A reputable cable assembly manufacturer ensures reliable products with a solid quality control process.
The quality and reliability of the wires and cables a cable assembly manufacturer produces is often of paramount importance. This is especially true of cables and wires designed for military or medical applications, where the safety and longevity of the product has serious consequences. By working with a cable assembly manufacturer that has a thorough quality control process, you can rest assured that your finished cable is safe and functions properly.
Cable Assembly Manufacturer Qualifications
When selecting a cable assembly manufacturer, one of the first things you should look for is what certifications they hold. While there’s no certification that’s right for every manufacturer, it’s important that a manufacturer has the necessary qualifications to meet the needs of your project’s scale and intended market.
ISO 9001:2015
ISO is an organization that sets standards for quality management that focuses on training manufacturers how to provide their customers with consistent, high-quality results. A manufacturer with an ISO certification has an efficient manufacturing process that will ultimately save you time and money while still producing a reliable product.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
While the ISO certification indicates a company has an efficient manufacturing process, the UL certification focuses on safety. As a globally recognized independent organization, UL is known for inspecting, testing, verifying, and certifying that specific products meet international safety standards.
Industry Experience
Working with a cable assembly manufacturer that has extensive experience in your industry or with projects similar to yours can really make a difference when you want to produce a reliable, high-quality product. Because they have a better understanding of industry requirements and expectations, they are able to ensure quality and come up with inventive solutions to common issues your type of project may face.
Thorough Testing
No quality control process is complete without comprehensive testing procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask your cable assembly manufacturer about their testing protocols. They should be willing and able to walk you through the types of testing they do as well as any additional testing that may be appropriate for your project.
Visual Inspections
The first and most basic type of testing is the visual inspection. A visual inspection can be helpful and shouldn’t be overlooked. However, it’s scope is fairly limited, and it shouldn’t be the only type of testing performed.
Prototypes
Creating a prototype is a great way to ensure the finished product functions as expected. A cable assembly manufacturer is able to use a prototype to identify major design flaws and correct them before they become costly.
Accelerated Life Testing
Accelerated life testing simulates the normal types of wear and tear that happens to a product when in normal use. A manufacturer is able to design a series of tests to determine how resistant the product is to stress, strain, temperatures, pressure, voltage, vibration, and many other factors.
Third Party Testing
Sometimes the most effective way to properly test a product is to bring in a third party. An independent tester can often bring a fresh set of eyes to the quality control process. A reputable cable assembly manufacturer should be open to this type of testing when appropriate.
Conclusion
A custom cable assembly that falls short of requirements or fails before expected can be a costly or even dangerous mistake. Ensuring a reliable, high-quality finished product relies on working with a cable assembly manufacturer that has a strong quality control process in place. Meridian Cable has the necessary experience and qualifications to produce wires and cables that perform as expected. When you’re ready to discuss your next project, contact us. We look forward to talking with you.