When most people hear the term cable assemblies, they think of cable harness assemblies that are used to guide and secure bundles of wires. However, there is another type of assembly to consider as well, and that is the mechanical cable assembly.
All mechanical cable assemblies are used to control parts or components. There are specific types of assemblies used in large equipment, heavy-duty machines and even in the aerospace industries. Other types of these assemblies can be used for everyday items to control brakes or to work throttles or other types of components within a system.
When designing these mechanical cable assemblies, there are several important factors to keep in mind. As these assemblies are used to control moving elements, ensuring the correct size and design will be critical for equipment life cycles as well as safety and reliability.
Force of the Application
The multi-strand design of metal cables makes it an ideal choice when there is a significant force, pressure or weight to control with the cable. It will be essential when developing the design for these assemblies to ensure the correct cable size and diameter is selected to withstand not just the maximum force in the application but also an extended amount of force.
Resistance to Wear
Unlike cable assemblies for electrical current or data transmission, mechanical cable assemblies are moving components. This means that it will be essential to consider the resistance to wear and abrasion of the cable. Each type of cable is designated by a grade, with higher grades offer more resistance and longer life cycles even with larger force applications.
Depending on the application and the industry, the assembly may also need to have a particular coating or lubrication applied to the surface. This will extend the life of the cable by reducing friction during the movement of the assembly.