Wire
Rope Grades
The most common grade of rope today is called
Extra Improved Plow Steel Grade (XIP). For most ropes, this
will be the grade supplied. XIP ropes have a 15% higher
minimum breaking force than Improved Plow Steel Grade (IPS),
the former standard strength.
Other grades of wire rope are also available, including
Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel Grade (XXIP). Many equipment
designers are specifying XXIP grade wire rope for the operating
ropes on modern higher-rated equipment. They're taking advantage
of its higher minimum breaking force to help reduce total
system weight. New machines can be designed with higher
ratings using smaller diameter rope due to XXIP's higher
strength. Minimum breaking force of XXIP grade wire rope
is 10% higher than XIP grade. Ropes continue to be available
in Improved Plow Steel Grade (IPS).
