Slings serve an important purpose in material handling operations, as they provide a secure yet flexible way to lift, lower and reposition heavy loads.
In particular, slings help to ensure an even distribution of the load to reduce stress on the object as well as damage to the lifting equipment.
However, just like there are various types of material handling equipment to choose from, there are also different types of slings to consider.
The choice of sling should factor in the load in terms of its weight, size and shape. Users should also think about the lifting movements required and also the environmental conditions.
Here is an overview of some of the most common sling types for the likes of cranes or hoists to guide you.
Chain Slings
Starting with a sling that is geared towards heavy-duty applications, and chain slings are typically made from brass, galvanised steel or stainless steel.
This high tensile chain type boasts a high working load limit, making it a common sight within construction and demolition settings, as well as for lifting heavy machinery or vehicles.
As chain slings can cause abrasion to the load, they aren’t suitable for lifting delicate objects.
Chain slings come in various formats including single-legged chain slings and double-legged chain slings.
Round Slings
Round slings are light and flexible and can be classed as having either flat webbing or tubular webbing.
As the name suggests, flat webbing round slings are made of layers of flat, woven synthetic fabrics. They are suited towards loads that have large surface areas, as the flat design helps protect the load while it is being moved.
Tubular webbing round slings are also made from synthetic fibres and have greater flexibility to conform to unusually shaped loads. They are typically used for lifting cylindrical-shaped loads such as pipes and barrels.
In general, round slings are ideal for securing loads while they are in transit, though they can also be used in a variety of lifting or rigging applications.
Webbing Slings
Webbing slings are made from high-strength polyester or nylon webbing. They get their name from the length of webbing they are made from which features eyelets or loops at each end. The sling is then looped around the load, where the ends are either joined together or attached to a lifting device.
Known as one of the most cost-effective types of slings, webbing slings boast excellent durability, strength and flexibility.
To ensure the working load limit is respected, webbing slings also have a handy colour-coded system.
While webbing slings are not ideal for use in damp or wet conditions, they are ideal for use within construction or logistics.
Wire Rope Slings
Wire rope slings are typically made from steel or nylon materials. Two main types of wire rope slings exist including those with an eye at each end along with a type that has a thimble at one end and an eye at the other.
In terms of working load limit, wire rope slings have an increased limit compared to webbing or round slings, although they do not surpass the limit of chain slings.
Capable of attaching to equipment such as carabiners, hooks and other types of ropes or slings, wire rope slings have a strong resistance to wear and tear. They are typically used in environments such as industrial lifting or rigging, as they can be used for an extended amount of time before they need to be replaced.
Improve Safety & Efficiency With Lifting Solutions From Metreel
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Discover our vast range of material handling equipment and accessories here at Metreel.
Head over to our mechanical handling and lifting equipment product page to learn more.
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