Tips on synthetic materials
Synthetic slings are made of nylon and polyester to suit various applications. When choosing a material, STREN-FLEX® recommends considering a material''s resistance to specific chemicals, temperature, and stretch factor. STREN-FLEX® recommends nylon web slings for most web sling applications, and polyester roundslings are useful in applications requiring low stretch and acid resistant materials. All standard STREN-FLEX® slings are sewn using nylon webbing unless polyester webbing is specified by the consumer.
Check out our Synthetic Sling Training Video!
Nylon
Nylon is the most widely used general purpose synthetic web sling. Nylon is unaffected by grease and oil, and the material has excellent chemical resistance to aldehydes, ethers, and strong alkalies. However, nylon slings are not suitable for use with acids and bleaching agent or at temperatures in excess of 194 degrees F (90 degrees C). The stretch of a nylon sling at rated capacity is approximately 8-10%.
- Monster Edge® - Monster Edge® nylon slings contain energy absorbing fibers that increase cut resistance and web protection. Monster Edge slings provide the increased abrasion resistance needed for many industrial applications. Monster Edge has proven its durability, and is considered the best product. Click here to view our Monster Edge® Web Slings.
Polyester
Polyester web slings are used primarily in conditions where acid is present or a minimum stretch is desired. Polyester is unaffected by common acids and hot bleaching agents, but the material is unsuitable for use in conditions where concentrated sulfuric acid and alkaline is present. Polyester is also unsuitable in locations where temperatures exceed 194 degrees F (90 degrees C). Stretch of a polyester web sling at rated capacity is approximately 3%.
Comparison Chart - Nylon vs. Polyester
Material | Use | Max. Temp. | Stretch Factor Rated Load |
Cost | Chemical Safe Use | Most Acids | Alcohol | Aldehydes | Strong Alkalines | Bleeching Agents | Dry Solvents | Ethers | Halogenated Hydrocarbons | Hydro- carbons | Ketones | Oil Crude | Oil Lubricating | Soaps / Detergents | Water, Seawater | Weak Alkalines |
Nylon | Most | 194 deg F | 10% | Same | NO | OK | OK | OK | NO | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK |
Polyester | Least | 194 deg F | 3% | Same | * | OK | NO | ** | OK | OK | NO | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK |
* Disintegrated by concentrated sulphuric acid ** Degraded by strong alkalies at elevated temperature