Overview
ISO 1140:2021 specifies requirements for polyamide fibre ropes in four constructions: 3‑strand hawser‑laid, 4‑strand shroud‑laid, 8‑strand braided, and 12‑strand braided ropes. It defines designation rules, construction types (A, B, L, T), physical property limits (linear density and minimum breaking strength), marking and basic delivery/packaging requirements for ropes intended for general service. The standard clarifies that it does not cover every possible strength or product‑performance variation and that the rope manufacturer should be consulted to ensure the rope design meets the intended application.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Constructions covered:
- Type A - 3‑strand hawser‑laid
- Type B - 4‑strand shroud‑laid
- Type L - 8‑strand braided
- Type T - 12‑strand braided
- Designation: ropes must be designated by “fibre rope”, document number (ISO 1140), construction/type, reference number, material (PA), and stabilization type (1 = heat set, 2 = not heat set). Example:
Fibre rope ISO 1140 – A – 20 – PA – 1
- Material rule: mixing of polyamide fibre types/grades in one rope is not permitted.
- Physical properties: linear density (ktex) and Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) are specified in tables for each construction and reference number. Linear density is measured under reference tension per ISO 2307. MBS applies to new, dry ropes; wet breaking strength is typically 10–20% lower.
- Testing and definitions: MBS is set by each manufacturer using recognized statistical methods (see ISO 9554 Annex D). Breaking tests per ISO 2307; results depend on termination, knots, bends, conditioning and test method.
- Marking: Type 1 ropes with reference number