What does a higher number of strands per wire rope typically indicate?

A higher number of strands per wire rope typically indicates higher flexibility. This is because wire ropes are constructed by laying several wires into strands and then twisting those strands together. When there are more strands, the rope can bend and maneuver more easily, making it suitable for applications where flexibility is important.

In contrast, a cable with fewer strands tends to be stiffer and results in a less flexible wire rope, which might be more advantageous in situations that require rigidity or higher load-carrying capacity without bending. Nonetheless, for operations that involve frequent twisting, bending, or routing around pulleys, a wire rope with a higher number of strands allows for smoother movement and less wear on both the rope and the equipment it interacts with.