Molded Cables: The Facts
Molded cables are extremely important but are rarely noticed by those using them. According to Meridian Cable’s owner and resident molded cable assemblies expert Bud Kinzalow, though they can be small, these cables serve large and important purposes.
Molded cables derive their name from the fact that plastic is typically molded onto cable, and their purpose is to mechanically attach connectors to cables. Kinzalow notes that custom molded cables are created through a specialized process that allows for maximum protection of important parts. “First,” he says, “the connectors are attached to the cable and are subsequently placed into a mold. Next, the mold is closed and the plastic is injected into the cavity that surrounds the cable terminal or connector interface.”
What results from this process are quality molded cables that can stand the test of time. Kinzalow adds, “People use these protective molded cables every day when they grip the plastic on their headphone jacks, plug something into the computer or plug a power cable into the wall.” Created to protect the connection between wires and connectors, molded cables have become ubiquitous not only in the wire and cable industry but also in everyday life. People are able to charge their computers, listen to music and perform other everyday tasks thanks to molded cable assemblies.
Molded Cables: Typical Uses
One purpose that custom molded cables serve is protection of connectors and cables from the elements. According to Kinzalow, “In years past- and still sometimes today – many connections between wires and connectors were soldered, meaning they were welded at a low temperature and one metal was used to hold together two other dissimilar metals. The resulting soldered connection often needed to be covered so that water, other pieces of metal or environmental elements couldn’t damage or short the connection between the wire and the connector. The over-molding was likely created to provide this protection and ensure a longer lifespan for the soldered cable.”
These days, molded cables are rendered to fit varying types of connectors and serve many different purposes. These numerous everyday uses emphasize the importance, in today’s technologically advanced world, of molded cables. You can find molded cables in:
- Stereos
- Headphones
- Computer chargers
- Cell phone chargers
- Power cords
- USB cables
- Many more everyday devices
Molded Cables: Who Makes Them?
Since molded cables have so many uses, there are numerous manufacturers that can create them to suit varying situations. These manufacturers may turn to custom cable assembly companies like Meridian Cable to design and create custom molded cables for them.
“Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) looking to design and sell molded cables should ensure that the vendor that they turn to is UL, ISO, FDA and even military cage code certified,” Kinzalow advises. For example, if an OEM turns to Meridian Cable to build custom molded cables, they will find that Kinzalow’s company has all the necessary certifications in addition to the design expertise to be able to create a design that is unique to each OEM’s performance specifications. “Also important,” he adds, “is having the manufacturing wherewithal to make the product that the customer needs, the logistics capability to deliver the molded cables anywhere in the world, and the integrity to follow through on what was promised.”
It is extremely important to trust the vendor who is designing and making the cables because, though these molded cables can be small and seemingly easy to make, there is in fact a great deal of work that goes into creating perfectly fitted and useful molded cables.
Molded Cables: Who To Contact
If you are an Original Equipment Manufacturer looking for custom molded cables, contact Meridian Cable (www.meridiancable.com) for service from a UL approved manufacturing facility and UL approved distributor of over 50 different types of wire and cable. Meridian Cable is also ISO 9001:2008, cage code and FDA certified. Call us at 1-866-866-0544 to speak with one of our designers and discuss how we can meet your performance specifications for custom molded cable assemblies or view some of our molded component designs.