Overview
ISO 17558:2006 - "Steel wire ropes - Socketing procedures - Molten metal and resin socketing" defines standard procedures for attaching sockets to steel wire ropes using molten metal or resin. The standard covers preparation, execution and verification of socketing operations and specifies a type testing method to assess socketing system performance. It applies to sockets whose material and strength exceed the rope’s minimum breaking force and that remain stable when exposed to hot socketing media.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Ensure safe, reliable rope terminations that can sustain the full breaking force of the rope.
- Definitions and roles: Terms such as socket, socketing medium, brush, serving, socketer and qualified person are defined (see ISO 17893 for related definitions).
- Preparation for socketing:
- Serving (temporary and permanent) to prevent unlaying; materials must resist socketing temperatures and avoid electrolytic incompatibility.
- Cutting methods: abrasive, percussive or shearing - avoid methods that fuse wire ends.
- Brush formation: unlay wires to form the brush; opening angle should not exceed 45°.
- Cleaning and degreasing: thoroughly degrease the brush and minimize time before pouring to prevent oxidation.
- Socketing procedures:
- Molten metal socketing and resin socketing methods are both specified, including use of releasing agents for resin where appropriate.
- Positioning of the brush in the socket: protruding or non‑protruding wire methods (non‑protruding wire distance limited to 5% of basket length).
- Hooking wires when required and ensuring hooked portions do not impede material flow.
- Inspection and marking: Final inspection criteria and marking requirements to document conformity.
- Type testing and annexes: Annexes cover pre-treatment for bright ropes, recommended socketing media, resin parameters, type testing procedures for system performance and operating temperature limits.
Applications and users
ISO 17558 is used to standardize safe rope terminations across sectors that rely on steel wire ropes, including lifting and hoisting, marine, construction, mining and offshore oil & gas. Typical users:
- Socketing technicians and socketers
- Rope and socket manufacturers
- Lifting equipment inspectors and maintenance teams
- Design engineers and socketing system designers
- Quality and safety managers ensuring compliance and type testing
Related standards
- ISO 17893 - Definitions, designation and classification for steel wire ropes (normative reference)
- Other normative references cited in ISO 17558 include plastics and testing standards relevant to resin and verification equipment.
Keywords: ISO 17558, steel wire ropes, socketing procedures, molten metal socketing, resin socketing, socketing system, type testing, rope termination, socket basket, brush preparation.
