Materials for cable assembly

Materials for cable assembly

Power cables: These cables are designed to transmit electrical energy and typically consist of copper conductors with different wire cross-sections.

Data cables: These cables are designed to transmit data and can have different properties depending on the application, such as twisted pair cables for Ethernet connections or coaxial cables for high-frequency signals.

Fiber optic cables: These cables use light signals for data transmission and consist of glass fibers that can transmit light over long distances without significant signal loss.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride): PVC is one of the most commonly used insulation materials due to its flexibility, resistance to various environmental conditions, and cost-effective production.

Polyethylene (PE): PE is often used in high-frequency and data cables due to its low dielectric constant and good mechanical properties.

Teflon (PTFE): Teflon offers excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals and is often used in cables for demanding applications such as aerospace.

PUR (polyurethane): PUR jackets offer high abrasion resistance and flexibility, making them ideal for use in moving applications such as energy chains.

Silicone: Silicone offers excellent temperature resistance and flexibility and is often used in medical devices and applications that require high temperatures.

Rubber: Rubber jackets are robust, insensitive to moisture, and extremely flexible. Rubber cables are mainly found in construction and agriculture.

Copper: Copper is the most commonly used conductor material in cables for power and data transmission due to its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Aluminum: Aluminum is often used in cables for power transmission, especially in high-voltage applications, due to its lower weight and price.

Foil shielding: Aluminum foil is used to shield cables against electromagnetic interference (EMI). It provides effective shielding at low cost.

Braided shielding: Copper braiding provides robust shielding against EMI while offering flexibility and mechanical protection for the cables.

Fillers: Fillers such as cotton or polyester are used in cables to fill the space inside the cable and improve spatial stability.

IP protection classes: Cables for use in certain environments may need to meet specific IP protection classes to be protected against dust, water, or mechanical stress.

Fire protection classes: In some industries, such as construction or rail vehicles, cables must meet specific fire protection classes to ensure safety.

The use of sustainable materials is becoming increasingly important in cable assembly. Companies are increasingly looking for alternatives to conventional materials such as PVC, which is often used in cable sheathing due to its robustness and flexibility. PVC-free options that are halogen-free are becoming particularly popular as they are more environmentally friendly and do not release halogens that are harmful to health. In addition, there is growing interest in recyclable materials that allow plastics and other materials to be reused in order to reduce the ecological footprint.

The future of cable assembly promises exciting developments driven by technological innovations and changing market needs. Here are some key areas that could become increasingly important:

Smart and flexible materials: Cables could benefit from smart and flexible materials that can adapt to the dynamic requirements of modern applications, possibly with integrated sensors and actuators.

Sustainability and circular economy: The trend toward sustainable materials will intensify, with a strong focus on recyclability and reducing environmental impact during the manufacture and use of cables.

Miniaturization and space savings: The ongoing miniaturization of electronic devices requires ever smaller and more flexible cable assemblies that are still robust and powerful.

With a deep understanding of the diverse requirements of various industries, LQ Group offers high-quality cables and cable assemblies that meet the highest standards in terms of performance, reliability, and durability.