Synthetic Lifting Slings
Synthetic lifting slings, sometimes referred to as synthetic rigging slings, or synthetic lifting straps, are made from either nylon or polyester and offer industry leading support and flexibility. Synthetic slings are best used to lift highly finished parts or delicate equipment because the synthetic materials they are made of are more flexible and much softer than any lifting sling made of steel. Synthetic slings are extremely lightweight and offer the best protection for the load being lifted. There are 3 types of synthetic slings:
For all synthetic rigging sling types, riggers can take relatively easy precautions to extend their working life. First, they must always use sling protectors to shield the synthetic material from sharp and/or protruding edges, as well as abrasive surfaces. Riggers should also limit the amount of UV exposure as this degrades the synthetic sling material. Lastly, synthetic lifting slings should always be kept as clean as possible. This prevents dirt, moisture and grease from degrading the synthetic sling material over time.
If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for or if you don’t know exactly what you need, call or email our sales team to talk with a rigging product specialist.
Synthetic Sling Applications and Configurations
Due to their relatively low price, high flexibility and replaceability; synthetic rigging slings are very popular in the construction industry, as well as other general industries. These lifting slings can be used in any industry looking for super flexible, super strong and super easy to rig slings that lift a variety of loads. Synthetic slings come in many standard capacities and lengths, and can be used in vertical, choker and basket hitches.
Synthetic Lifting Sling Advantages
- Synthetic slings do not experience crushing, bending fatigue or kinking due to their ultra-strong and flexible high-performance synthetic materials
- Suitable for virtually any industry or overhead lifting application due to their lightweight and inexpensive design
- Synthetic lifting slings mold to and securely grip loads with their soft, flexible materials
Synthetic Lifting Sling Disadvantages
- Can’t be exposed to certain chemicals or excessive UV light
- Low heat-resistance
- Lower cutting and abrasion resistance than rigging slings made of steel
- Corner and edge protectors must be used to protect the sling from sharp and/or protruding edges, and can add to the cost of synthetic lifting slings
- Different synthetic sling materials have different resistance properties regarding chemically active environments:
| Exposure Type |
Nylon |
Polyester |
| Acids |
✖ |
* |
| Alcohols |
✔ |
✔ |
| Aldehydes |
✔ |
✖ |
| Strong Alkalis |
✔ |
** |
| Bleach Agents |
✖ |
✔ |
| Dry Cleaning Solvents |
✔ |
✔ |
| Ethers |
✔ |
✖ |
| Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
✔ |
✔ |
| Hydrocarbons |
✔ |
✔ |
| Ketones |
✔ |
✔ |
| Oils (Crude) |
✔ |
✔ |
| Oils (Lubricating) |
✔ |
✔ |
| Soaps and Detergents |
✔ |
✔ |
| Water and Seawater |
✔ |
✔ |
| Weak Alkalis |
✔ |
✔ |
*Disintegrated by concentrated sulfuric acid
**Degraded by strong alkalis at elevated temperatures |
Synthetic Sling Inspection
It is important to inspect synthetic lifting slings regularly and to keep a record of all sling inspections. At Tri-State Rigging Equipment we offer a full range of rigging inspection and repair services. The standards that govern synthetic rigging sling inspection are OSHA 1910.184 and ASME B30.9. It is recommended that synthetic rigging slings first undergo an initial inspection when you receive the lifting sling from the manufacturer. The purpose of this initial inspection is to:
- Check sling tag for correct capacity
- Check the length of the sling
- Make sure the sling is made from the correct materials in the correct configuration
- Make sure the lifting sling meets any other lifting specs or requirements you may have
In addition, synthetic slings should be inspected by a designated and qualified individual every day before use to make sure that the sling is in working condition and will lift its rated capacity. Slings that are used very frequently may need to be inspected more often. The rejection criteria and proper destruction for the different types of synthetic rigging slings vary, so follow the link to the specific type of synthetic sling you are seeking for more information on inspections.
Tri-State Rigging Equipment is a custom manufacturer, service provider and distributor for all synthetic lifting slings, including round, web, and fiber rope slings, serving clients from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico, and especially focused in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma.