Stainless Steel Wire Cable – Quality and Variety from Hamburger Drahtseilerei
Since 1945, Hamburger Drahtseilerei has been developing, manufacturing and assembling high-quality stainless steel wire cable for a wide range of applications in industry, architecture and agriculture. Our range covers diameters from 0.30 mm to 20 mm – available by the meter or custom-assembled to your requirements. Which stainless steel wire cable is right for you depends mainly on two factors: the construction (for flexibility and elongation) and the material (for corrosion and acid resistance). Use our overview for guidance or find the right rope for your needs based on the areas of application.
Which construction suits your application?
| Construction | Structure | Characteristics | Typical for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1×7 | 1 strand, 7 wires | Very stiff, lowest elongation | Static bracing, railing infill, facades |
| 1×19 | 1 strand, 19 wires | Stiff, very smooth surface | Railings, balustrades, standing rigging, design |
| 7×7 | 7 strands of 7 wires each | Flexible with high dimensional stability | Slight deflections, balustrades, lifting equipment, fitness equipment, fall protection |
| 7×19 (6×19+WSC) |
6 strands of 19 wires each + steel core | Very flexible, bends and rotates easily | Frequent deflection, cable pulls, roller doors, manure removal, stage technology, fall protection |
| 7×36 (6×36+IWRC) |
6 strands of 36 wires each + steel core | Most flexible | Where high flexibility is required even with larger diameters, e.g. winch ropes |
| 7×7 Duplex | 7 strands of 7 wires each in material 1.4462 | Flexible + highest corrosion resistance | Offshore, swimming pools, sewage treatment plants, petrochemicals |
The more individual wires and strands a wire rope contains, the more flexible and bendable it is. The fewer wires are used, the more dimensionally stable, robust and low-stretch the construction.
Can’t find the construction you need? Feel free to contact us.
Which stainless steel is suitable for which environment?
| Material | Also known as | Resistance | Typical environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4301 | V2A / AISI 304 | Good | Indoor areas, industry, agriculture, food sector |
| 1.4401 | V4A / AISI 316 | Very good | Outdoor areas, construction, coastal areas, decoration |
| 1.4462 | Duplex / 2205 | Excellent | Offshore, seawater, swimming pool technology |
| 1.4529 | Alloy 926 / 6Mo | Excellent against chlorides/acids | Swimming pools, aggressive chemical environments |
| 1.4539 | 904L | Excellent against chemicals | Biogas plants, process engineering, special plant construction |
| 1.4571 | AISI 316Ti | Very good (titanium-stabilized) | Chemical industry, demanding construction projects |
In most cases, the choice of material comes down to 1.4301 (V2A) or 1.4401 (V4A). As a rule of thumb: for anything outdoors, near the coast or in visible exterior areas, the more weather- and acid-resistant material 1.4401 is the best choice.
For constant exposure to chlorides, swimming pool water, seawater or aggressive chemicals, however, we recommend duplex steels (1.4462) or high-alloy special materials such as 1.4529 and 1.4539.
Applications for stainless steel wire cable
Architecture, interior design & railing construction
In modern architecture, stainless steel wire cable combines delicate design with high load-bearing capacity and transparency. It is used as railing infill, handrails, facade greening, partitions or discreet suspension for canopies and lights. Indoors or outdoors: the material impresses with its smooth appearance, low elongation, high weather resistance and minimal maintenance.
Recommendation: 1×19 stainless steel wire rope or 1×7 stainless steel wire rope for dimensionally stable, rigid bracing. For more flexible routing: 7×7 stainless steel wire rope.


Maritime & offshore
In maritime applications, the material is exposed to extreme tensile forces and aggressive salt water. Our stainless steel wire cables have proven themselves as lifelines, standing rigging, rigging, tensioning systems and winch ropes, as well as in boat cover lashings. They offer high safety reserves against fatigue and pitting corrosion.
Recommendation: 1×7 stainless steel wire rope or 1×19 stainless steel wire rope for static bracing, 7×19 stainless steel wire rope for moving cable guides. For permanent contact with seawater, we recommend duplex 1.4462.
Gardening, landscaping & outdoor
Outdoors, tear resistance and weather resistance are what matter most. Stainless steel wire cable is ideal as a discreet climbing aid on facades, for securing pergolas, for sun sails, external blinds or as static bracing in bridge construction. It easily withstands heavy loads, heat, frost and rain for years.
Recommendation: 1×19 stainless steel wire rope for rigid bracing, 7×7 stainless steel wire rope for slight bending or 7×19 stainless steel wire rope for flexible climbing aids and pergolas.


Mechanical, plant and conveyor engineering
When stainless steel wire cables are constantly guided over pulleys or sheaves, high flexibility is required. Our flexible rope constructions are ideal for control cables, roller doors, cable pulls, fitness equipment and dynamic drives. They transmit forces precisely and remain reliable over the long term, even under intensive use.
Recommendation: 7×19 stainless steel wire rope, plastic-coated on request for protection against abrasion.
Agriculture & forestry
In agriculture and forestry, the material is exposed to very high tensile forces, moisture and acids such as liquid manure. Our stainless steel wire cables ensure reliable continuous operation in manure removal systems, feeding and ventilation systems as well as in bracing and pasture fencing. Benefit from high strength and long-lasting protection against wear.
Recommendation: 7×19 stainless steel wire rope for high flexibility and breaking strength in harsh conditions, or 8×7 with PP core for maximum shock absorption and smooth running over deflection pulleys.


Aggressive environments
In environments with high exposure to chemicals, chlorides or acids, standard stainless steels reach their limits. We supply highly resistant special ropes for indoor swimming pools, sewage treatment plants, biogas plants, chemical process engineering and the petrochemical industry to prevent pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Recommendation: Duplex 1.4462; for extreme exposure to acids and chlorides, 1.4529 or 1.4539.
Fall protection & personal safety
Whether on green roofs, during building maintenance, in industrial plants or on construction sites: wherever people work or spend time at height, safety comes first. Our stainless steel wire cables serve as reliable rope components for horizontal and vertical lifelines, rope safety systems and anchor devices. They are highly weather-resistant and durable, and offer high breaking strength with low elongation even after years outdoors.
Recommendation: 7×7 stainless steel wire rope or 7×19 stainless steel wire rope for optimum weather resistance and flexibility.

Stainless steel wire cable – coated, assembled or by the meter
By the meter: We supply stainless steel wire cable in diameters from 0.30 mm to 20 mm (fine ropes from 0.30 mm as custom production, standard constructions from 1.0 mm), cut to length or wound on wooden and plastic reels. Thanks to our large stock capacities, we can guarantee short delivery times.
Customized assembly: We fit your ropes directly with the right end fittings – thimbles, press clamps, forks, eyes, threaded terminals, hooks or wire rope grippers – from single pieces to large series.
Plastic coating: For reduced friction, additional protection or an attractive appearance, we coat ropes with polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyurethane.
Request stainless steel wire cable
We will be happy to prepare a non-binding quote for your project. To help us process your inquiry quickly, please ideally provide the following information:
- Construction (or intended application)
- Rope diameter (mm)
- Required total length or quantity
- Material (e.g. 1.4301, 1.4401, duplex)
- End fittings / accessories (e.g. thimbles, terminals, swaged eyes)
Not sure about the exact specifications yet? Simply describe your planned application – we will be happy to advise you and recommend the best design.
FAQs – stainless steel wire cable
Contact us
Would you like more information about our production or do you have questions about our products? Would you like to find out more about our accessories? Simply get in touch with us – we look forward to hearing from you!
Hamburger
Drahtseilerei
Hamburger Drahtseilerei A. Steppuhn GmbH
Klaus-Groth-Straße 15
D-23843 Bad Oldesloe
+49 (0) 4531 / 8990 – 33