The telecommunications industry uses numerous types of wire. Some, like fiber optic cables, transmit data. Other wires, like messenger wire, support data-transmitting aerial cables. Systems that use support wires require another external wire to secure the messenger wire to the fiber optic cable. The telecom industry uses stainless steel lashing wire to secure or lash the messenger wire and fiber optic cable together. 

Our Lashing Wire Specifications 

Each selection of lashing wire meets ASTM A580 specifications. We provide three grades of stainless steel lashing wire — Type 430, Type 316  and Type 302. Both Type 430 and Type 316 have a 0.045-inch diameter. Type 302 lashing wire comes in two diameters — 0.045 inches and 0.038 inches.   

Type 430

Type 430 (S43000) lashing wire is a low-carbon stainless steel wire with 17% chromium. Though certain conditions can cause dark surface staining, this alloy's characteristics make it ideal for applications that fall under general use. Its tensile strength ranges from 70k to 95k psi, and it has an average break load of 125 pounds. Each coil is 1,200 feet long and weighs 6.5 pounds. 

Type 430 is suitable for ordinary atmospheric exposure. This lashing wire performs best away from industrial applications involving pollutant emissions and in conditions farther than 25 miles from saltwater.

Type 316

Type 316 (S31600) lashing wire provides the best corrosion resistance in coastal areas. This modified 18-10 stainless steel alloy contains 2.5% molybdenum. Type 316 boasts good corrosion resistance against most chemicals, including sulfides and chlorides. When salt spray hits other grades, it causes pinhole corrosion and pitting. Type 316 stainless resists these reactions.  

Type 316 has a tensile strength ranging from 95k to 125k psi, and its average break load is 145 pounds. Each 1,200-foot coil weighs 6.5 pounds. 

Type 302

Some industrial conditions create air pollutants that corrode Type 430, but those conditions may not be corrosive enough to require Type 316's full resistance. Type 302 (S30200) stainless steel lashing wire is the ideal grade for these industrial areas. The Type 302 alloy contains 8% nickel and 18% chromium.Type 302 that measures 0.038 inches in diameter is also called Superlash. 

Both diameters offer impressive tensile strength and higher breaking loads. A 0.038-inch Type 302 wire is as strong as a 0.045-inch Type 430 wire. Type 302 also has better elongation and ductility, so it's less likely to break from stress and easier to bend and unwind. This wire offers tensile strength of 95k to 125k psi. 

Type 302 with a 0.038-inch diameter has an average break load of 115 pounds and comes in 1,600-foot coils weighing 6.3 pounds each. The 0.045-inch wire has a 165-pound break load and comes in 1,200-foot coils of 6.5 pounds each.

Annealed Cable Lashing Wire

Annealing is a heat treatment method that alters the mechanical properties of metals. The annealing process has three steps — recovery, recrystallization and grain growth. During this process, controlled heating and cooling relieves internal stresses and encourages the growth of new grains without preexisting flaws. Some advantages of controlled annealing are:

• Reduced hardness and increased ductility for better formability and less risk of failure due to brittleness.
• Improved machinability from lower hardness. 
• Elimination of mechanical complications like cracking from residual stresses. 

Why Choose Bekaert?

Bekaert is the leading provider of steel wire products for the grid in North America. When you choose Bekaert, you partner with the largest independent producer of steel wire products and solutions in the world. Besides our reputation as a market leader, we have the strongest sales support team in our industry. We support our complete portfolio of quality steel wire and other hardware with unmatched customer service. As one of our clients, you'll enjoy industry-leading technical expertise, competitive pricing and short lead times. 

Connect with Bekaert for more information about our capabilities as your lashing wire supplier.