When preparing to quote or build cable assemblies, we ask our customers to provide us with a print that includes, at a minimum, aircraft cable or wire rope material, size and construction, end configuration (type of cable hardware), and length of the finished cable assembly. For most commercial applications, this is enough information to build a solution.
In many cases, we have the opportunity to develop a specialized solution by asking detailed questions about your application and performance expectations. Here are a few examples of the areas we would focus on to optimize your custom cable assembly:
Where is the product used? We can determine the best material (stainless steel, galvanized steel, Monel, etc.) for your application if we know the environment and industry in which you plan to use it. From aerospace cable assemblies to sailboat rigging, there is a variety of wire & cable our manufacturing facility can custom produce.
How will it be used? Higher wire count lubricated military specification aircraft cables are better suited for cycling over pulleys than their dry commercial-grade counterparts. Lower wire count products work well in linear applications to provide strength and support.
What are the forces being applied to the cable? Linear forces require a set of strength considerations when designing a cable assembly while twisting and shear forces need special design considerations at the connection points to maximize cable performance and product life.
What is the configuration of your connection point?
How a cable eye, stud, ball, or loop/sleeve combination attaches to the device or platform will also determine how it will perform, as you need to plan for relieving the stresses the cable will be under whenever possible.
Planning for these considerations during your design phase helps us produce the best-performing aircraft cable or wire rope assembly for you in all possible applications. If you have questions about our cable assemblies or want to review your current products to improve their performance, contact a Loos & Co., Inc. Product manager to learn more.