What is the primary purpose of the core built into a wire rope?

The primary purpose of the core built into a wire rope is to support the strands and maintain the overall shape of the rope. The core acts as a central structure that helps to keep the wire strands in place, preventing them from collapsing or deforming under tension. By doing so, the core enhances the rope's strength and durability, allowing it to perform effectively during lifting and rigging operations.

While holding shape is an important aspect, it’s specifically the support and stability of the strands that allows the wire rope to function as intended under load. The core also helps distribute the weight and tension evenly throughout the rope, contributing to its overall performance and longevity. Other potential functions of the core, such as conforming to manufacturer specifications or stiffening the rope, are secondary to its main role of providing support to the strands.