Wire harnesses and cable assemblies play an important role in the functionality and safety of electrical products in today’s world. To ensure the efficiency and safety of your product, you need reliable, certified, and experienced cable assembly manufacturers. Read on to learn how to choose one.
Worker assembling cables in a switchboard construction factory
What is a Custom Cable Assembly?
Generally, a cable assembly features cable connectors on one or both ends that link the cable between devices, for example, computer to camera or motherboard to hard drive.
Often, companies make standard cables made of standard materials, connectors, constructions, colors, lengths, and sizes. Often, such cables work fine; however, some applications require specific features. Hence the need for custom cable assemblies.
Custom cable assemblies provide superior performance and are engineered to meet specific requirements for a certain application. Such cables are made from the best material to meet performance and condition requirements. Also, they can be color-coded, labeled, or marked for easier repair and assembly.
To put it in simple terms, a custom cable assembly will do a better job compared to a standard cable.
Benefits of Finding Cable Assembly Manufacturers
Lower Production Costs
If you plan on manufacturing your own cable assemblies, you have to consider the following production costs: labor, equipment, insurance, tax, and overhead, which only take a further toll in the long run. However, when you outsource your production, you will have significantly lower production costs. Further, you save on expenses that you direct to other aspects of your business.
Expertise
If you’re just starting or own a small to mid-sized business, likely, your own team of engineers aren’t experts, which will significantly drain your resources. However, if you outsource to the right partner like Cloom, you will get the best service from a team of experts who have been manufacturing cable assemblies for a long time.
Efficient Product Capabilities
When you choose to manufacture your own wire harnesses, you will likely suffer product shortages and various inventory problems, especially if there’s a sudden demand for your product. However, manufacturers are ready to handle large volumes to ensure your inventory is always stacked and products readily available.
Flexibility to Work With Different Manufacturers
You will need additional equipment to produce the different designs when doing your own production, which would take a significant toll on your business financially. Not to mention that you would need to increase your staff to save production time. However, outsourcing your production is the freedom to work with the manufacturer of your choice.
Sourcing Raw Materials at Cheaper Prices
Overseas manufacturers produce wire harnesses in large volumes, they are able to get discounted prices and source raw materials at significantly cheaper prices, which in turn also saves you on expenses.
What do Your Cable Assembly Manufacturers Need For The Manufacturing Process
The more precise and detailed specifications you provide, the simpler the assembly process will be.
* Wire list that specifies the connector pin-outs, wire colors, and nets.
* Connector images that detail pin locations.
* Bill of materials with part numbers.
* Complete assembly drawing with assembly tolerances, instructions, and label locations.
* Test specifications.
How do Your Cable Assembly Manufacturers do Their Job?
Design Review
The first step will be to examine your bill of materials and other necessary documentation to ensure everything they need is in place. Plus, they will review your specified parts to determine if they are the best choice depending on performance, cost, and availability. If not, they will suggest alternative options.
Materials Preparation
The next step will be to purchase the materials and components required for manufacturing and testing.
Assembly Documentation:
At the same time as the procurement, your CM will begin creating the assembly documentation for the manufacturing floor according to your input. This will entail assembly steps, illustrations, images, and test procedures. The assembly panel is also created with all the necessary pegs at specified positions.
Cable Assembly Production:
The assembly technicians cut the wires to length and lay them out in the assembly panel, depending on your build instructions. Connectors are added, labels are attached, and wires are bundled together.
Quality Assurance
Once the cable is complete, it is tested for continuity. Also, the cable will be tested for labeling and construction if the intended system is on-site.
How To Qualify Cable Assembly Manufacturers to Ensure a Successful Contract
Do They Have The Proper Cable Assembly Equipment?
If you choose a contractor that only manually assembles the cable, you will not save any costs. The right equipment helps manufacturers provide consistent wire lengths and much more, ensuring product quality.
Do They Offer Quick Delivery?
Depending on how quickly your consumers demand your product, you’ll need a reliable contractor to deliver a certain volume on time. Before you settle on a contractor, ask about the steps they take to offer quick deliveries.
Do They Adhere to ISO 9001 Requirements and Standards?
ISO 9001 ensures quality and safety to improve processes and procedures. Therefore, ensure your contractor is ISO-certified, so that you receive products up to industry standards.
Do They Offer Payment Terms?
Payment terms allow you to pay for the goods 30 days after they are shipped. Such payment structures usually offer discounts. You can easily negotiate the terms if you offer your contractor bulk orders. However, if you only make small orders, it will be harder to negotiate payment terms, but the door isn’t completely closed.
Do They Accept Bulk Orders?
Most manufacturers allow you to purchase 1,000 pieces and ship 250 every month. Therefore, you are committing to buying 1,000 pieces without paying so they can buy materials in bulk and offer you better prices.
Do They Offer Buffer Quantities?
If fast deliveries are a major concern, then an extra buffer quantity produced and readily available can help. Maybe you can increase your normal order from 1,000 pieces to 1,500 pieces and still have to pay for only 1,000.
Alternatively, if you only purchase 250 pieces at a time, you can have 250 pieces made on the shelf for quick shipment. Therefore, once you request the 250 pieces your contractor begins manufacturing another batch of 250 immediately for the next time you need them.
Are Shipping Fees Covered?
You might need to order over $1,000 to enjoy free shipping. When you combine the free shipping and discount rates, you can save money while still ensuring product quality.
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Do They Offer Some Wire Assembly Services?
Can a contractor produce cut wires and cables according to your needs? Do they terminate, solder, and follow complex specification requirements? Ask about their quality services and note how quick they reply and how detailed their response is.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a qualified and reliable one, contact Cloom, the leading custom wiring harness manufacturer.