The Art and Science Behind Cable Manufacturing Excellence - Gem Cable Solutions

1. The Art and Science Behind Cable Manufacturing Excellence, Not all cables are made the same – and getting the most from the cables you invest in means prioritising cable manufacturing excellence. Quality processes throughout the cable supply chain mean that you not only get a quality product at the end – but also a compliant one that is safe to use. These are the various stages of art and science behind cable manufacturing excellence. Specification This is the part of the process that will ensure that a cable is ultimately going to be compatible with output or performance needs. Design, specification, as well as the size and construction of the cable will all be taken into account at this stage. Various different elements of specification could include fire resistance, UV resistance and safety performance. Manufacturing If the specification element is the art then it’s manufacturing where we start to see the science. Quality cables are carefully manufactured to their specific design blueprint and that requires a focus on the processes and procedures involved. This is the stage where material types and quantities are likely to be selected – these will have a direct impact on the eventual quality and performance of the cable. Manufacturing is the process that will ensure that cables are being produced to a specific standard, ensuring compliance and ongoing surveillance testing. The testing part of the manufacturing process is particularly vital – and a key ‘science’ element. Routine and sample testing will be required to ensure quality assurance of cables. There may also be very specific robust testing necessary, depending on the type of cable and where it’s going to be used. This may be done by a third party certification body in order to assess each material component of the cable. One obvious example of this is chemical and fire testing, which will be used to look at factors, such as how the cable behaves when it comes into contact with chemicals and whether it produces smoke in a fire. Handling, storing and installing Once cables have been created, the next stage in the supply chain is handling, storing and installing. All of these will ultimately have an impact on whether that cable can perform to the standards of excellence that are expected of it. Even if manufacturing excellence has

2. been achieved, if best practice standards aren’t being met during handling, storing and installing then this could significantly damage performance. There are various schemes that certify those who are handling and storing cables, based on the practices that they use when dealing with cables. When it comes to installation this can have a huge impact on how the cable ultimately performs. Installation needs to be in line with current industry practices and carried out by professionals in order to ensure that the potential of manufacturing excellence is truly being achieved. Cable manufacturing is a process that relies on a range of different components in order to achieve overall excellence. From specification to installation there are many different stages to consider. At GEM Cable we are AS9100D & BS EN ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001- 2015 certified UK manufacturers of bespoke boxes, harnesses, wiring looms, panels, fibre optic products and total network solutions. cable assemblies, control