ISO 4345:1988

Overview

ISO 4345:1988 is an international standard specifying the construction, characteristics, and quality requirements for fibre main cores used in steel wire ropes. This revision updates the original 1977 edition and provides detailed specifications for cores made from both natural and synthetic fibres. The standard excludes applications related to mine hoisting ropes and aims to ensure consistent performance, safety, and reliability in steel wire rope manufacturing.

Key aspects include the designation of fibre cores by nominal diameter and linear mass, tolerance limits, acceptable fibre materials, lubrication requirements, and packaging protocols. The standard incorporates five annexes covering testing methods, measurement procedures, and quality control for fibre cores.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  ISO 4345:1988 applies exclusively to textile fibre cores employed as the main core in steel wire ropes, excluding mine hoisting ropes. It addresses fibre core manufacturing, properties, and testing to support rope performance requirements.

• Fibre Types and Construction
  The standard distinguishes between:

  • Natural fibres: Sisal (Agave sisalana) and Manilla abaca (Musa textilis), known for their hardness when new.
  • Synthetic fibres: Polyolefin fibres (e.g., monofilament, film, fibrillated polyethylene, polypropylene).
    Fibre cores must consist of at least three strands (torons) uniformly constructed without splices.

• Designation and Tolerances
  Fibre cores are designated by their nominal diameter and linear mass (mass per length).

  • Tolerances on diameter and linear mass are specified as percentages, ensuring manufacturing precision.
  • Length tolerance is defined as ±% per 400 meters of fibre core length, maintaining consistency across production.

• Lubrication
  Lubricants applied to fibre cores must be free from acids and moisture to prevent deterioration.

  • Pre-lubrication levels require agreement between manufacturer and purchaser.
  • Methods to measure lubricant content and water content are detailed.

• Chemical Properties
  The acidity (water-soluble acids) and salt (sodium chloride content) levels in fibre cores must not exceed specified limits to prevent corrosion or fibre degradation.

• Packaging and Marking
  Fibre cores must be supplied in continuous lengths wound on reels or coils, properly protected to prevent damage during transport and exposure to weather.

  • Each package should be clearly labeled with fibre type, supplier name, nominal diameter, linear mass, and length.
  • Fibre core ends must be secured to prevent unraveling.

• Testing Methods (Annexes A to E)
  The annexes prescribe standardized testing procedures for:

  • Diameter measurement under tension
  • Determination of linear mass
  • Quantification of water and lubricant content
  • Measurement of water-soluble acids
  • Determination of salt content in fibres

Applications

ISO 4345:1988 is critical for manufacturers and users of steel wire ropes requiring fibre main cores with verified quality and performance characteristics. Typical applications include:

• Wire Rope Manufacturing
  Ensuring core fibres meet stringent standards for mechanical integrity and chemical stability, impacting rope strength, flexibility, and durability.

• Industrial Lifting and Handling
  Fibre cores contribute to rope flexibility and cushioning, enhancing rope lifespan in cranes, elevators, and other hoisting equipment (excluding mine hoisting ropes).

• General Engineering and Construction
  Use in cables where strong, resilient fibre cores support metallic wires, facilitating safe load-bearing and resistance to environmental factors.

• Quality Assurance
  Enables buyers and producers to verify fibre core compliance through standardized testing, leading to safer, more reliable rope products and reduced failure risk.

Related Standards

• ISO 2408 - Steel Wire Ropes - Minimum Requirements
  Complementary to ISO 4345, this defines the wire rope construction and performance criteria for different applications.

• ISO 1834 - Steel Wire Ropes - Vocabulary
  Provides standardized terminology to foster clear communication among manufacturers and users.

• ISO 2307 - Steel Wire Rope - Fibre Rope Cores - Test Methods
  Related testing methods focusing on rope cores, aligned with ISO 4345's material and measurement requirements.

• ISO/TR 10882 - Steel Wire Ropes - Application Considerations
  Guidance on rope selection and usage, taking into account different core types.

Keywords: ISO 4345, steel wire ropes, fibre main cores, fibre cores specification, textile cores, natural fibre cores, synthetic fibre cores, wire rope standards, fibre core tolerances, fibre core lubricants, steel rope manufacturing, fibre core testing methods, rope packaging, industrial cables standards.