6×12+7FC Stainless Steel Wire Rope Overview
6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope is a highly flexible, multi-fiber-core construction designed for applications where soft handling, easy coiling and corrosion resistance are important.
The rope consists of six outer strands, each containing twelve stainless steel wires. It incorporates seven fiber cores: one central fiber core and one fiber core within each of the six outer strands. This construction provides greater flexibility and a softer feel than comparable wire-core ropes while helping retain lubricant between the wires and strands.
Internationally, the 6×12+7FC construction is commonly used for commercial fishing, fishing-net assemblies, marine lashing, cargo nets, light towing, bundling and other general-purpose applications requiring a flexible wire rope.
Guangtong Metal supplies 6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope in AISI 304 and AISI 316, with diameters from 2.8 mm to 9.3 mm. Custom diameters, reel lengths, lay directions, lubrication, labels and export packaging are available according to the approved order specification.
For other constructions, browse our stainless steel wire rope range.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Product | 6×12+7FC Stainless Steel Wire Rope |
| Construction | 6 strands × 12 wires with 7 fiber cores |
| Core Arrangement | 1 central fiber core and 6 strand fiber cores |
| Material | AISI 304 / AISI 316 |
| Diameter | 2.8–9.3 mm |
| Tensile Strength | 1570 / 1770 MPa |
| Lay Direction | Right-hand or left-hand lay, subject to confirmation |
| Surface | Bright / Clean / Lightly lubricated |
| Reel Length | According to diameter and order requirements |
| Packaging | Coil / Plastic Reel / Wooden Reel / Pallet |
| Standard | GB/T 9944-2025 or agreed customer specification |
| Customization | Diameter, length, lubrication, labeling and packaging |
The specifications above represent common supply options. Final diameter tolerance, tensile strength, minimum breaking load, lay direction and reel length must be confirmed against the approved order specification.
6×12+7FC Construction
The designation 6×12+7FC describes the internal arrangement of the wire rope:
- 6 indicates six outer strands.
- 12 indicates twelve stainless steel wires in each strand.
- 7FC indicates seven fiber cores.
- One fiber core is positioned at the center of the rope.
- One additional fiber core is incorporated into each of the six outer strands.
This multi-fiber-core arrangement gives the rope a softer and more flexible characteristic than many steel-core constructions.
The fiber cores can also retain lubricant inside the rope, helping reduce internal friction between individual wires and strands during bending and operation.
Because the fiber cores reduce the metallic cross-sectional area, the rope’s flexibility is improved, but its resistance to crushing and high temperatures is generally lower than that of an equivalent steel-core rope.
Main Characteristics
The principal characteristics of 6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope include:
- Highly flexible multi-fiber-core construction
- Soft handling and easy coiling
- Good adaptability to reels and irregular loads
- Lower unit weight than comparable steel-core constructions
- Lubricant retention within the fiber cores
- AISI 304 and AISI 316 material options
- Good corrosion resistance in suitable environments
- Custom diameters and reel lengths
- OEM labeling and export packaging
- Suitable for fishing, marine and general utility applications
Actual performance depends on the selected diameter, material grade, tensile strength, rope termination and operating environment.
Stainless Steel Material Options
AISI 304 Stainless Steel
AISI 304 provides good corrosion resistance for general industrial, freshwater, agricultural and outdoor applications.
It is a practical and cost-effective material for applications where severe chloride or seawater exposure is not expected.
AISI 316 Stainless Steel
AISI 316 contains molybdenum and provides improved resistance to pitting and corrosion in coastal, marine and chloride-containing environments.
It is generally preferred for commercial fishing, marine lashing and other applications exposed to moisture, saltwater or demanding outdoor conditions.
The final material grade should be selected according to the operating environment, required service life, mechanical properties and project specification.
Typical Applications
Depending on the selected diameter, material grade, tensile strength and complete assembly design, 6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope may be used for:
- Commercial fishing lines
- Fishing-net assemblies
- Fishing-net towing and handling systems
- Marine lashing and general securing
- Cargo nets and goods-handling nets
- Light-duty towing and pulling lines
- Floating transport and marine utility lines
- Timber and agricultural bundling
- Flexible restraint and support cables
- Pump retrieval or auxiliary suspension systems
- Customized cable assemblies
- General-purpose applications in wet or corrosive environments
AISI 316 may be preferred for marine, coastal and chloride-containing environments. Application suitability must be confirmed based on load, movement, corrosion exposure, terminations and the required safety factor.
For pump-related applications, visit our submersible pump wire rope solutions.
Commercial Fishing and Net Applications
The high flexibility of the 6×12+7FC construction makes it suitable for fishing-net assemblies and other commercial fishing applications requiring a soft and easily handled wire rope.
Its multi-fiber-core structure allows the rope to follow the movement of nets and related equipment more easily than relatively rigid constructions.
When the rope is used in seawater or coastal environments, AISI 316 is generally preferred because of its improved resistance to chloride-induced corrosion.
The final construction, diameter and minimum breaking load must be selected according to the fishing method, operating load, seawater exposure and connection system.
Marine Lashing and Securing
6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope can be considered for marine lashing, cargo securing and flexible restraint applications.
Its soft construction makes it easier to handle, coil and install around irregular loads. Stainless steel material also provides corrosion resistance for outdoor and humid environments.
The rope should not be used for a safety-critical securing system until the working load, safety factor, fittings and complete assembly have been technically reviewed.
For additional marine products, explore our marine rigging solutions.
Bundling and General Utility Applications
The rope may also be used for timber bundling, agricultural securing, general utility lines and customized industrial cable assemblies.
For bundling applications, the rope diameter, end fittings and tensioning method should be selected according to the shape, weight and movement of the bundled material.
Where repeated bending or high crushing pressure is expected, a different wire rope construction may be more appropriate.
6×12+7FC Compared with Other Constructions
| Construction | Relative Flexibility | Core Type | Typical Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1×7 | Low | No separate core | Fixed cables and limited movement |
| 7×7 | Medium | Wire strand core | General-purpose cable assemblies |
| 7×19 | High | Wire strand core | Repeated bending and flexible control cables |
| 6×12+7FC | Very high | Seven fiber cores | Fishing, marine lashing, cargo nets and utility lines |
| 6×19+PP | Medium to high | Synthetic core | Pump, industrial and general flexible cable applications |
| 6×36+IWRC | High | Independent wire rope core | Industrial applications requiring flexibility and higher structural support |
This comparison describes general construction characteristics. Breaking load and service performance must be evaluated according to the selected diameter, material, tensile strength, safety factor and operating conditions.
Advantages of the Fiber-Core Construction
The seven fiber cores provide several functional advantages:
- Improved flexibility
- Softer handling
- Easier coiling and storage
- Better adaptability to irregular shapes
- Internal lubricant retention
- Reduced internal friction during bending
- Lower weight than comparable steel-core constructions
However, fiber-core wire rope also has limitations. It generally provides lower resistance to crushing, high temperatures and heavy multilayer drum winding than wire rope with an independent steel core.
The construction should therefore be selected according to the complete operating requirements rather than diameter alone.
Lay Direction and Lubrication
6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope can be manufactured with different lay directions according to order requirements and production feasibility.
Available options may include:
- Right-hand regular lay
- Left-hand regular lay
- Other lay arrangements subject to technical confirmation
The rope may be supplied clean or lightly lubricated. Lubrication helps reduce internal friction and protect the contact surfaces between the wires and strands.
The required surface condition should be confirmed before production, especially when the rope will be used in clean environments, water systems or applications with specific lubricant restrictions.
Quality Inspection
Before shipment, 6×12+7FC stainless steel wire rope can be inspected according to the approved order requirements.
Available inspection items may include:
- Wire rope diameter measurement
- Construction verification
- Material identification
- Surface and appearance inspection
- Tensile strength testing
- Minimum breaking load testing
- Lay direction inspection
- Reel-length inspection
- Packaging and label verification
Material certificates, inspection reports or other documentation should be requested before the order is confirmed.
Guangtong Metal performs quality-control inspections before shipment to help ensure that the supplied product matches the approved specifications.
Custom Reel Lengths and OEM Supply
Guangtong Metal provides factory-direct supply for distributors, fishing-equipment suppliers, marine companies, industrial buyers and equipment manufacturers.
Customization options include:
- AISI 304 or AISI 316 material
- Specified rope diameter
- Required tensile strength
- Custom length per reel
- Right-hand or left-hand lay
- Clean or lubricated surface
- Plastic or wooden reel packaging
- Customer labels and carton markings
- Export pallet arrangements
- Production based on drawings or samples
- Inspection and documentation requirements
Founded in 2005, Guangtong Metal supplies stainless steel, galvanized and coated wire rope to customers in more than 80 countries.
Visit About Guangtong Metal to learn more about our factory, production capabilities and quality-control process.
Selection and Safety Considerations
6×12+7FC wire rope should not be selected solely according to its diameter.
Before placing an order, the following factors should be reviewed:
- Required minimum breaking load
- Maximum working load
- Applicable safety factor
- Static or dynamic loading
- Bending frequency
- Drum or sheave diameter
- Crushing pressure
- Operating temperature
- Freshwater or saltwater exposure
- End fittings and termination method
- Inspection and replacement requirements
Minimum breaking load must not be treated as the working load limit.
For critical lifting, personnel suspension, elevators or other safety-critical systems, the wire rope must only be used when the construction, certification, safety factor and complete assembly have been specifically approved for that application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 6×12+7FC mean?
6×12+7FC means the wire rope contains six outer strands, with twelve wires in each strand, together with seven fiber cores.
The construction generally includes one central fiber core and one fiber core inside each of the six outer strands.
Is 6×12+7FC a flexible wire rope?
Yes. The multiple fiber cores give this construction a softer and more flexible characteristic than many wire-core ropes.
It is commonly selected for applications requiring easy handling, coiling and adaptation to irregular loads.
What are the common applications of 6×12+7FC wire rope?
Common international applications include commercial fishing, fishing-net assemblies, marine lashing, cargo nets, light towing, floating transport, bundling and general-purpose utility lines.
The final application must be confirmed according to load, environment and safety requirements.
What materials are available?
Guangtong Metal commonly supplies AISI 304 and AISI 316 stainless steel.
AISI 304 is suitable for many general industrial and freshwater applications, while AISI 316 is generally preferred for marine, coastal and chloride-containing environments.
What diameters can you supply?
The common supply range is 2.8–9.3 mm. Other diameters may be available according to production feasibility, material and order quantity.
Is 6×12+7FC suitable for marine environments?
The construction can be used for certain marine and fishing applications. AISI 316 is generally preferred where the rope is exposed to saltwater or chloride-containing environments.
Regular cleaning and inspection are still required because stainless steel is corrosion-resistant rather than completely corrosion-proof.
Can 6×12+7FC be used for lifting?
It should not be assumed suitable for lifting based only on its construction or diameter.
For any lifting application, the minimum breaking load, working load limit, safety factor, applicable standard, terminations and complete lifting system must be reviewed and approved.
Is it suitable for repeated drum winding?
The construction offers good flexibility, but its fiber cores provide less crushing resistance than an independent steel core.
For heavy multilayer drum winding or high crushing pressure, an IWRC construction may be more appropriate.
Can you provide minimum breaking load data?
Yes. Minimum breaking load data can be confirmed according to the exact diameter, stainless steel grade, tensile strength and applicable production standard.
The required breaking load should be stated in the inquiry.
Can you manufacture custom reel lengths?
Yes. Please provide the required length per reel, total quantity, reel type and packaging requirements. Guangtong Metal will confirm the available reel arrangement.
Can you provide OEM packaging?
Yes. Customer labels, reel markings, cartons, pallets and other export packaging arrangements can be provided according to the order requirements.
Request a Quote for 6×12+7FC Stainless Steel Wire Rope
For an accurate quotation, please provide:
- Stainless steel grade: AISI 304 or AISI 316
- Wire rope diameter
- Required tensile strength
- Required minimum breaking load
- Lay direction, if specified
- Length per reel
- Total order quantity
- Application and operating environment
- Lubrication requirements
- Packaging and labeling requirements
- Destination country or delivery port
Guangtong Metal will review the information and recommend a suitable production, inspection and packaging solution.