Tag Archive: wire harness

1. Deep Dive: Heat Shrinking for Wire Harness and Cable Assemblies

   March 29, 2023 11:45 am Leave a Comment

   Heat Shrink the Cables

   Heat shrink tubing is a type of protective covering that is common in wire harness and cable assemblies. It is a polymer material that shrinks with heat. When heated, the tubing conforms to the shape of the wire or cable it is covering, providing a tight, secure fit that helps protect the wiring from environmental factors like moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of heat shrinking for wire harness and cable assemblies.

   1. Provides protection against environmental factors

   One of the main benefits of heat shrinking is that it provides excellent protection against environmental factors that can damage wires and cables. The tubing creates a barrier between the wire or cable and the environment, helping to keep moisture, chemicals, and abrasives away from the wiring. This is particularly important in applications with harsh wire and cable exposure, such as in automotive, marine, and industrial settings.

   2. Helps prevent wire and cable damage

   Another benefit of heat shrinking is that it helps prevent damage to wires and cables. The tight, secure fit of the tubing helps keep the wiring in place, preventing it from moving around or rubbing against other surfaces. This helps reduce the risk of damage due to abrasion or bending. Heat shrinking is particularly useful for protecting wires and cables in tight spaces, where they are more prone to damage due to movement or friction.

   3. Easy to use

   Heat shrink tubing is easy to use, and requires no special tools or equipment. Simply slide the tubing over the wire or cable, and apply heat to shrink it down to size. Technicians can use a heat gun, lighter, or another heat source. Once the tubing has shrunk, it can be easily trimmed to the desired length. This makes it a great choice for applications where time and resources are limited.

   4. Available in a variety of materials

   Heat shrink tubing is available in a variety of materials to suit different applications. Common materials include polyolefin, PVC, fluoropolymer, and silicone. Each material offers different benefits in terms of temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and other factors. For example, polyolefin is a good choice for general-purpose applications, while silicone is a good choice for high-temperature applications. By choosing the right material for your specific application, you can ensure that your wiring is protected in the most effective way possible.

   5. Versatile

   Heat shrinking is a versatile process available for a wide range of applications. It can cover individual wires or cables or entire wire harnesses. It can also provide strain relief, by securing wires or cables to connectors or other components. Heat shrinking is also used for cable repair, by replacing damaged insulation on wires and cables.

   Conclusion

   In conclusion, heat shrinking is a valuable process for wire harness and cable assemblies. It provides excellent protection against environmental factors, helps prevent wire and cable damage, is easy to use, available in a variety of materials, and versatile in its applications. By incorporating heat shrinking into your wire harness and cable assembly process, you can ensure that your wiring is protected and will last for years to come.

   

2. Wire Harness Design Concerns

   March 1, 2023 12:52 pm Leave a Comment

   6 Biggest Concerns for Wire Harness Experts

   Wire harness assemblies are an essential component in many electronic products and equipment, and the design process for these assemblies must take into account several important concerns to ensure that the final product is reliable and meets all necessary requirements.

   Proper Routing & Organization

   One of the biggest design concerns for wire harness assemblies is ensuring proper routing and organization of the wires and cables. The harness must have the wires and cables properly routed and arranged to prevent any damage, wear, and tear and also to prevent any interference between the different wires. The routing also has to take into consideration the physical constraints of the application and avoid any possible stress points or areas that may cause damage over time.

   Material & Connector Selection

   Another concern is selecting the correct materials for the wires and cables. The materials must be suitable for the intended application and environment and must be able to withstand the conditions to which the harness will be exposed. This includes factors such as temperature, humidity, mechanical stress, and exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors.

   A related concern is the connector selection, which is an important part of wire harness design. The connectors must be compatible with the wires and cables and must meet the requirements of the specific application, including factors such as temperature, humidity, and vibration. It is also important to choose connectors that are easy to install and maintain, to minimize downtime and maintenance costs.

   Labeling, Marking, Tracing…Oh My!

   Another important design concern is the use of proper labeling, markers, and traceability codes. The harness must be clearly labeled to allow for easy identification of each wire and its corresponding connector, as well as traceability codes, to be able to identify where each part of the harness comes from and when it was produced. Proper labeling is also critical for maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards.

   Durable Design

   Designing a wire harness assembly that can withstand the rigors of production, transportation, and the intended application is also a significant concern. This includes things like ensuring that the harness is durable and resistant to wear and tear and that the wires and cables are properly secure to prevent them from becoming loose or disconnected.

   Test the Limits

   Additionally, proper testing and validation are key concerns, to ensure that the wire harness assembly meets the specifications and requirements of the application. The harness assembly must ensure that all the connections are secure, that there are no open or short circuits, and that all the wire connections are proper.

   What’s the Cost?

   Finally, the cost is always a concern when designing a wire harness assembly. The cost of materials and components can add up quickly, and it’s important to minimize costs by using the most cost-effective materials and components.

   To avoid any mistakes with your wire harness assembly, utilize PGF Technology Group for manufacturing. To learn more about our wire harness capabilities, visit this page!