This is a major innovation for many manufacturers: new ultra-compact textile slings promise to be a beneficial replacement for traditional metal lifting cables. Developed and produced jointly by the engineering group SEGULA Technologies and the Breton company Nodus Factory, these CE-certified slings currently allow safe lifting of up to 1.5 tonnes per strand. Initial studies show significant room for improvement, with the potential to eventually reach capacities of several hundred tonnes, paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.

Technology based on UHMWPE fibre

At the heart of this innovation is UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) fibre, which is 15 times stronger than steel of the same weight, resulting in a significantly more compact product. A 4 mm diameter textile sling can therefore support the same load as a 12 mm steel cable. Compliant with the NF ISO 13135 lifting standard, UHMWPE fibres stand out from other textile fibres due to their exceptional resistance to fatigue, UV rays, abrasion and chemicals, as well as their very low friction, hydrophobicity and ability to retain their shape over time, even under prolonged tension. Thanks to these properties, textile slings are easy to handle, robust and extremely reliable.

Another special feature of these new slings is that they incorporate textile shackles at their ends, based in particular on the T-close adjustable shackle technology, a global patent owned by Nodus Factory. The assembly, which also incorporates safety components such as the Textile-Blocker device, forms a non-detachable system with no removable parts and is lighter in weight. Thanks to the absence of metal, a 2-metre-long sling weighs only 300 grams and can fit into an A5 pocket.

Concrete benefits for operators and the environment

Compared to traditional steel cables, which are heavy and bulky, the textile slings offered by SEGULA Technologies and Nodus Factory provide real advantages:

• Significant reduction in tooling weight and storage volume
• Elimination of damage caused by sling impacts (less risk of damage to high value-added parts)
• Improved ergonomics and reduced strain on operators
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Reduced maintenance
• Reduced carbon footprint, thanks to their light weight and ease of transport
• Versatility: a single cable for a wide variety of loads

A versatile solution for all industrial sectors

These versatile textile slings have been designed to meet the growing needs of manufacturers in all sectors (aeronautics, construction, automotive, naval, energy, defence, etc.).

Easy to use by operators and adjustable in just a few seconds, they are suitable for a wide range of applications such as lifting, securing, pulling or protecting all kinds of industrial parts (cars, helicopter engines, aircraft parts, etc.).

With this innovation, SEGULA Technologies confirms its leading role in designing tools for the industry of the future.