If you are unfamiliar with standard aircraft cable constructions, you may look at our website and say, aren’t 19x7 and 7x19 the same cable? Though it may be easy to confuse them in writing, their physical appearance and structure are actually extremely different. Most notably, these differences impact how and where these cables are used. Take a moment to learn about the constructions, characteristics, and applications of these cables and contact us at sales@strandcore.com if you have any additional questions.
Construction
Let’s first compare the construction of these two aircraft cables. 7x19 cable is made from 7 strands, each containing 19 wires. Comparatively, 19x7 cable is made from 19 strands, each containing 7 wires. Though they contain the same number of individual wires, the configurations are what set them apart. The differences become more obvious when comparing a cross section, also known as a snowflake. The image on the left depicts a 7x19 construction, and the image on the right depicts a 19x7 construction.
Characteristics
One of the key differences between these two cables is that 19x7 aircraft cable is non-rotating. We have already written a blog (What Makes 19x7 Aircraft Cable Non-Rotating?) where you can learn about the science behind non-rotational cable, but this essentially means 19x7 cable will not twist during lifting applications. Because 7x19 cable is not non-rotational, (or torque balanced) it can rotate or swing during lifting applications. Some applications may not require torque balanced cable, but in other applications it is mission-critical.
Application
Because 19x7 aircraft cable is non-rotating, it is used most often in helicopter rescue hoists and crane operations. Essentially, any application that requires loads to be raised and lowered smoothly, and without rotation, are the perfect job for 19x7 cable. Because 7x19 does not have the same non-rotational qualities as 19x7, it serves different functions. It generally performs well when flexibility and fatigue are concerns, which is why it is often used in garage doors, winches, aircraft controls, and sailboat rigging. It offers some flexibility while still maintaining its strength.
To learn even more about these two products, visit the aircraft cable portion of our website, or contact our sales team today.