
• take impact well
• have good electrical insulating properties
• don’t freeze or stiffen when wet.

Price: $330
VHS
DVD