The four primary types of rigging slings used in industrial material handling are wire rope, alloy steel chain, synthetic web, and fiber rope. Governed by ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184 standards, each sling type dictates specific working load limits, temperature tolerances, and operational applications.
- Wire rope slings deliver exceptional durability and high tensile strength for heavy-duty crane operations.
- Alloy steel chain slings, typically grade 80, 100, or 120, are engineered for the most rugged environments and can be used at elevated temperatures with mandatory capacity derating per ASME B30.9. Grades 80 and 100 can be used at temperatures up to 1,000°F per ASME B30.9 Table 9-1.8.1-1. Grade 120 must not be used above 570°F.
- Synthetic web slings, woven from nylon or polyester, provide the flexibility necessary to protect delicate finished loads from surface damage, though they are highly susceptible to heat and chemical degradation.
- Finally, natural and synthetic fiber rope slings are reserved for lighter loads where minimal surface marring is required.
Proper hardware selection is critical to preventing catastrophic load failure during execution.