Wire Rope Grades

The most common grade of rope today is called Extra Improved Plow Steel Grade (XlP^®). For most ropes, this will be the grade supplied. XIP IWRC ropes have a 15% higher minimum breaking force than Improved Plow Steel Grade (IPS), the former standard strength.

Other grades of wire rope are also available, including Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel Grade (XXIP^®). Many equipment designers are specifying XXIP grade wire rope for the operating ropes on modern higher-rated equipment. They're taking advantage of its higher minimum breaking force to help reduce total system weight. New machines can be designed with higher ratings using smaller diameter rope due to XXIP's higher strength. Minimum breaking force of XXIP grade wire rope is 10% higher than XIP grade. Ropes are available in all 3 grades, Improved Plow Steel (IPS), Extra Improved Plow Steel (XIP) and Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (XXIP).