1.            Strength and carrying capacity: In general, the carrying capacity and strength of a wire rope is related to its number of strands. The more the number of strands, the more the number of thin steel wires in the wire rope, so relatively speaking, it has higher bearing capacity and strength. However, this is not an absolute rule, as other factors such as material and fine wire diameter also affect the strength of the wire rope.

2.            Softness and bendability: Wire ropes with more strands generally have better softness and bendability. This is because the strands between the finer wires are tighter and the overall flexibility of the wire rope is better. Therefore, in applications that require higher bending capacity and adaptability to complex working environments, a wire rope with a higher number of strands may be more suitable.

3.            Fatigue resistance: A wire rope with a higher number of strands generally has better fatigue resistance. This is because the distribution between the thinner wires is more uniform, and the stress borne by each wire is relatively small, thereby prolonging the service life of the wire rope. Therefore, in applications that require frequent bending and cyclic loading, a rope with a higher number of strands may be more advantageous.

4.            Disadvantages: Wire ropes with more strands also have some potential disadvantages. First, manufacturing costs can be higher due to the more complex and tight stranding. Secondly, a larger number of strands generally means a larger diameter of the wire rope, which may increase weight and volume and limit some application scenarios. Also, ropes with a higher number of strands may be more prone to twisting and twisting.

   To sum up, the specific selection of the number of wire rope strands requires comprehensive consideration of the working environment, load-bearing requirements and application characteristics. Where strength and load carrying capacity are required, and where fatigue resistance and bending properties are more important, a wire rope with a higher number of strands may be more suitable. However, where space constraints, weight requirements and application flexibility are important, a rope with fewer strands may be considered. The final selection should be evaluated and weighed based on specific requirements and comprehensive factors.