What Is Polyester Sling?
A polyester lifting sling is a lifting and rigging device made from high-strength polyester fibers, designed to securely lift, hold, and lower heavy loads across a wide range of industries.
Compared with steel wire ropes and chain slings, polyester slings are lightweight, flexible, durable, and non-conductive, making them ideal for applications that require soft contact surfaces to prevent damage to the load.
Thanks to their excellent load protection, corrosion resistance, and ease of handling, polyester slings are widely used in modern lifting operations.
Classification of Polyester Slings
Understanding the different types of polyester slings helps users select the correct sling for safe and efficient lifting.
1. Classification by Type
| Flat Webbing Slings | Round Slings |
| Manufactured from woven polyester webbing Wide bearing surface reduces pressure and load damage Commonly used in general lifting and cargo handling | Endless loop design with a protective outer sleeve High flexibility and excellent load protection Ideal for lifting delicate or irregularly shaped loads |
2. Classification by Configuration
| Single-Leg Slings | Multi-Leg Slings |
| One polyester strand Suitable for lighter loads or simple lifting points | Two, three, or four legs Designed for balanced lifting of large, heavy, or uneven loads |
3. Classification by Usage Pattern
| Endless Slings | Eye-and-Eye Slings |
| Continuous loop construction Even wear distribution and longer service life | Reinforced eyes at both ends Easy connection to hooks, shackles, or lifting devices |
4. Classification by Strength (Color Code)
Polyester slings are classified by working load limit (WLL) and are often color-coded according to international standards, such as:
- Purple
- Green
- Yellow
- Grey
- Red
(Color coding improves safety by enabling quick visual identification.)
5. Classification by Certification Standards
High-quality polyester slings are manufactured and tested according to international regulations, including:
- EN 1492-1 (Europe)
- ASME B30.9 (USA)
- Other regional and industry-specific standards
Certified slings ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Main Uses and Applications of Synthetic Slings
Polyester slings widely used as the connection between lifting equipment and the load being lifted. Typical application fields include:
- Machining and manufacturing
- Port and harbor loading & unloading
- Shipbuilding and marine engineering
- Power plant installation
- Transportation and logistics
- Aerospace and aviation industries
- Construction and heavy lifting operations
Synthetic Slings Working conditions
- The ambient temperature of the sling is -40℃~+100℃. When polypropylene sling adopted, it is generally -40℃~+80℃, and forbidden to use it in high temperature environment.
- Avoid lifting the sling under the environment of molten metal, glass plate, fragile objects, nuclear reactor and other unfavourable conditions for the use of the sling.
- When use the sling, hang the sling directly into the centre of force of the hook, not directly on the tip of the hook.
- When two slings under used, hang the two slings directly into the double hooks. And each of the two slings hung in the symmetrical centre of force of the double hooks.
- When four slings used, each two slings hung directly into the double hooks. Paying attention to the fact that the two slings in the hooks should not overlap. And the four slings should be symmetrically located in the centre of force of the hooks.
- When two or four slings used for lifting, the error in length shall not exceed the allowable deviation of the nominal length of the sling when there are no special requirements.
- The sling must tested before use and then lifted. And the choice of lifting point should be in the same plumb line with the centre of gravity of the sling.
- Sling and sling ends and metal fittings must ensure sufficient radius of curvature. In order to avoid the sling affected by shear force and bearing capacity.
- In the process of use, it forbidden to connect the sling with knotting method. And special connectors should used to connect the sling.
Notes on The Use of Polyester Sling
- Do not exceed the working load limit (WLL) indicated on the sling label
- Crossing or twisting of the sling not permitted, and knotting or twisting not permitted during use.
- Not permitted to use the sling when it already damaged by naked eyes. Besides, not permitted to drag the sling and the goods when moving them.
- Protective measures must taken when the article has sharp corners and edges. And recommended to use sheaths or corner protectors to protect the sling.
- The lifting process should kept as smooth as possibl. And strictly forbidden to stand under the lifted goods or pass on other goods.
- When lifting, be careful not to make the sling body hang against other objects to avoid damage.
Maintenance and Care of Polyester Sling
- Store slings away from heat, fire, welding sparks, UV radiation
- Keep slings off the ground to prevent moisture, mold, or rodent damage
- After exposure to acids or alkalis, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly
- Dry wet slings before storage to prevent mildew
Discard Criteria For Polyester Sling
- The body or ring eye is cut, scratched or severely abraded to the extent of 1/10th of the width or 1/5th of the thickness.
- Warp yarn damage can be confirmed when the lint is raised to such an extent that the tape pattern cannot be seen.
- The sewing thread is broken, can not maintain the shape of the loop eye lifting method or the body has interlayer peeling.
- Synthetic fibres appear soft or aging, surface roughness, synthetic fibre flaking, less elasticity, weakened strength.
- The sling is mouldy and deteriorated, acid and alkali burns, heat melting or scorching, the surface is loose in many places, corrosion.
- Hardware is twisted, deformed, edge-wounded, nicked, cracked, corroded and worn out by more than 10% of its original size.
- The service life is determined according to the use of the sling; even if there is no appearance of damage or abnormality, if the service life is exceeded, the sling shall be used indoors for more than 7 years and outdoors for more than 3 years.
Conclusion
Understanding what is polyester sling and its proper selection, usage, and maintenance is essential for safe and efficient lifting operations. To ensure maximum safety and reliability, always choose certified polyester slings and follow proper handling guidelines. Contact us today to discuss your lifting requirements and find the right polyester sling solution for your operation.
