Strand Core offers a variety of cable products — including aircraft cable and general purpose wire rope — in both stainless steel and galvanized steel. If this is your first time ordering from us, or if you have never considered why your rig employs stainless steel instead of galvanized wire rope, you may be wondering what the true differences are between these two materials. So if you are not sure which alloy to request when submitting a quote at https://strandcore.com/contact/, here are some considerations when comparing stainless steel to galvanized steel.

Strength

Though both materials are extremely strong, galvanized steel typically has a higher breaking strength than stainless steel. Here is a quick example. When comparing the breaking strength of two 7x19 cables of the same 3/8” diameter, stainless steel can withstand 12,000 lbs., while galvanized steel can endure even more weight with a breaking strength of 14,400 lbs.  

Corrosion resistance

Galvanized steel offers minimal corrosion resistance, meaning it may rust and degrade with time. Comparatively, stainless steel has a high resistance to corrosion because it is treated with chromium which allows it to withstand harsher conditions. When using wire rope near salt water, or in an environment where it may be washed frequently or exposed to chemicals, stainless steel is a more resilient choice.

Cost

Galvanized wire rope is traditionally less expensive than stainless steel, though price alone should not be the driving factor behind your decision to purchase and employ a cable. If you settle for using galvanized wire rope in a corrosive environment because it is less expensive than a stainless equivalent, you may find yourself spending more money in the long-run if your initial purchase does not meet your expectations, or cannot perform adequately given its operating conditions.

Picking the best wire rope alloy for your application does not have to be complicated, especially when you know the strength requirements or environmental conditions of your operation. If you need further assistance comparing your options, we can help you weigh the pros and cons. Click here to view a selection of our products, or contact us at https://strandcore.com/contact/.