Super Slings Inc. 505 - 11 Avenue Nisku, Alberta Canada Ph: (780) 955-7111 www.superslings.ca
Did you know? At Super Slings we are committed to growing and improving our industry by informing our customers. Our Did you know information packets are designed to highlight lesser known facts, industry trends, codes, regulations and product information that every operator, rigger, or worker should know.
Nylon vs. Polyester A common misconception in the lifting industry is that all web slings are made the same, this is far from the truth. Not only are there nylon and polyester, but there are also different grades and qualities of both materials. While both materials have their benefits and detriments, it is up to the user to determine the proper material for their specific application. Over the last few years the industry standard has slowly been moving away from nylon and more towards polyester, mainly due to cost. When determining which material to use there are two main factors to consider, stretch and chemical reaction. The information in this pamphlet will give you a good start on how to determine which material is right for your application.
The Facts: Nylon: Ÿ 7-10% stretch at WLL (rated capacity) stretch helps avoid shock loading and ensure tighter fit when choking Ÿ Chemical resistance - nylon should not be used around acids or bleaching agents. See chemical chart or more. Polyester: Ÿ 2-3% stretch at WLL (rated capacity), lower quality polyester may stretch up to 10%, consult your manufacturer. Ÿ Chemical resistance - polyester should not be used near aldehydes. See chemical chart or more. Ÿ Polyester slings must have a tracer thread in the center of the
sling to identify the material.
www.superslings.ca/DidYouKnow.aspx
Super Slings Inc. 505 - 11 Avenue Nisku, Alberta Canada Ph: (780) 955-7111 www.superslings.ca
Nylon vs. Polyester
Polyester
Tracer Strand
Nylon
All Super Slings synthetic web slings are clearly marked with the material type and all other necessary information according to Alberta OH&S and ASME standards
Super Slings Inc. (780) 955-7111
Super Slings Inc. 505 - 11 Avenue Nisku, Alberta Canada Ph: (780) 955-7111 www.superslings.ca
Nylon vs. Polyester Chemical reactivity chart
Nylon
Polyester
Acids Alcohols Aldehydes Strong Alkalis Bleaching Agents Dry Cleaning Solvents Ethers Halogenated Hydro Carbons Hydro Carbons Ketones Oils Crude Oils Lubricating Soap & Detergents Water & Sea Water Weak Alkalis
NO OK OK OK NO OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK
* OK NO ** OK OK NO OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK
* Disintegrated by concentrated sulfuric acid. ** Degraded by strong alkalis at elevated temperatures.
Stretch Comparison at WLL (Rated capacity) Material Nylon Polyester
6 6.42 6.18
8 8.56 8.24
Length in feet 10 12 16 10.7 12.84 17.12 10.3 12.36 16.48
20 21.4 20.6
Original Length
Nylon Sling at WLL (rated capacity)
Polyester Sling at WLL (rated capacity)
www.superslings.ca/DidYouKnow.aspx
30 32.1 30.9
Lifting with Nylon or Polyester Web Slings
Polyester
Nylon
Wrong
Nylon
Nylon
Right
Polyester
Polyester
Right
Super Slings Inc. (780) 955-7111