6 Common Uses of Steel Wire

What are the common uses of steel wire?

1. Construction
2. Aerospace
3. Manufacturing
4. Automotive
5. Entertainment
6. Mining

The steel wire is a metallic, cylindrical, and flexible strand that is commonly used to conduct electricity. With it, you can form a wire rope which has even more uses in both private and public sector industries. Some applications you might not even expect. Thanks to this, the uses of steel wire expand greatly.

The applications of steel wire range far and wide. It is used in most industries because having a rope that’s more durable than normal fibrous ropes is an incredible advantage. It becomes the better option in terms of safety, longevity, and of course, versatility. And as you can expect, it does the jobs of normal ropes but better. To learn more about steel wire applications in different industries, keep reading below!

Construction

Strong wires or strands are most at home on a construction site. Workers have found many ways to put sturdy wires to good use that fibrous ropes might not be able to achieve. They use the wires for lifting heavy things like cement blocks, machinery, or even people in the lift. Steel wires are also used in some parts of the construction itself, serving as extra support. The construction applications of these wires depend heavily on the type of construction being done and on the processes happening on the site, but either way, you will still be able to find a good use for steel wires for construction.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry also capitalizes on using steel wires. When it comes to connections, it’s better to have something sturdy and light at the same time. The high altitude means that all parts are subject to plenty of heat, pressure, and corrosion, and the wire ropes are naturally resistant to all those. Needless to say, a fibrous rope could easily snap. Thanks to the nature of steel strands, they work well as connectors to pedals, levers, and other mechanisms in an aircraft. It can also be used in the controlling of flaps and propellers and minimizes vibrations throughout the craft.

Manufacturing

Practically everything about a factory can be improved by the application and integration of steel wires. In the manufacturing industry, steel wires fit in because it helps equipment work and it functions as a good hoist when needed as well. Factories have multiple mechanisms to move around items and people. You can expect steel wires to be a part of conveyor belts, lifts, and other devices.

Automotive

Steel wires are widely used in the transportation industry other than aerospace. Like aerospace, steel wires are used as connectors for pedals and other mechanisms. Imagine you’re in a car factory. You would see car parts all over the place, being lifted and transported, sometimes being worked on by advanced robots and machinery. At the core of all these processes, you will be able to find steel wires. Wire ropes are extensively used in the production of parts: moving heavy loads, supplying parts, positioning equipment, and directly contributing to the creation of several automotive parts.

Entertainment

The versatility of steel wires has let them become useful even in the entertainment industry. Steel wires are incorporated in the rigging used for most movie stunts. It also helps in carrying and moving equipment between scenes, takes, and locations. This safety measure application of steel wires is also done in amusement park rides. Wires reinforce safety measures in rides and it is also used to pull rollercoasters and support the entire weight of cable cars.

In live theater, the average curtain weighs over 800-1,200 pounds. This is why durable steel strands are needed to draw or close them, or even just support their entire weight. They also hold overhead rigging and catwalk, and some backdrops and set pieces.

Mining

One of the first major users of steel wires was the mining industry. In some countries, the industry is still leading in steel wire consumption. It can be found in almost any step of the mining process — from lifting shafts, extracting minerals, becoming connections for mining equipment, to resource transportation. Considering the dangers that come with this activity, the strength of the wire could mean life and death for many workers. That’s why only the strongest steel wires are selected and acquired for this industry.

Key Takeaway

The uses of steel wire in all of these industries generally rely on one thing: the strength that it possesses. Steel wires are preferred over other types of wires because it is stronger, lasts longer, and fights against external corrosion better. If you’re in an industry that requires lifting, pulling, or even overall safety, chances are you would benefit from having high-quality steel wires.

At Metal Exponents, we provide only the best and finest steel products to our customers. We import steel from all over the world and supply good products for our clientele. Our products can be viewed through this link, and if you’re interested, feel free to contact us here.