Page 59: of Marine News Magazine (May 2016)

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CORDAGE & RIGGING “Fortis2, is a multipart sling made of Unitrex XS Max Wear synthetic cable, which has a core of Honeywell Spectra HMPE ? ber encased with a neo- prene coating and overbraided with a tough high-tenacity polyester jacket. Because the core ? ber in Unitrex is parallel-braided to minimize twist and then sealed in place with the neoprene layer, the ? ber retains its optimal strength and exhibits stiffness comparable to wire.” the wire ones could, at a fraction of their weight. This Fortis2 Slings are up for the lifting task. While every con- sling had to come with the same reliable lifting capacity, struction site has its own set of considerations and vari- the same low elongation and, crucially, the same stiffness ables, the same Fortis2 technology being used in major of steel – minus the weight, birdcaging, sharp edges and shipyards can bring ef? ciency to any large project. If bodily threat of injury. This sling would be one that eliminated all strain is a risk factor, time and/or money is being spent on of the shipyard’s frustrations while putting their concerns machinery to move slings, or slings need be left outdoors, with synthetics to rest. an investment in Fortis2 multipart slings can pay off both

Eventually, Yale cordage developed a synthetic multipart in time savings and equipment costs. Just as importantly, it sling of the same length, stretch characteristics and stiffness of can make for a happier crew out there working on the job.

the ones they were using, but with an even better lifting ca-

Jamie Goddard, vice president of sales at Yale pacity than the wire one we had borrowed. And despite its 50-

Cordage, leads sale strategy for the company and ton capacity, the 15-foot sling weighed in at just 44 pounds. manages Yale’s industrial and electrical utility

The product, now known as Fortis2, is a multipart sling accounts throughout the United States. His re- made of Unitrex XS Max Wear synthetic cable, which has sponsibilities include building and maintaining a core of Honeywell Spectra HMPE ? ber encased with client relationships while understanding and supporting the a neoprene coating and overbraided with a tough high- needs of more than 75 national and international accounts.

tenacity polyester jacket. Because the core ? ber in Unitrex is parallel-braided to minimize twist and then sealed in place with the neoprene layer, the ? ber retains its optimal strength and exhibits stiffness comparable to wire.

Safer, easier and more ergonomic indoor lifts.

The Fortis2 Slings has quickly become a preferred choice of the indoor rigging team. Instead of involving multiple work- ers and possibly multiple machines, the new slings could be picked up by one person who could carry it over, slide it un- der the hook and complete the job without ever needing help from a co-worker or machine. More than two years later, the original Fortis2 Slings have proven their durability, and as old wire slings get retired, they’re all being replaced with Fortis2.

Out in the yard, 55-foot Fortis² Slings are rated for 100 tons and can be lifted and moved around without a crane or forklift. Compared with their 1,000 pound wire coun- terparts, these slings weigh just 160 pounds. And because even the heaviest-lifting sling is still such a manageable weight, there’s no real need to have 60s, 80s and 100s out in the yard. Instead, a set of 100s can handle all ‘picks.’ This also eliminates the risk of ever overloading by grabbing the wrong sling for the job. And in stark contrast with steel, the synthetic Fortis2 Slings don’t rust, freeze or corrode — elim- inating a major maintenance concern and a lot of headaches.

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