Through the Core!

The above term is so often used in reference to the application of wire rope coatings using either manual methods or pressure applied methods. However, this is especially true in reference to pressure application due to its very description that indicates much better penetration than manual coating that more often than not, only coats the wire rope surface. “Through the Core” was our strongest selling point when we first introduced pressure lubrication and we have many photos of our system penetrating to the core of wire ropes over the years. However, as we have travelled down this road, it is not always the case.  There are factors that prevent penetration through the core, and many are not a negative and have nothing to do with a failure of the technology or performance of our rope lubrication systems. At the end of the day, our systems allow a wire rope to pass through a 100% pressurized/consistent immersion not available using manual hand applications.

Even so, many lightweight oil products are sold with the selling point of penetrating to the core. Although, they may have good corrosion preventing attributes, we have found that most only wash out or emulsify the pre-existing lay-up material. Once that is gone, the oil product must assume full protection against friction wear caused by fluid film breakdown. The oil must then be also used in the maintenance schedule on a more frequent basis over the previous higher viscosity product to maintain the same friction wear protection. Why? Oil goes away quicker and offer a much thinner layer.

Bob Kirkpatrick