What Are the Different Types of Cables?

By: CMS Admin

Cables are a vital aspect of our modern information infrastructure; however, too often, cables are the last item manufacturers think of in their design process. We believe that the earlier Tornik is involved, the better the quality of the cable, the more integrated it is into the process - with a design that leads to easier manufacturing. Still, despite our dependence on a variety of different cables, there are many consumers who are unaware of the design and art that fuels the cable creation process. We have included a brief description of coaxial cables, Military Spec Wire, and Wire Harnesses, offering information on their applications and our dedication to creating quality product.

Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cable consists of an outer jacket, a braided bare wire shield under that, then a plastic insulator (named the dielectric) and finally, one bare center conductor. Coaxial cable was originally invented in 1929. According to www.webopedia.com, Coaxial cables are primarily used by the cable television industry and are also widely used for computer networks. Although more expensive than standard telephone wire, it is less susceptible to interference and can carry much more data. Coaxial cable is called coaxial because it includes one physical channel surrounded by another concentric physical channel. Both of these channels run along the same axis allowing information to be transmitted.

Mil Spec Wire

Mil-Spec wire is built in accordance with military specifications; the wire is specially designed for the harshest environments. Mil-Spec wire can be used in high frequency and high temperature applications. The US government, Boeing, and Raytheon depend on Mil-Spec wire. Since it is designed for extreme conditions, Mil-Spec wire can serve a wide variety of purposes. Some applications include: shielding and protective covering, airframe wire, point to point wire, antennas, bus-bar, ground wire, and bonding moving parts.

Tornik's extensive custom cable manufacturing capabilities can handle jobs with a varying degree of complexity. These range from very complex, low-volume, one-of-a-kind, high density Mill Spec cable for the aerospace industry, to extremely high volume jumpers and lead wires in the millions for a variety of OEM manufacturers by using high-speed wire processing --- and everything in-between.

Wire Harness Assembly

A wire harness, also known as a cable harness or wiring assembly, is a grouping of wires, cables, or subassemblies designed to transmit signals or electrical power. A basic Wire Harness may include as few as three discreet components, while the more classic harnesses include many more wires and other passive, and potentially active, components.

 A wire harness is typically designed to simplify the manufacture of a larger component, and is designed based on the geometric and electrical requirements of the equipment it is to be installed in. Wire Harnesses are commonly used in the electronics industry, the automotive industry, in the manufacture of construction machinery and industrial equipment, as well as in the manufacture of white goods such as washing machines and dryers, refrigerators, and other household appliances.

Despite advances in automated manufacturing, most production of more complex cable harnesses and assemblies is completed by hand operations. Certain steps in the process, such as wire soldering and cutting, can be and often are automated, but other steps are almost impossible for automated machinery to complete, such as routing wires, branching out wires, or connectorizing. Tornik System's manual production of cable harnesses and cable assemblies ensures that each part receives hands-on attention.

Tornik Electronic Manufacturing Services

For more than twenty years, Tornik/EMS Mexico has been a top-tier contract manufacturer of cable assemblies, harness assemblies, electromechanical assemblies and turn-key box builds, with a full range of engineering, design and program support services, including prototyping, customized logistics and complex production services. We at Tornik are proud of our company - its people, its manufacturing processes and its products. Our team strives to build quality into the manufacturing and business processes with the goal of achieving Six Sigma quality performance. Every product goes through 100% computerized testing and a complete inspections process. Through this emphasis on quality, Tornik develops and maintains long-standing relationships with its customers, helping them to succeed and achieve their objectives.