Question: What is the difference between a rope sheave and a wire rope sheave?
- Answer: Rope sheaves are for fibrous rope. They have a full radius or groove. Suncor’s rope sheaves are up to 1″ maximum diameter. Wire rope sheaves are for stainless steel or wire rope. They are “V” grooved and cradle the wire rope to prevent it from coming out of the groove. Suncor wire rope sheaves are up to 3/8″ maximum diameter.
Question: Can wire rope be used on a rope sheave?
- Answer: Wire rope is not as flexible as regular rope, so it is not advisable to use wire rope in a regular rope sheave because it will force the wire rope to bend around too tight a radius. This can cause it to bunch up and unwind.
Question: Is there a difference between bronze bushings and ball bearing sheaves?
- Answer: Sheaves that have a bronze bushing are more durable and can withstand a heavier load, but they are intended for a slower use and do not continuously rotate. Suncor uses “660 bronze” which is a leaded tin bronze. It allows for rotation with very low friction. Sheaves with ball bearings are used on a continuous run situation with constant revolutions.
Question: Is another bearing needed when using a bronze bushing?
- Answer: Another bearing is not necessary for use along with the bronze bushing.
