Posted by admin on Monday, December 20th, 2010
Designing a cable can require extensive research. Wire, cable and components have to meet the electrical and environmental specifications of the system and its application. Fortunately, detailed information is readily available for every component as it pertains to electrical performance and material composition enabling the designer to verify and validate their component selections.
What about the dimensions of the components?
Mechanical design and investigation can be equally as critical in the assembly of a cable. These dimensions often do not appear on the drawing because they do not affect the functionality of the cable but they do have an effect on the ability to build the cable.
The most common oversight I have seen in cable design is lining up diameters of cable(s) and connector accessories like backshells, adapters, shrink and boots. Mechanical compatibility often will not be noticed until the build of a prototype or first piece.
What effect does a component change have?
The two factors that have the largest impact in changing a component are the timeline to implement the change and the potential cost impact of the change.
Lead-time
You will most likely be faced with a lead-time on component delivery and this will have an effect on your delivery schedule.
Cost Impact
Along with the change in price of the new component, you may not be able to cancel the current components that are already on order.
Solution
If you have the capability, build a prototype in house to verify component compatibility before outsourcing an assembly. If you require the assistance of a cable house to build a prototype, factor in the timeline required to build a prototype and validate the assembly before going to production.
Need to discuss a prototype assembly? Contact one of our technical representatives!
Call 1-877-395-5133
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Kyle Nichol on Friday, November 5th, 2010
I have read many forums on the debate between crimping and soldering contacts. Personally, I prefer crimping contacts because the process is faster and more repeatable if performed properly. I have outlined some key characteristics to look for when inspecting your crimp to make sure you get a reliable, sustainable connection.
The Proper Tool for the Job
Having the proper tool is the first step to ensure your crimp will be of high quality and repeatable. Tooling comes at a cost and most tools are contact specific but I assure you, it will be money well spent if you decide to invest it. Tooling can range from hand crimpers to fully automated work stations depending on your requirements. Contact manufacturers will have full information on tooling related to their contacts and offer you various options to meet your needs. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Paul Nelson on Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
Today’s business decision makers face monumental challenges. The economic meltdown, global competition and a customers’ mandate to SAVE wherever possible, have woven together to create the perception that outsourcing (specifically) contracting to ‘offshore’ manufacturers is the answer to cost-reduction.
OEM’s who have experienced this business model adjustment may appear to benefit financially in the short term but the long run proves otherwise. There is an increasing concern that is emerging among many who have contracted offshore manufacturers – the results are less impressive and the cost-savings are not always what were first promised.
Offshore quality assurances are not to North American standard and can result in costly repairs. Compounding this, there is a risk of damaged relationships due to the loss of poor or damaged products – and that can be costly to any company. Not to mention the risks of shipping proprietary technology to companies outside of North America, jeopardizing their confidentiality. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: contracting to ‘offshore’ manufacturers, Cost reductions, Cost-savings, OEM’s, offshore outsourcing, Outsourcing, Quality control, secured manufacturing facilities
Posted in Cost-savings, Outsourcing | No Comments »
Posted by Kyle Nichol on Friday, October 1st, 2010
You never know when an idea will come to you. It may occur during a lunchtime discussion or in bed as you’re slipping in and out of consciousness. Quickly, you do a sketch of the idea on a napkin or a piece of paper while it is still fresh in your head. The rest is easy, after all it’s just a cable right? Not always.
Cable Selection
Selection of the appropriate cable may not be as simple as initially thought. The obvious factors that need to be considered are the current, voltage and shielding requirements for the application. Other factors that need to be considered are: Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: cable, Cable Selection, Connection Points, connector, controllers, drives, Emissions, feedback sensors, harness, multiple interfaces, peripherals, shielding requirements, Temperature range, voltage
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
