4c. Thermo-Dynamic Balancing(tm)
Heat stabilization is important because it controls yarn shrinkage, helps the rope remain supple over time, limits sheath slippage, and helps maintain elongation properties. Because of fibers natural tendency to shrink at some point during manufacturing nylon and polyester yarn must be heat stabilized. At Sterling, we have developed a proprietary process called Thermo-Dynamic Balancing(tm) to achieve equilibrium in all of our rope constructions. Heat applied to yarns affects the inherent modulus of the yarn. In practical terms when referring to fibers, modulus is the ease at which a fiber is deformed and regains it shape. Fibers with high modulus resist deformity, but once deformed do not regain their shape. Lower modulus fibers are easily deformed, but come back to their original shape.

4d. Final hand inspection
Every single inch of Sterling rope and cord is hand inspected to back up individual inspections at each stage of the manufacturing process. At this stage, ropes are inspected, cut to length, bagged, and labeled and prepared for shipment.

Every Sterling rope or cord has a very important quality control number attached to it. This number is called the "lot number" and can be found on the hangtag of the rope. The lot number allows us to track the rope all the way through construction and to the raw material source. The hangtag gives you important information on how to care for your rope. All retailers and customers should endeavor to keep this hangtag and lot number until the rope is retired.

4e. Quality Control
Whether it is your climbing rope, a lifeline for rescue or an accessory cord for stringing your drum, we are committed to continually providing a superior level of quality in all our products. Sterling utilizes a Quality Management System certified to ISO 9001 Standards. Our QMS assures our customers are receiving products from a company that does what is says and says what it does. Our commitment is to continually improve our process, our products and our service.

4f. "Third party" Certification
An outside body, or third party, certifies all of our life safety products to the applicable standard. Outside testing guarantees a superior level of quality for each and every Sterling product. At Sterling, we utilize two testing agencies. Our dynamic ropes are tested and certified to UIAA (union Internationale des Associations d' Alpinisme) and CE (Certified for Europe) standards by any one of the three UIAA approved testing facilities. In the United States, we use Underwr5iters Laboratories to test our static ropes to NFPA standards. UL is well known around the world as an established and reliable third party certifier of everything from toasters to air bags. Outside certification guarantees that our products meet the safety requirements of the industry they address.
 

Next time we will continue with the topic of Dynamic Ropes in Rope Design and Construction.

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

STERLING ROPE and AHS Rescue