Plasma® (UHMWPE) Rope
Plasma® rope is a high-strength synthetic rope, also called UHMWPE rope, used for lifting, rigging, and similar demanding jobs. It does much of what wire rope does, at equal strength size for size, but at a fraction of the weight. It's also buoyant and water resistant, which makes it a strong fit for water-based applications.
Plasma 12 Strand vs. Plasma 12x12
Two constructions are available. Both go through a recrystallization process that increases their strength, but they're built differently.
Plasma 12 Strand
Plasma 12 strand is High Modulus Polyethylene that's been recrystallized to boost its strength. It's an extremely strong, flexible rope.
Plasma 12x12
Plasma 12x12 takes the construction further, braiding twelve strands of 12 strand rope together into a larger, stronger rope. The result is more heavy-duty, firmer, and rounder, with good stability and internal abrasion resistance. Its larger size also gives you long lay lengths and a flexible design that works in applications where the rope has to bend.
Both constructions are sold by the foot or on a full spool. Not sure which fits your application? Call our Plasma rope experts.
How Plasma Rope Is Made
UHMWPE stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Plasma® is UHMWPE, or High Modulus Polyethylene, enhanced by Cortland's signature recrystallization process: the rope goes through a heated, fluid-filled, pressurized vessel, which strengthens the fibers in the strand. A polyurethane finish then improves the rope's resistance to UV, water, and more. The rope is domestic-made, 100% made in the USA.
How Strong Is Plasma Rope?
The exact working load limit depends on the rope's diameter and length, but Plasma rope matches or exceeds wire rope's strength size for size, at a fraction of the weight.
Plasma Rope vs. Wire Rope
Plasma costs more than wire rope, but it brings real advantages in the applications where the two overlap.
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Strong and lightweight: equal or greater strength than wire rope, and up to seven times lighter, which makes it easier to handle and use on the job.
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Easy to splice: splicing takes minimal training and equipment and can be done in the field, using a simple lockstitch splice or a 4-3-2 Tuck splice.
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Safer, with lower recoil risk: there's no risk of broken wires, and a lower risk of recoil if the rope fails. Worn Plasma is also much easier to spot than worn wire rope.
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Flexible: excellent bending flex fatigue, and it conforms easily to surfaces.
We carry both wire rope and Plasma rope, since either can get the job done depending on your needs.
Plasma Rope Uses
Plasma rope replaces wire rope in most applications, and it also fits water-based work thanks to its buoyancy and water resistance, including vessel mooring lines and barge lines. It can be made into a lifting sling and used as a winch line as well.
Have questions about how Plasma rope fits your application? Reach out to our customer service team.
