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.

Verwendung Edelstahlseil Absturzsicherung Dach

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.

» View our stock goods

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.

» Learn more about customized assembly

Plastic coating: For reduced friction, additional protection or an attractive appearance, we coat ropes with polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyurethane.

» Learn more about coating

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

The more individual wires a rope has, the more flexible it is. Among the standard constructions, the 7×19 stainless steel wire rope with its 133 individual wires is particularly flexible. It is ideal for applications with many deflections over pulleys.

For railing infills and architectural projects, we recommend the 1×19 or 1×7 constructions in material 1.4401 (V4A). They stand out with their smooth appearance and high inherent stiffness, and hardly stretch under tension.

For continuous use in seawater, sea spray or offshore applications, we recommend duplex stainless steel wire cables (material 1.4462). They offer exceptional protection against pitting and withstand extreme mechanical loads.

Under normal conditions, stainless steel forms a protective layer and does not rust. Extraneous rust or pitting can occur if the rope comes into contact with iron dust (e.g. from grinding work), aggressive acids or highly chlorinated water. Choosing the right material prevents corrosion from the outset. We will be happy to advise you.

We supply diameters from 0.30 mm to 20 mm. Common standard constructions from 1.0 mm are available directly from stock; finer ropes below 1.0 mm are custom-made.

We assemble your ropes ready for use with all common end fittings: swaged thimbles, stainless steel and aluminum clamps, threaded terminals, eyes, forks, hooks and stepless wire rope grippers.

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