Over the last quarter century, braided cables have become a hot-button topic within industrial and manufacturing circles. As one might imagine, much of the conversation has been over whether they provide any added benefit over their non-braided counterpart. However, as braided cables have become steadily used more over time, the biggest questions that have now arisen pertain to the types of applications for which they are best suited.
But in order to answer these questions, it is important at cables in general. Cable usage (that is, in terms of something that could be called a cable) goes back to the mid-19th century with the invention of the telegraph. As the years passed, innovations such as the introduction of certain metals for conductivity, cable insulation, and the dawn of the fiber optic age, changed the idea of what a cable could be.
Even though these innovations had a massive impact, there were still scores of individuals trying to find ways to optimize cable functionality. Braided cables came out of this particular mindset. Almost immediately, finding ways to use braided cables became a singular goal. While the applications vary tremendously, their construction made them ideally suited for:
However, the manner of applications in which braided cables can be found are growing everyday. Furthermore, as the technology behind these cables has improved, so have the reasons for companies defaulting to their use. Consider the following:
Lower Cost — While the upfront cost of braided cables is higher than a traditional option, repairs/replacements over time are far lower. This allows the initial investment pays for itself fairly quickly.
Visually Important Tool — Braided cables are aesthetically pleasing but are also an amazing organizational solution. The internal mess of cables and wires can be tamed rather quickly with a braided cable solution or combined with a customized wire harness/cable assembly solution.
Moisture — Both hold and cold temperatures can struggle with moisture and general humidity. The wicking & moisture migration abilities of braided cables makes them an ideal choice for environments dealing with high humidity or other high moisture sources.
Heat — The construction of traditional cables makes it so that their jacketing & insulation can, at times, have a hard time with doing away with excess heat. Dissipation of heat is critical to avoid damage to sensitive parts, as well as total failure during of equipment during operation. This is why braided cables are often chosen for environments in which excess heat is generated or present as their heat dissipation qualities make them an excellent choice for these extreme environments.
Still, every company must ask themselves the same question — are braided cables the right decision? Working with a trusted cable manufacturer/supplier like LoDan Electronics, Inc. in Chicago is an important first step in the right direction. We have been a globally-recognized interconnect solutions leader since 1967. Our experienced team can help you find the right cable solution for your needs.
Touch base with us today.