The history of development of China's wire rope standards

The following is a review of the development history of China's wire rope standards, plus aspects of technological evolution, industrial upgrading and international cooperation:

I. Initial Phase (1950S-1970S): Soviet Model Reference and Main System Construction

Standardization Foundation Institution

In the early 1950s, our country's wire rope standards mainly followed the Soviet model, distinguishing various structures from technical conditions and standards, forming the early national standards and metallurgical standards.

In 1939, Tianjin's No. 1 rope factory was completed and put into production, becoming China's first metal product enterprise, marking the beginning of industrial production.

‌Classification System Prototype‌

In the 1970s, standard standards were re-drafted, classified by use or structure, and initially constructed a standard system consisting of circular chains, seal chains, special-shaped chains, aviation and elevator ropes.

ii. Improvement phase (1980s and 2000s): Deepening standardized systems and international integration

‌The system framework is mature

After 1985, a complete standard system was formed, which consists of basic standards, product standards, testing methods and packaging acceptance rates, covering the entire life cycle management.

In the 1990s, product structures were upgraded, from point contact to line contact and surface contact, improving wear and corrosion resistance.

International standards introduced

After 2000, the country accelerated its integration with the international community, with national and industry standards developing and revising emerging areas covered, such as high-speed rail, wind energy and bridges, to meet diversified needs45.

3. Breakthrough phase (2010-2020): Independent innovation and strengthening the power of international discourse

‌International standards dominate

In 2017, the ISO 2408:2017, drafted by Lu Ping's team, was released globally, becoming China's first international standard for wire ropes, undermining the long-term monopoly in Europe and the United States.

The standard took five years and obtained key data through innovative research and development of oversized ropes with a diameter of 264mm, thus facilitating Chinese companies' participation in international competition.

‌Industrial applications deepen

High-speed rail field: In 2008, Farsen Hongsheng Group developed stainless steel and carbon steel composite structural wire ropes, which applied them to 'eight vertical and eight horizontal' high-speed rail trunk lines, with a cumulative supply of more than 6,000 tons, a market share of more than 6,000 tons, and a market share of 90% 35.

In 2024, it will lead the development of industry standards 'Composite Wire Ropes to Compensate Electrified Railway Contact Network' (YB/T 6295-2024), further strengthening its technical leadership5.

iv. Intelligent and Green Stages (2020s): High-quality Development Transformation

‌Technical Upgrade Direction

Develop high-end products such as wind power crane cables and deep-sea engineering ropes and promote the positioning of large equipment25.

Reinforced material properties, such as the tensile strength of stainless steel ropes increased to 1970n/mm² and the diameter range was expanded to 6-83mm to meet the requirements of extreme working conditions.

‌Standard Ecosystem Construction‌

The link mechanism of 'national standards - industry standards - international standards' has been formed. Guizhou Wire Rope, Farsen and other companies have participated in the formulation and revision of more than 73 standards, covering the entire industrial chain.

Summary

China's wire rope standards have gone through four stages: IMation and Exploration → System Improvement → Independent Innovation → Global Leadership ‌. Through the internationalization of technology iteration and standards, it supports the development of strategic industries such as high-speed rail, wind energy and marine engineering. In the future, we need to continue to focus on green manufacturing, smart testing and other areas to promote collaborative innovation in standards and technologies