A stainless steel cable is made from stainless steel, a steel alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which provides resistance to corrosion and rust. Stainless steel cables are typically used for mechanical applications such as lifting, rigging, and structural support as they have high tensile strength and are low maintenance.

Applications Of Stainless Steel Cables

1. Industrial applications:

• Mesh and screens: In manufacturing screens for sieving, filtration, and separation processes.
• Wire ropes and cables: In making wire ropes for lifting, rigging, and securing heavy loads.
• Fasteners: Used to produce bolts, screws, nuts, and other fasteners for industrial machinery and construction.

• Structural supports: Used in tension structures, bridge cables, and railings.
• Reinforcement: Reinforcing concrete structures in construction projects.
• Architectural features: Creating aesthetic features such as decorative mesh, facades, and art installations.

• Marine rigging: Used in sailboat rigging, mooring lines, and safety lifelines due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.
• Aircraft control cables: In aircraft for control systems due to their high strength and reliability.

• Control cables: In vehicle control systems such as throttle, brake, and clutch cables.
• Exhaust systems: Employed in the construction of flexible exhaust connectors and braided exhaust flex pipes.

• Surgical instruments: In the manufacturing of surgical tools and instruments.
• Orthopedic devices: In making orthopedic wires for fixing broken bones and dental braces.

• Processing equipment: In fabricating equipment that processes food and beverages, such as conveyor belts and wire mesh for grills and racks.
• Kitchenware: In making utensils, baking racks, and other kitchen tools.

• Fencing: Used for durable and rust-resistant fencing in farms and livestock enclosures.
• Greenhouse structures: In the construction of greenhouse frames and plant support systems.

• Jewellery making: Used in creating necklaces, bracelets, and other types of jewelry.
• Crafting: Employed in various crafting projects, including wire sculptures and decorative items.

• Conductive applications: Used in electrical applications requiring corrosion-resistant conductive material.
• Springs and fasteners: In making small springs, connectors, and other components for electronic devices.

• Cleaning tools: In making scrubbers and brushes for cleaning.
• Hanging and securing: For hanging pictures, mirrors, and securing items in the home.

Grades of Stainless Steel: 304 vs 316

304 Stainless Steel

Composition:

• Chromium: 18-20%
• Nickel: 8-10.5%
• Carbon: ≤ 0.08%
• Manganese: ≤ 2%
• Silicon: ≤ 0.75%
• Phosphorus: ≤ 0.045%
• Sulfur: ≤ 0.03%

Properties:

• Corrosion resistance: Good in most environments.
• Strength: High tensile strength and durability.
• Temperature resistance: Up to 870°C (1600°F).
• Cost: Less expensive than 316.

Applications:

• Kitchen equipment: Sinks, utensils, appliances.
• Architecture: Trim, molding, handrails.
• Industry: Chemical containers, food processing.
• Automotive: Exhaust systems, trim.

316 Stainless Steel

Composition:

• Chromium: 16-18%
• Nickel: 10-14%
• Molybdenum: 2-3%
• Carbon: ≤ 0.08%
• Manganese: ≤ 2%
• Silicon: ≤ 0.75%
• Phosphorus: ≤ 0.045%
• Sulfur: ≤ 0.03%

Properties:

• Corrosion resistance: Superior, especially in chloride environments.
• Strength: High tensile strength, enhanced pitting, and crevice corrosion resistance.
• Temperature resistance: Up to 800°C (1472°F).
• Cost: More expensive due to molybdenum.

Applications:

• Marine: Boat fittings, deck hardware.
• Chemical Processing: Equipment in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Medical: Surgical implants, orthopedic devices.
• Food & Beverage: Processing and storage equipment in corrosive environments.

Key differences

• 316 is better in chloride environments.
• 316 is more expensive.
• 304 is more versatile, commonly used.
• 316 is Used in harsh environments that call higher corrosion resistance.

Common stainless steel cable constructions:

1. 1x19 construction:
• 19 individual wires twisted together in a single strand.
• Very stiff and strong, with limited flexibility.
• Used in standing rigging, guy wires, and structural supports.
2. 7x7 Construction:
• 7 groups of 7 wires each, twisted together to form a single strand.
• Balance between strength and flexibility.
• Used in control cables, guardrails, and applications requiring moderate flexibility and strength.
3. 7x19 Construction:
• 7 groups of 19 wires each, twisted together.
• Highly flexible, and suitable for frequent bending and movement.
• Used in winch cables, pulleys, running rigging, and other dynamic applications.

Core types:

1. Fiber Core (FC):
• Made from natural or synthetic fibers.
• Provides flexibility and cushioning but less strength compared to metal cores.
• Used in applications where flexibility is more important than strength.
2. Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC):
• A separate wire rope used as the core.
• Provides higher strength and resistance to crushing.
• Suitable for heavy-duty applications.
3. Wire Strand Core (WSC):
• A single strand used as the core.
• Offers a balance of strength and flexibility.
• Commonly used in general-purpose applications.

Specialty constructions:

1. Rotation-resistant cables:
• Designed to minimize rotation under load.
• Used in lifting applications where controlling twist or spin is essential.
2. Compacted cables:
• The wires in each strand are compacted to reduce diameter and increase strength and wear resistance.
• Used in high-load applications.
3. Plastic-coated cables:
• Stainless steel cables coated with a plastic layer.
• Provides added protection against abrasion and corrosion.
• Used in environments where additional protection is needed.

NNC offers a wide range of stainless steel fittings.