3 Reasons to Work with Cable Assemblies Manufacturers on Prototyping
Partnering with cable assemblies manufacturers to prototype can help you ensure a more successful solution.
Working with cable assemblies manufacturers on prototypes is a great way to keep your production process running smoothly and end up with a cable assembly that performs the way you expect. While there are situations where an off-the-shelf cable can be used, it’s common that equipment has specialized requirements that can’t be met with a standard cable. When dealing with these kind of specialized needs, working directly with cable assemblies manufacturers to create a prototype has many benefits. Here are a few of the more common ones.
Working with Cable Assemblies Manufacturers Reduces Costs
Anytime someone says the word “custom” many of us hear “expensive.” However, when talking about prototyping cable assemblies, that isn’t always the case. In fact, many times you can actually save money by working with a cable assemblies manufacturer on a custom prototype. One of the first ways prototyping can help reduce overall costs is when it comes to the price and availability of components. Creating a prototype can help you identify issues with the supply chain for components before you go to a full production run. Unavailable or overly expensive components can make a significant difference in the cost when producing a large quantity of units. Understanding these costs at a smaller scale allows you to make more informed decisions or adjustments before it’s too late.
Prototyping Simplifies the Production Process
Aside from the availability and price of components, prototyping also allows you to get a clear picture of the overall production process. It’s not unusual to discover problems with the production of a cable assembly after the design phase. Producing a prototype gives you a much better idea of what it will take to create a larger number of products without making costly mistakes. By paying attention to the production process when creating a prototype, cable assemblies manufacturers are able to identify ways to streamline production. This, in turn, can make turnaround times much quicker when producing the desired quantities of the finished product.
Testing a finished product is the best way to understand how effective it will be. By working with cable assemblies manufacturers to create a prototype, you are able to do thorough testing on a fully functional version of your product. This will allow you to get the clearest assurance that your finished cable will function as planned and whether it will be able to withstand the environmental conditions it will be subjected to during normal usage.
There’s no question that working closely with cable assemblies manufacturers on prototypes allows you to produce cables that will work seamlessly with your equipment. Choosing a manufacturer with a great deal of experience with prototyping is a great first step toward producing a finished cable that functions as expected for as long as expected for a price that matches your budget. When you are ready to discuss your next custom cable prototype, contact the team at Meridian Cable. We look forward to talking with you!
Posted in: Cable Assemblies, Cable Manufacturer, Meridian Cable
5 Benefits of Custom Cable Assemblies
Custom cable assemblies offer many benefits over off-the-shelf products…including cost.
It’s possible there’s a standard cable that matches the needs of your equipment perfectly. However, it’s much more likely that you will have to make do with something that is almost right, which can lead to technical issues that can cause bigger problems down the road. This is especially true when your project’s requirements are specialized or complicated. While an off-the-shelf cable might seem like a quick and cheap option, custom cable assemblies have many advantages…and cost is one of them.
Your first impression may be that custom cable assemblies are automatically more expensive than standard cables. This is not always the case. While a custom solution might be more expensive up front, better performance and longevity can save money because you don’t need to replace the assembly as often.
Time Saving
At first glance, you might think it’s faster to pick a cable up off the shelf and simply connect it to your equipment. Unfortunately, it’s usually not that easy. In many cases, it’s a struggle to make off-the-shelf cables work for any but the most simple applications. Trying to retrofit standard cables takes time and money that could have been saved by working with a manufacturer to create a custom cable assembly.
Better Performance
This one seems obvious, but custom cable assemblies are designed to work with your equipment and environment in mind. This means that they can not only take all of your requirements into account, but also be extensively tested with those requirements in mind to ensure a successful finished product. Because of this, you get a cable assembly that will function and last as expected.
Customized Appearance
With an off-the-shelf cable, what you see is what you get. When producing custom cables, you are able to specify color, texture, and whether you need any type of labeling. This allows you to brand the cables or choose a color that makes it easier to identify. Color coding not only creates a more professional appearance, but also makes installation easier and repairs safer.
We’ve covered some great benefits that custom cable assemblies offer over standard cables, but the most significant is that you have a product that does what you want it to do. There are applications that are too specific or complex to be adequately served by an off-the-shelf cable, but with a custom product the options are nearly limitless.
There is certainly a time and place to use standard cables. However, there are also circumstances that call for a more custom option. With custom cable assemblies, you can be sure that your solution will meet the needs of your equipment and function how you expect. Working with a reputable, experienced cable manufacturer like Meridian Cable gives you even more peace of mind that you will get the performance you need. When you are ready to discuss your next custom cable project, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to talking with you.
Wire Harness 101 with a Wire & Cable Manufacturer
Wire harnesses can be tricky without the help of an experienced wire and cable manufacturer.
At its most basic, a wire harness is an effective way to organize wires or cables by grouping or bundling them together in order to transmit signal or electrical power. They can be used in almost any application that requires multiple wires or cables. While many of these harnesses are complex with multiple wires and components, they don’t have to be. A wire and cable manufacturer is able to design and produce a wide variety of complex or simple wire harnesses that are truly tailored to the needs of your project.
Benefits of Wire Harnesses
Complex equipment and machinery often require a great deal of wiring to function. Running each and every one of these wires separately can be time consuming. Additionally, that many wires can be bulky if there are space constraints, and keeping multiple wires organized and running in the right direction can be challenging. Integrating the component cables and wires into a single harness allows for faster, easier installation that doesn’t take up more valuable space than necessary.
However, there’s more to it than just a neat and tidy wiring system. In some cases, it is extremely important to prevent certain wires from coming into contact. Designing a wire harness instead of running individual wires allows a wire and cable manufacturer to better protect the conductors from environmental issues like vibration, moisture, heat, cold, and abrasion. Bundled wires can also be further protected from shorts and electrical fires by using non-flexing or flame retardant jacketing materials.
Manual Assembly
Believe it or not, a wire harness is more efficiently manufactured by hand. There are steps during the pre-production stage that can be automated, but the assembly process can be complex. Depending on the needs of the project, production can include multiple steps, such as:
Taping Breakouts
Binding Components with Tape, Cable Ties, or Clamps
Conducting Multiple Crimps
Routing Wires through Sleeves
This makes manual assembly more economical, especially when working in small batches. The manual assembly process also means wire harnesses can take a little longer to produce than individual wires. It’s vital to work with an experienced wire and cable manufacturer that understands how to keep the production process on schedule.
Testing Performed by a Wire & Cable Manufacturer
No reputable wire and cable manufacturer would deliver a wire harness that has not been fully tested. However, the sheer number of cable and wire components makes this process a little more involved than testing individual wires. That’s where a pre-programmed test board comes in. By programming the test board with the required electrical characteristics for the project, we are able to plug in the finished wire harness and test the components individually or in groups as needed making for a safer, more stable final product.
An experienced wire and cable manufacturer is a valuable partner when you need a well-designed wire harness. Not only are they able to design a harness that meets all of the requirements of your equipment, but they are also knowledgeable enough to understand the time and budgetary challenges involved in producing a complex solution. When you’re ready to start your next project, contact the team at Meridian Cable. We look forward to talking with you.
Because safety is one of the most crucial considerations for any wire harness, assembly isn’t the end of the process for a reputable wire and cable harness manufacturer. It is important to put the harness through multiple safety checks. Not only are Meridian’s manufacturing facilities UL-certified, but we are also committed to designing only the highest quality products for each and every client.
No matter how simple or complex a wire harness, it must be safe and function as expected. By working with an experienced wire and cable manufacturer, you can ensure your finished wire harness is both safe to install and use, and meets all of your electrical and geometrical requirements. The team at Meridian Cable works hard to make sure all of our clients get a custom harness that fits their needs. Contact us when you’re ready to talk about your next wire harness project.
There are many reasons to create a prototype for your custom cable assembly, but one of most compelling is that it helps you ensure your finished assembly will function as expected.
Prototyping makes it possible to extrude a cable with the appropriate voltage, required wire gauge, and optimal heat rating without any guesswork. Even further, creating a prototype can help you simplify the production process because your cable assemblies manufacturer can work all the kinks out and address any issues before they produce the full run of the final product.
When working with clients, we have run into a few general questions about prototyping that we wanted to take a moment to address.
Is working with a cable assemblies manufactuer on a prototype expensive?
While there is certainly a cost associated with producing a prototype, doing so can help you save money overall. Creating a prototype also helps save time when it comes to choosing the right materials. If you don’t create a prototype, you may be in the position of experimenting with different types of products and wiring systems to determine what will be the best solution for your application. The cost of these experiments can add up.
An experienced custom cable assemblies manufacturer is able to produce a full-scale, fully functional (in most cases) prototype that allows them to determine whether the assembly is feasible and practical from a technical and financial standpoint. If design flaws are discovered, it’s much easier and cheaper to address them at this stage.
Will a prototype be an exact representation of the finished cable assembly?
Yes and no. While it is possible to produce a prototype that looks and functions exactly as the finished product, it’s not always necessary. Each prototype is produced to have the level of functionality that is necessary for each project. This allows the manufacturer to isolate the specific design or manufacturing issues for each application. Your project may or may not require a fully functional prototype, but it is certainly possible to create one if necessary.
Are there any drawbacks to prototyping?
Producing a prototype gives a cable assemblies manufacturer the opportunity to test an assembly design in real-world conditions. While you may be focused on a few potential issues, it’s important to remember to test the prototype’s functionality in every way so design flaws can be addressed immediately.
It’s also a good idea to address any issues with ownership of intellectual property in the prototyping phase. In general, it’s much easier to clear up any issues with intellectual property before you have produced the final cable assembly.
Prototyping is a critical stage of the process when working with a cable assemblies manufacturer. Not only will producing a prototype allow engineers to refine their design, but they will also be able to get a handle on any manufacturing issues and test the cable assembly’s overall functionality. This can help you save money and time, and achieve more success over the long term. If you are ready to discuss producing a prototype of your next custom cable, contact the team at Meridian Cable. We look forward to hearing from you.
Posted in: Cable Assemblies, Custom Cables for Prototyping, Meridian Cable, Wire Harness
5 Facts about Custom Cable Assemblies & Wire Harnesses
Do you know the difference between custom cable assemblies and wire harnesses?
Unless you are an electrician or electrical engineer, you probably haven’t thought much about the differences and similarities between custom cable assemblies and wire harnesses. It’s not a subject that tends to come up in everyday conversation. Unless, that is, you need to run multiple wires or cables from one piece of equipment to another or to a power source. That’s when knowing the difference between wiring and cable and the strengths and weaknesses of each becomes more important.
We put together fives facts about wires and cables to help you understand the difference, and why you should choose a wire harness over a cable assembly in certain situations.
Wires & Cables Aren’t the Same Thing
This fact may seem pretty obvious, but many people use the terms “wire” and “cable” interchangeably. It’s understandable. Wires and cables are similar in that they carry electricity or signal from one place to another. However, there are a few very important differences. Wires are made up of a strand (or strands) of conductive material like copper and are suitable for a wide ranges of applications beyond carrying electricity and signal. They are also one of the components that make up a cable. Conversely, a cable is made of two or more conductors that are insulated. They tend to be better protected than wires and are suitable for applications that require more durability.
Both Are Used to Organize Wires & Cables
The basic purpose of both wire harnesses and cable assemblies is to bundle wires or cables. Bundling wires or cables allows you to keep them more organized, especially in situations where having multiple cables and/or wires takes up too much space or can cause additional wear that is easily addressed by bundling. A few common places you see bundled cables or wires are cars and computers.
While cable assemblies are more heavily protected with insulation and jacketing material, wires usually have a thin exterior covering made of thermoset or thermoplastic material. This covering is meant to protect the environment or a person handling the wire from the flow of electricity. The jacketing material can also be color coded to aid in keeping systems organized and make it easy to identify different types of wires.
Custom Cable Assemblies Are More Durable
With the additional materials used in custom cable assemblies, a cable manufacturer is able to design the assembly to address exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, friction, chemicals, and more. They can also take size and flexibility requirements into consideration, so the cable is a perfect fit for your application. A cable assembly may require less maintenance and can also be easier to install since the conductors are bundled.
Wires Are More Affordable…When They Are Right for the Job
You may be thinking extra protection means a custom cable assembly is always the right choice for your project, but that’s not always the case. In situations that require a small, lightweight option, a wire might be your best bet. Because wires are generally less expensive to produce, it can be a more affordable option — especially if the wire will be used indoors in a relatively sheltered environment.
When going through the design process, be sure to discuss materials that will be used in your custom cable assembly. Choosing the right gauge and material for the conductor is key for functionality and safety. However, making good decisions when it comes to insulation and jacketing can also be the difference between a safe custom cable assembly and one of questionable quality. While there are many components that could affect the safety of custom cable assemblies, talking about conductors, insulation, jacketing, connectors, and strain relief is a great start.
Copper is the most commonly used conductor, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the right material to use for your project. Because it is prone to corrosion, it is necessary to consider whether plating or copper alloys might be more appropriate choices. Another consideration is whether your equipment would be better served with a solid or stranded conductor.
Insulation & Jacketing
Clear industry standards exist for the appropriate insulation and jacketing to use in specific applications, so be clear about the conditions your finished cable will be operating under. Does the cable need to perform in extreme temperatures? Under heavy pressure? In wet environments? The answers to all of these questions will help your cable manufacturer choose the right materials.
Connectors & Strain Relief
The terminal points of a cable can be common failure points due to the additional stresses in those areas. While the technical needs of the equipment often drives the choice of connector, additional strain relief can prevent termination failure. If additional strain relief is needed, the cable assembly designer can add a transition point that alleviates some of the added stress.
Using custom cable assemblies is often the best way to build safe products or maintain safe equipment. When you are talking to a custom cable manufacturer, don’t be afraid to bring up safety. Engineers should be ready and able to discuss how they are ensuring a safe product.
Assembled vs. Molded Cable Assembly: What You Need to Know
There are two main options when it comes to shells for terminal connectors on your custom cable: assembled and molded.
Choosing between a molded cable assembly and one that must be assembled in the field requires careful consideration to ensure you are making the right decision for your application. When designing a custom cable assembly, there are many options for conductors, insulating materials, jacketing, and so on. All of these choices can affect the performance and durability of the finished cable. However, even the most durable cable is most likely to fail at the terminal point. The process of cutting and fitting the cable with a connector can expose it to damage. Once the terminal is in place, it is frequently the section of cable that is subject to the most twisting, bending, and other stresses. Because of this, the selection of a connector is key to determining the overall success of the cable.
Assembled Cable
As you may have guessed from the name, assembled cables consist of multiple pieces that are put together manually in the field. Connectors can have plastic or metal shells, and in some applications are the only solution. However, when you are choosing between assembled and molded cable assemblies, there are a few important considerations:
Installation – Since cables and connectors are assembled in the field, the experience and knowledge of the technicians performing the installation is very important. Whether using in-house or outsourced personnel, you must ensure that they are properly installing and testing your cable assemblies to prevent failure due to improper installation.
Cost – Comparing costs for assembled and overmolded cable assemblies can be tricky. On one hand, assembled cables are less expensive to produce, but you must also factor in labor costs for installations which can add to the overall expense.
Repairs – Because these types of cable assemblies are made with multiple components, they can be disassembled for applications when it makes more sense to repair an existing cable assembly than replace it with a new one.
Molded Cable Assembly
Overmolded cable assemblies feature shells that have been created by heating a plastic or rubber material and injecting it into a mold. Because the products are custom-molded, even aesthetic elements like color can be chosen for a sleeker appearance or to help differentiate cables. Here are a few of the benefits of overmolded products:
Customization – With the range of materials available when designing a molded cable assembly, you are able to produce a cable that is tailored to the specific environmental concerns of your equipment.
Fewer Installation Errors – Since no additional assembly is required, a molded cable assembly can be installed quickly with a simple process that minimizes the opportunity for human error.
Strength & Flexibility – Cables are subject to additional stresses where they exit the connectors. Overmolded components can be designed to offer additional flex and strain relief to create a cable that is more durable and less susceptible to premature failure.
Over the years, Meridian’s engineers have come up with a method to quickly determine what kind of cable assembly a customer needs that could be helpful when you are given the task of finding a wire and cable manufacturer.
Determining the General Type of Cable
The Meridian team starts with the simple assumption that all cable assemblies carry power or signal from one end to the other. The first step we take is to find out which the assembly needs to carry, or both. Since we extrude our own cable, we can handle any of these scenarios, but there are some power or signal cables we can’t make. Determining that from the beginning is critical for us and should be for you as well.
Power, for the most part, is easy to determine. The more power a cable needs to deliver, the more conductive material it requires. For example, it’s easy to pass 1 amp of current through a 24 awg conductor that is 1 foot long. However, bad things can happen very quickly if you try passing 20 amps through a 24 awg conductor. We don’t make high power cables at Meridian. If the power transmission requirements are above about 40 amps, we are upfront with the customer about our capabilities. Since we’ve been around long enough to know which companies do extrude high power cables, we will happily share that information.
It should be noted that, with power, often all you need to know is the voltage and current. In many cases, customers don’t have this information, but they do know what is on either end of the needed assembly. Most times, we can make a rough determination of the voltage and current by knowing what devices the assembly is connecting. From there, the design can be narrowed significantly enough to get the process moving.
Signals, for the most part, are complicated. Sure it’s all data, but new ways of transferring data are created all the time. For example, think of your TV 10, 20, or 30 years ago. (Some of us here at Meridian are old enough to remember TVs 30 years ago.) The number and types of connectors on the backs of TVs have changed radically over the years, but all those connectors pass signals. 30 years ago, it was not uncommon for two wires to come from an antenna on top of the TV or up on the roof. All the antennae cable passed was the image that appeared on the screen — without any data about time, channel, audio, etc. Now, the typical input is an HDMI cable that carries a ton of data — some slow, some fast, but all signals.
It’s vitally important to communicate what types of signals your cables need to carry at the beginning of your search for a cable assembly manufacturer. For example, Meridian is capable of manufacturing a wide variety of cables that carry signals. However, we are not able to make coax cables that carry signals in the high gigahertz range. Having candid initial conversations with clear requirements can save you a lot of time. The good news is you don’t need to know the exact technical parameters or specifications that will be transmitted for cable. Often, knowing the gadgets to be connected to the cable assembly and any standards the signals must conform to helps the Meridian team determine whether we can make the cable or not. If we can’t, we’ll be happy to let you know companies that can.
Questions to Consider before Talking to a Cable Assembly Manufacturer
If you are tasked with finding a cable assembly vendor, here is a simple checklist of questions to think through before you start reaching out:
Can samples be made with off-the-shelf cable? If yes, then you can go to a lot of different vendors. If not then you need a vendor who can extrude cable, like Meridian.
Does the cable need to carry signal, power or both? If only signal or power that makes it a lot easier to find a vendor. If it needs to carry both then a custom cable extruder like Meridian might be needed.
If power is needed; how much? This can be expressed in technical terms (voltage/current) or by knowing what items need the power. For example, a cell phone, data input tablet, fork truck or nuclear power plant.
If signal is needed; what kind? Many signals have technical names/specification numbers. If those are known the problem is solved and if not knowing the devices passing/receiving the signal will go a long way in determining what is needed.
Lastly, how many assemblies are needed? This can be as low as one up to millions. It can be several for prototype, then more for Beta/First Articles/PPAP, and then on to production quantities. All vendors have a volume sweet spot. Knowing the quantity can often help save valuable time ruling vendors both in and out.
Hopefully this very simple guideline helped. (Apologies to any engineers who read this and found some of it is not technically pure. We’re happy to talk more technically…maybe a little too happy.) Obviously, there are many items to consider when designing and producing a custom cable assembly. This basic approach will help make the process of finding the right cable assembly manufacturer a little easier.
At Meridian, we have experienced designing and extruding a wide range of custom cables. If you’re ready to talk about what we can do for you, please get in touch.