K-100 is 80% lighter than the steel wire it replaces. Made from a combination of high-performance fibers, Samson developed a rope with strength equal to wire at similar diameters, yet it has the same load pull and load chart with a 5:1 safety factor. K-100 features high strength-to-weight ratio, bend fatigue durability, and robust spooling capabilities.

Strength

As the first synthetic line designed specifically for mobile cranes, K-100 is the the lightweight, safe, and reliable alternative to steel-wire rope. Samson has integrated fiber, coating, and rope construction technology from multiple industries to create a hoist line that features a high strength-to-weight ratio, bend fatigue durability, and robust spooling capabilities.

Same Strength as Wire
The combination of high-performance synthetic fibers provides strength similar to steel wire hoist lines of similar size with same lifting capacity. It meets or exceeds the maximum line pull requirements for a 5:1 safety factor.

Better than Polyester or Nylon
Unlike ropes made with traditional fibers like nylon and polyester, K-100 is made of high-performance fibers, which have very low stretch and react like steel-wire rope. At the max permissible line pull, the rope has an elastic elongation of 1.3%.

Weight

Weight matters. A 600 ft. spool of K-100 weighs only 154 lbs. compared to 910 lbs. of steel wire at that same length and relative size. Why does this matter? What’s the benefit? That 756 lbs. you lost by using a lighter rope means you can increase your crane’s lifting capacity.

 
In addition, because K-100 weighs 80% less than steel wire, it costs much less to ship and transport. You’ll save an estimated $2,350 on delivery costs with K-100 compared to a shipment of steel wire.
 
Finally, reeving 50 ft. of K-100, at only 11 lbs., is much easier to handle and gentler on the operator’s hands, back, and arms than handling 70 lbs. of steel wire for the same length. Less weight, less effort.

No Stretch or Spin

K-100 is designed with a balanced 12-strand construction, which, unlike "rotation-resistant” steel rope, produces a torque-free product. It’s simple physics: If no torque is stored in the rope, there’s no rotational energy to produce load spin or line twisting. Load spin and birdcage challenges are virtually eliminated.

 
Unlike ropes made with traditional fibers like nylon and polyester, K-100 is made of high-performance fibers that exhibit very little stretch. The first load lift conditions the rope, removing the constructional elongation of 1.3%. After that, K-100 is functionally comparable to wire with no observable difference in the load stability.

Extreme Environments

K-100 works well at the extreme ends of both high and low temperatures. However, at the recommended maximum operating temperature of 140°F (60°C), the fiber has a reduced instantaneous strength by approximately 5% to 8%. However, when the rope returns to normal operating temperature below 140°F, the rope’s instantaneous strength returns as well. Instantaneous strength loss will continue to increase at higher temperatures, up to the ultimate melting temperature, 300°F (149°C), of the rope. While it is advisable to keep K-100 out of contact with high temperature heat sources, incidental contact with hot surfaces, such as crane booms exposed to extended periods of sun, will typically only affect the rope’s surface. Please see Samson’s Tech Bulletin “The Impact of Elevated Temperatures on K-100™ Synthetic Crane Hoist Line” for more details. At temperatures below freezing, K-100 gains an additional 10% strength. There are no low temperature limits for K-100.

Corrosion Resistance

Since K-100 is comprised of synthetic material, it will not oxidize or rust as steel wire does in corrosive environments, such as saltwater. Moreover, 
K-100 is made of high performance fibers that are highly resistant to corrosive environments. Laboratory and field tests confirm that exposure to acids, bases, oils and greases common* on typical job sites will not impact the strength or integrity of the rope.

Hassle Free

K-100™ is flexible, durable and low maintenance.

If the line dives on the spool and gets crushed or pinched, no worries. As soon as you back out of the dive, the line will eventually spring back to its original shape without birdcaging, cabling, or other permanent damage. And that means less time spent on changeouts due to damaged lines.

Also, since K-100 is naturally slick, it doesn’t require lubrication, saving on grease, mess, and associated maintenance costs.

ROI and Lifetime Cost Savings

How much can you save when you switch? There are many hidden costs associated with steel wire rope in use today. They cost more to ship, maintain, and need to be replaced more often due to damage. Because they’re heavy, they also slow down productivity with slower changeouts and reduced lifting capacities. All those costs add up to impact your bottom line. Find out what you can save by switching to K-100.

For a better understanding of K-100™ and it's advantages, please view the following videos.