All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(30243 products available)
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
There are multiple types of lifting slings. Each has different applications based on strength, flexibility, and environmental conditions. Some of the most common are discussed in detail below.
Chain Slings
Chain slings are extremely durable. They are primarily used to lift heavy and very cumbersome objects. They offer high levels of safety and do not easily break or wear out. In addition to this, they do not stretch hence providing a stable load during lifting. Because of the above-mentioned qualities, they are mostly used in industries such as construction, mining, shipbuilding, and heavy manufacturing.
Wire Rope Slings
Similar to chain slings, however, wire rope slings are more flexible. This allows them to be used in areas that are comparatively rough and require heavy lifting. They provide a good weight-to-strength ratio hence they are applicable in many lifting operations within agricultural settings, marine industries, and the transportation business.
Polyester Slings
Also known as flat web slings, polyester lifting slings are popular due to their robustness and affordability. They are widely used due to their resistance to moisture and most chemicals. They are ideal for lifting delicate items since they have high lift potential and can cause little to no damage to the load. Occasions when they are mostly used include the manufacture of trailers, scaffolding, furniture items, and the transportation of glass and metal products.
Natural Fiber Slings
These include slings that are made from cotton or sisal fibres. They are still used today in some traditional industries or for lifting goods with relatively low weights, for example, in the agriculture and textile industries. Despite their gradually being taken out of the market due to modern alternatives, they are still applicable within regions where they have not been modernized.
Lifting slings are used in many industries. This is because they serve an integral purpose. Below are the most common industry applications of lifting slings.
Construction Industry
The construction business frequently employs lifting slings to move large and awkwardly shaped building materials. Chain and wire rope slings are widely used because they can lift heavy objects such as steel beams and concrete blocks. Lifting slings increase productivity on construction sites by allowing for the controlled and safe lifting of large loads. This, in turn, minimizes the risk of damage to materials and accidents to workers.
Manufacturing Industry
Lifting slings can be used to lift bulky machinery, parts, and finished goods in the manufacturing process. Polyester slings are often employed in the manufacturing process since they do not damage the lifted items' surface. Furthermore, they are lightweight and easy to handle. Lifting slings facilitate effective handling in this business. This is especially true when transferring both raw materials and goods from one production section to another.
Marine Industry
The marine industry's offshore lifting operations rely significantly on the use of lifting slings. Slings made of wire rope and chain are regularly used to support large marine equipment such as anchors, chains, and buoys. Slings, in particular, are crucial for marine operations to reduce the risk of damage to both the load and the vessel during transfer in tough weather.
Rigging and Entertainment Industry
Lifting slings are widely used in the rigging industry. They are especially useful for the suspension of heavy trusses, lighting, and sound systems in concerts and theatrical performances. Round slings, mainly constructed of strong polyester fibres, are often employed since they are simple to tie around objects and do not harm the fragile surfaces of stage equipment. Using reliable slings to lift these big loads will help make shows safe and successful.
Mining Industry
In the mining industry, lifting slings are necessary for the safe handling of heavy mining equipment, such as excavators and drills. To cope with harsh mining environments, chain slings and wire rope slings are often employed since they are exceptionally strong and resilient to abrasion. Lifting slings are common in mining operations to improve load balancing and minimise the risk of accidents and damage to equipment.
Strong and robust lifting slings can be made from a variety of materials and come in multiple designs. They have multiple important specifications and characteristics.
Material
Lifting slings can be divided into three groups: polyester (most popular), chain (steel), and wire rope (steel). Each of these materials has distinct advantages.
Due to its light weight and elasticity, the polyester variety is great for everyday use because of its resistance to abrasion. The lifting slings are made of chain and wire rope. They are frequently used in high-temperature or hazardous conditions due to their stronger load-bearing capacity and resistance to chemicals.
Design and Configuration
Lifting slings come in a variety of configurations. Mostly they come in the form of single, double, and multi-leg variations. One-leg slings are great for simple lifts. Whereas, multi-leg slings are more advantageous when used for load balance and load distribution. They provide excellent versatility and may be used for many lifting needs. They come equipped with adjustable lengths that enable them to be modified by the user during the lifting operation.
Weight Capacities
Lifting slings have a weight capacity of some sort. This means that all lifting slings can support a specified weight. This ranges from several hundred kilograms for weaker slings to several tonnes for industrial-grade slings. To avoid sling failure and accident risks, it is necessary to choose a lifting sling that corresponds to the weight of the load to be lifted.
Safety Features
The majority of lifting slings are produced with safety in mind. They feature reinforced eyes for better grip and stitching in critical places to avoid breaking. Furthermore, most slings, especially those made of polyester, include colour-coded warning indicators that inform users of the lifting sling's weight capacity. This makes it easier to use properly and unifies safety practices among employees.
Choosing the right lifting sling is done based on various criteria. These include the capacity, length, leg configuration, accessories, operating environment, and cost considerations like the economic lifespan.
Load Weight and Type
A lifting sling should be chosen based on the weight and form of the lifted load. Certain slings have a greater weight capacity than others. For example, chain and wire rope slings are more suited to heavy loads. Slings made of polyester are appropriate for lighter but bulkier goods. The material must be suitable for the weight and form of the item in order to avoid both accidents and damage to the material.
Sling Length and Adjustability
The lift's height and angle are considerably affected by the length of the lifting sling. In this case, longer slings provide more flexibility than shorter slings. However, this may not necessarily be the case since all lifting slings are adjustable. These slings come with adjustable lengths allowing the user to modify them to fit the required lifting height. Select an adjustable sling so that it may be modified to suit various lifting tasks.
Leg Configuration
Single-leg slings are good for basic lifts, while multi-leg slings are better for balanced lifts. Multi-leg slings provide extra stability by sharing the load among several attachment points when lifting unevenly shaped items or large weights. The number of legs on a sling required for a task will depend on both the form and weight of the item being lifted and the level of stability that is required.
Accessories
Numerous caring lifting slings come fitted with extra components. These include hooks, shackles, or pulleys that make lifting easier and more secure. These accessories facilitate the easy attachment of the sling to the load-carrying equipment. Ensure that any extra parts are strong enough to carry the intended weight of the load. Also, make sure that the accessories are compatible with the selected sling.
Environmental Factors
Consider the operational setting where the lifting sling will be employed. In corrosive situations like marine or chemical facilities, corrosion-resistant chain or wire rope slings should be used. It is also recommended that for instance lifting slings used in construction work be manufactured from high-abrasion-resistant materials.
Cost vs. Durability
Although it may be tempting to go for the less expensive option, one should consider the lifting sling’s stamina and working load limit. They account for the long-term risk of replacement and, as such, may be more sensible in weight-bearing business exercises.
Ans: To care for and maintain a lifting sling, all its parts should be inspected regularly. Also, it should be cleaned whenever necessary, and it should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme weather. Additionally, it should be stored in a cool environment out of direct sunlight.
Ans: Yes, lifting slings can be used outdoors. However, an outdoor lifting sling made of weather-resistant material should be used. Also, a protective lifting sling cover can be placed over it in case of extreme weather and UV exposure.
Ans: A lifting sling's minimum load-bearing capacity depends on the type of lifting sling used. Wire rope and chain lifting slings can carry an extremely high load. A round lifting sling can carry loads of up to 1,800 kg. At the same time, a web lifting sling can carry loads of up to 1,500 kg.
Ans: A synthetic lifting sling and a metal lifting shackle can be used together. Just as long as the lifting shackle is properly wrapped and protected, it will not damage the lifting sling. For this purpose, place a suitable lifting sling protector under the lifting shackle's load-bearing section to avoid direct contact.
Ans: Covers for lifting slings are important. They prolong the life of the lifting sling by increasing protection against harsh elements, such as abrasion, rough surfaces, and external exposure. Therefore, if the lifting sling is to be used in any harsh environment, then a lifting sling cover should be used.
