Braided Cable Sleeve vs. Extruded Cables

by Global Interconnect Team | Dec 13, 2019 | Guides

BRAIDED CABLE SLEEVE VS. EXTRUDED CABLES

Braided cable sleeves and extruded cables are two options to be considered during product development of medical devices. Where the product stands in production life cycle, the final application, annual volumes, and cable assembly location all play a role in the final production decision. This article will outline the differences between braided cable sleeves and extruded cables so you can better understand which option is best for your medical device.

Understanding Braided Cable Sleeving

Braided cable sleeves are a readily available off the shelf products made from woven yarn. They are designed to help organize wire, cables, and or tubing bundles. Manufacturers purchase cable sleeves on a spool through distribution and manually cut the sleeve based on device application. The internal components then slide down the sleeve manually. Cable ties hold the components in place to prevent translation during use.

Benefits of Braided Cable Sleeving Solutions
• No minimum order quantities for low volume manufacturing
• No need for capital equipment
• Highly flexible
• Minimal tooling

Disadvantages of Braided Cable Sleeving Cable Solutions
• High per foot cost
• Increased assembly time
• Difficult to clean
• Unable to insert mold
• Final product can be aesthetically displeasing
• Limited abrasion durability

Typical applications of Braiding Cable Sleeving Solutions
• Internal wire harnesses
• Low volume prototypes

Understanding Extruded Cables

Manufacturers extrude cables by bundling wires, cable, and or tubing to produce a continuous jacketed product. Once extruded, these long length cables become spooled for easy upstream handling. As a result of variety in cable layup, design, and material selection, extruded cables have a wide range of performance characteristics.

Benefits of Extruded Cable Solutions
• Low labor time
• Low per foot cost
• Wide range of material options
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Insert molded solution
• Durability

Disadvantages of Extruded Cable Solutions
• Minimum order quantities
• Capital equipment investments

Typical Applications of Extruded Cable Solutions
• End-user interaction
• Cleaning and sterilization
• Rugged environment
• Low-cost products

Global Interconnect manufactures cable assemblies utilizing both braided cable sleeves and extrusion techniques, which ever fits your application.