Crane Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Sahm Splice completed the installation of two swaging machines and an annealing and cutting machine at its facility in Ripley, Mississippi. The move expands the company’s U.S. capabilities and enhances its support for customers in wire rope splicing and rigging applications.
Known for specializing in mechanical splicing and supplying end terminations and ferrules, Sahm Splice serves a global rigging industry. Its product line includes aluminum, copper, steel and stainless steel ferrules, all produced in-house at facilities in Germany and the U.S., with additional operations in France and the UK.
Although the Ripley location opened in early 2024, the recent installation marks the first time this full suite of swaging and annealing equipment has been operational. The site now houses a 450-ton and an 800-ton swager, along with the model 1225 wire rope annealing and cutting machine. These tools are being demonstrated for a wide range of customers in industries such as construction, cranes, marine, offshore, energy, mining, manufacturing and more.
The 450-ton swager is designed for aluminum ferrules up to ZEN 30 and flemish eye ferrules up to size 32 (1 1/4"). The 800-ton model accommodates aluminum ferrules up to ZEN 40 and flemish eye ferrules up to size 50/52 (2"). Both are frequently requested machines in the company’s lineup.
The model 1225 cutting and annealing machine handles wire ropes from 8 to 40 millimeters in diameter and produces conically tapered ends. It features centralized clamping, short annealing times through a specialized transformer and adjustable tapered length settings.
Omar Madrigal, office manager at Sahm Splice’s U.S. branch, said the installation is a significant milestone. “It’s been great to witness live demonstrations and see customers’ reactions to the equipment in use. We continually remind clients that they are always welcome to visit and see the swagers in action.”
He added that Sahm Splice offers training, repairs and refurbishment, as well as on-site commissioning and support. “Test bed calibration can be completed remotely or on-site; our technical support is always available and ready to help.”
Among satisfied customers is Lift-It Manufacturing, whose CEO, Mike Gelskey, praised the long-term performance of their Sahm Splice test bed. “Three years later, our machine functions as it did on day one,” Gelskey said. “From the engineering support of special fittings, and custom test pin sizes, to the delivery, set-up, and software interface… we have been delighted with every facet of the process.”
The Lift-It test bed is approximately 103 feet long and has a testing capacity of 600 tons, with pin-to-pin testing length up to 23.1 meters and a maximum cylinder stroke length of 4,500 mm.
Madrigal noted several additional clients, including Certex, Bridon Bekaert, Carl Stahl, Usha Martin, Pfeifer Drako, Dynamica Ropes, Tokyo Rope (USA), Pewag and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
In April, Sahm Splice also participated in the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) Product Information Exhibition and Technical Summit in Denver. “It was a fantastic experience,” Madrigal said. “The PIE provided a great opportunity for engaging discussions… At future AWRF events, we will strive to keep learning, strengthen relationships, and grow our network in the U.S.”
