As the world around us becomes more dependent on technology, it might be a safe bet that few people outside of certain industries ever think about custom cable manufacturing. In many respects, the world of cable manufacturing, as a whole, would seem to be on the opposite end of the spectrum when compared to the rapid-fire world of computers and software. The two, however, go hand-in-hand, with cable manufacturing, especially that of the customized variety, relying heavily on technology to deliver a supreme product that easily meets & exceeds customer expectations.
The interesting relationship noted between cable manufacturing and computer technology is worth noting as it exemplifies two particular worlds in which the terminology can be hard to discern for the casual person. Unless you interact with cable manufacturers and big tech companies on a regular basis, you just don’t get the lingo being thrown around. For most, this isn’t an issue, but for those who are part of an industry that relies on custom cables manufacturing, it’s imperative that proper terminology is used so that the resulting product being delivered is correctly made.
Here are five terms you should become familiar with ASAP:
Cable — Cables can be defined in more ways than one, but the common definition notes that it is a small number of large conductors or a large number of small conductors, cabled together, color-coded for safety & identification, and all with a protective jacket.
Cable Assembly — a cable with plugs or connectors on each end to accomplish specific tasks. Due to the large number of cable types, as well as large numbers of connectors and plugs, the array of configurations for cable assemblies can vary greatly from unit to unit.
Harness — wires and cables which have been tied together or pulled into a rubber or plastic sheath and used to interconnect an electric circuit (think computer tower or automobile engine).
Fatigue — a structural change that takes place over time when stress is experienced in a particular spot on a material over a period of time that starts off with initial damage and leads to sudden failure.
Impact Strength — how much punishment a cable can take without breaking down or failing. Testing is done in a controlled environment with given weights and distances from which the weight is dropped.
In general, custom cable manufacturing may not be something that directly affects most of the public at large. However, the public has peace of mind knowing that those heavily involved in it are well-versed in the “shop speak” and get the right materials in place so that everyday life can go off without a hitch. Perhaps more important than just knowing the definitions of certain words is the working relationship between cable manufacturer and customer. The right manufacturer will help guide their customer through the entire process, helping fill in gaps when necessary, and providing spectacular customer service from acquiring specs all the way to delivery of materials.
Click here to connect with the industry leader in custom cable manufacturing, LoDan Electronics, Inc..