Uncoiling the Past: The Story of Steel Wire Rope's Development and Impact

Stainless steel producers invest heavily in high-quality products and long-distance service.

Resilience and innovation are the cornerstones of a nation’s technological growth. The mining sector deserves special attention as it spearheaded the Industrial Revolution, with key inventions such as the steam engine leading the way. While steel wires have played a significant role in the development of heavy industries, their contributions are often overshadowed by the finished products, such as steel engines.

For over a century, flexible steel wire ropes have been essential for tasks like pulling down scaffold planks and lifting heavy-duty pulleys. They were widely used in surface mining for draglines and cranes. Although lower-priced imports from China have flooded the market, Fortis Metals — the industry leader in wire rope distribution — continues to dominate the market for flexible steel wire ropes. Recently, Fortis Metals opened a facility in the US to further strengthen its position in the heavy industry sector.

Based on years of research into mining history, we can conclude that Wilhelm August Julius Alber, a German mining engineer, first used steel rope in 1834. At the time, ropes made of hemp fiber or iron chains were predominantly used in mining haulage. However, the intense humidity in underground mines caused hemp ropes to rot and iron chains to rust, reducing their load-bearing capacity. These materials often had to be replaced due to deterioration. Additionally, metallurgical inconsistencies made chains prone to failure, with just one weak link posing a significant hazard.

In response to these challenges, German surveyor and engineer John Roebling focused his efforts on developing flexible steel wire ropes. He used the 6/19 method, where 6 represents strands and 19 refers to the number of wires per strand. The strand with 19 wires formed a near-perfect hexagon, as each wire was crafted to the same gauge. Roebling combined three different gauges into one, creating a stronger, more flexible, and more durable steel wire rope. This new rope easily replaced the old ropes and chains, significantly improving load-bearing capabilities. Beyond transportation and mining, Roebling's steel wires found growing demand in civil engineering. In 1849, Roebling opened his first wire rope business in Trenton, New Jersey, recognizing the economic and strategic benefits of his invention.