4b. Braiding
The process of incorporating all of the twisted raw material, core and sheath, into the final rope product happens at the braiders. A rope braiding machine will braid a sheath around a core bundle. The sheath and core in a kernmantle rope are not connected. Braider's are most commonly referenced by the number of carriers on each machine, i.e. 48 carrier, 40 carrier, 32 carrier, etc... The carrier is the mechanism that holds the bobbin, the higher the carrier count the more individual threads in the sheath.

There are several common types of braiding constructions. Sterling mostly uses a two-over-two construction (two yarns braided over two yarns) for its ropes from 9mm up. We believe this construction, combined with our twist levels, create the most desirable and durable sheath. This construction also helps to lower sheath slippage and add firmness to the rope. Pick angle, which is the angle of the sheath yarn, is adjusted to provide the correct feel for the rope.

Next time we will continue with the topic of Thermo-Dynamic Balancing(tm) in Rope Design and Construction.

Until next time, be safe and always dress your knots!

STERLING ROPE and AHS Rescue