Flat Webbing Sling

Flat webbing slings are used to carry, lift and transport equipment, cargo, vehicles and other large loads. They have a wide sling bearing surface to minimize damage and are versatile, enabling them to be used in choker, basket and vertical hitches.

Like other textile slings, they are colour coded according to their load capacity, with Purple indicating a one ton sling and Green for two ton slings. They are also resistant to most regularly encountered chemicals, however, exposure to acids can reduce the rated capacity.

Strength

The flat webbing sling is often used in construction applications to raise equipment and materials up, then lower them back down. The flexible nature of these slings allows them to wrap around oddly-shaped loads, while also providing enough strength to withstand the lifting load. This is an important advantage that webbing slings offer over wire ropes, which are much less versatile in this regard.

Both nylon and polyester synthetic flat webbing slings are available in a wide range of basket capacities, web flat webbing sling widths, and plies. The slings are also configured with various fittings, including flat or twisted eyes and end fittings. Nylon and polyester slings are resistant to most chemicals, except acids or hot bleaching agents (choose polyester lifting slings if you encounter these conditions). Long-term exposure to sunlight can affect the strength of the slings. Consult the sling manufacturer for proper retirement criteria if you’re planning on keeping your slings in the sun for a prolonged amount of time.

Both flat webbing slings and cord are useful for creating custom-length slings, like water knots with long tails, to tie down gear or replace backpack straps. However, it is a good idea to buy webbing in bulk to save money and have enough material for your projects.

Durability

A flat webbing sling is an important piece of equipment when it comes to lifting objects and equipment using hoists, derricks, cranes, or powered industrial trucks. Its lightweight nature allows for easy handling and movement of the load. These slings are also flexible, which means they can wrap around irregularly-shaped loads. They are also resistant to abrasion and corrosion. However, they are not suitable for use in environments with high temperatures or chemicals. Depending on the material of the webbing, different slings can resist certain chemicals or degrade in specific environments. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations of these slings and use them accordingly.

Nylon is unaffected by grease and oil, but it will degrade in chemically-active environments and may be damaged by bleaching agents. Polyester slings are more resistant to acids, but are not able to withstand temperatures over 194°F or below minus 40°F.

It is important to conduct regular visual inspections of flat webbing slings to check for signs of damage or reduction in strength. These signs include a disoriented or fuzzy webbing surface yarn, melting, charring, or corrosion. They should be removed from service immediately if they are exposed to any flat webbing sling of these conditions. It is also a good idea to consult with the sling manufacturer before using the sling in chemically active environments.

Flexibility

A flat webbing sling is extremely flexible and can wrap around odd-shaped loads, which makes them useful in lifting applications where the load’s bearing surface is limited. This versatility allows the sling to reach places wire ropes cannot, which is especially helpful in applications such as assembling and disassembling machinery.

The sling’s ability to conform to the shape of the load also makes it suitable for positioning and stabilizing loads during lifting operations. This is particularly important when the sling is used in conjunction with cranes and other lifting devices, as it can help prevent damage to the equipment due to improper rigging techniques.

While all synthetic slings are designed to be durable, they can lose some of their strength over time. To ensure slings are at their rated capacity, always inspect them prior to use and check for signs of damage or reduction in strength. These include any twisted webbing surface yarn, melted, charred or melted-through areas of the webbing, holes, cuts, tears or other visible degradation of the fabric and/or stitching.

In addition, the sling’s chemical resistance should be considered. Polyester webbing slings are unaffected by acids or bleaching agents, but they should not be used in locations where temperatures exceed 194 degrees F or below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, slings should be kept away from long-term exposure to sunlight to prevent UV degradation.

Weight

When compared with wire rope slings, flat webbing slings are significantly lighter. This makes them easy to rig and transport. They also distribute weight evenly across the sling, reducing stress on individual points of contact. This reduces damage to both the sling and the load.

The material used in a flat webbing sling’s construction can affect its durability. Nylon has a higher tensile strength than polyester, but it may degrade faster in hot environments. The choice of webbing material should be made according to the specific application.

Synthetic webbing slings are manufactured from man-made fibers — typically polyester and nylon — and are available in two types: endless round slings and flat webbing slings. The type of sling you choose will depend on your requirements, including its capacity and weight, and whether it’s suitable for your environment.

All synthetic slings must be used in accordance with safe operation procedures, which include choosing the correct sling for the job, keeping people a safe distance from the sling during movement, and inspecting all slings daily. If you notice any local deterioration, such as transverse or longitudinal cuts or abrasion damage, it’s important to remove the sling from service. This can prevent accidents that could result in injury or property damage. Ideally, you should buy your webbing from a supplier that adheres to strict quality assurance measures and offers a wide range of slinging products.