Wire Strand Constructions

This Demonstration shows how layered wire strands with differing parameters can be constructed.

Wire strands can be built up with concentric helical layers of wires of the same diameter. For example: 1+6+12+18+…. The longitudinal distance along the strand required for one complete helical wrap is known as the lay length. Each layer can be wound in one of two directions: left, also called ; or right, also called . Subsequent layers can have the same or opposite directions. Lay length and direction are important design parameters that affect both the strength and flexibility of the strands.