Cable Assemblies
Damaged SMPF Cable Assemblies Lead to Serious Consequences To Your Manufacturing Operation
Drawbacks such as expensive downtime and lost production are two of the biggest consequences of damaged SMPF cable assemblies.Oftentimes, the stresses of increased industry demand for cable assemblies lead to OEM’s difficulty in meeting delivery windows as well adding onto your already costly downtime. Combine these potential threats with the pre-existing difficulties tied to design changes being implemented in the midst of a project often leading to cables of the wrong length being delivered and it sets your project(s) back even further. All of these pitfalls accumulate unimaginable costs to your operation.
What to Look for in Third Party Manufacturers
If you have experienced any of these pitfalls you know just how crucial it is to properly source third party manufacturers when deciding who to partner with. Partnering with a reliable third party manufacturer can not only make a huge difference in reducing downtime, but it also ensures that your manufacturing equipment is shipped and delivered on time. But how do you source third party manufacturers effectively beforehand as to avoid these pitfalls and ensure the smooth manufacturing operation of your business? We have four key guidelines to follow when sourcing third party manufacturers:
Lead Time
An Hour of downtime can cost thousands of dollars.
Customization
Servo Motor Cable Assemblies Aren’t one size fits all.
Quality
Quality Cables Keep you in business.
Compatibility
Will it work?
Servo Motor Feedback Cable Lead Time
Lead time is often the most important consideration for companies seeking the assistance of third party servo motor power and feedback cable assembly manufacturers. Damaged or obsolete cables, new design changes dictating cable length changes, and scarcity of cables in the supply chain are a few of the situations you may have experienced that contribute to the challenges associated with lead time. When lead time is a significant challenge, your most important considerations are going to be; a supplier’s component inventory, cable assembly product focus (i.e. the specific needs of servo motor cable consumers), and overall commitment to the customer’s unique needs. Let’s break it down a bit further:
Inventory:
Does the company you’re considering have the correct inventory of servo motor feedback cables and adequate levels needed to support your needs?
An ideal supplier possesses a substantial inventory of cables, connectors, and production tools that are manufactured by a globally respected and recognized company. Ensure that the company you are sourcing has an established track record of meeting lead time requirements.
Electro-Matic has partnered with Siemens to provide a substantial inventory of cables to meet any of the SMPF cable needs you may have. Siemens is one of the most globally respected OEM’s in the world and Electro-Matic has a proven track record in meeting lead time requirements for our customers.
Product Focus:
Does the third party supplier only produce a broad range of wire harnesses and cable assemblies? Or do they have a direct focus on the specific needs of servo motor cable consumers? A supplier must understand the demands of the unique environments and application systems these units are used in.
A supplier with a product oriented focus can help you avoid pitfalls such as premature cable wear out due to improper cable use. That is why it is important that your supplier has an understanding of concepts such as the physical motion that servo motor cables are often subjected to under servo motion control applications.
A supplier that understands when a standard servo motor cable can be used in an assembly versus a cable designed for continuous single axis flexing or torsional flexing motion is important. Does the SMPF cable assembly supplier being considered understand how to properly design and manufacture these assemblies?
Electro-Matic and Siemens understand that properly shielded servo motor feedback cables, and the correct grounding of these shields are critical factors in achieving your required performance.
Working with an experienced design staff that has a focus on engineering quality will not only help you receive your orders on time, it will also ensure the complete functionality of your project.
Customer Commitment:
Does your third party manufacturer understand the consequences and impact of downtime on your project? Or how delayed machine run offs and missing required equipment ship dates impact your business? Furthermore, does the prospective supplier have the flexibility in their production systems to accommodate your urgent orders?
Electro-Matic takes the time to understand the needs of each company’s unique projects and production requirements. This directly correlates to reducing your lead time to not only meet your projects needs from a product stance, but also processing your orders on time to avoid costly shipping delays.
Servo Motor Feedback Cable Customization
While it is often true that servo drives and motors within Servo Motion Control Automation (SMCA) systems can be the same from project to project, the interconnecting servo motor cables often differ based on each project’s unique requirements. There are a few determining factors such as cable length, layout, or the need for corrosion resistant connectors that may impact your interconnecting servo motor cable needs. Most SMCA OEMs typically offer cables in standard lengths, connector or cable types and assembly configurations. A third-party servo motor cable manufacturer can be a source for unique cable assemblies that address your uncommon design requirements. When sourcing third party manufacturers for customization capabilities, your key considerations are going to revolve length variations, connector variations, and special configurations.
Length Variations:
Is the cable assembly supplier under consideration capable of supplying your length variations needs without adding to your lead time?
Unexpected design changes can result in the need to procure SMPF cable assemblies with lengths much different than originally planned, thus rendering previously purchased units unusable for your project.
Servo motor cables that are too long can coil up in the bottom of a control cabinet resulting in unwanted noise in your control system. On the other hand cables that are too short are often strained or stretched at the point of connection leading to damage.
Electro-Matic can provide any length variation needed, while also working within a tight time frame to get you the cables you need with little or no downtime. A supplier that can provide cables with the necessary length quickly, will prove to be a real asset.
Connector Variations:
Does the supplier you are considering have access to and know how to design non-standard connectors?
Frequently servo motors are mounted in tight fitting areas with not a lot of space around them. In these cases, standard OEM assemblies may be challenging to use and cable assemblies made with non-standard connectors can make a big difference.
Typically, manufacturers of SMCA systems offer cable assemblies with straight plugs only. This can interfere with installation, and oftentimes a right angle or 90 degree plug may fit the application better.
Electro-Matic has access to non-standard connectors and understands the benefits of using connecting plugs that are tilted to best fit your application.
Special Configurations:
Does your project require an uncommon servo motor cable configuration? Do you need to be able to provide a means to tear down and set up equipment quickly? Do you need to offer equipment that is more serviceable?
When equipment has to be disassembled after a run off, shipped and set back up in a short time frame, connectorized automation comes in handy. However, since servo motors are often embedded in equipment where access to motor plugs is limited, cable assemblies with inline connections can be a good solution.
Servo motor cables are often installed in energy chains (cat-tracks) and due to the continuous movement can wear out. Cable assemblies designed with inline connections especially when used with bulkhead assemblies, can allow for quick cable assembly or cat-track module replacements, thus making equipment more serviceable.
A capable and experienced third-party manufacturer of servo motor cables will understand the importance of being able to offer length and connector variations, as well as, special cable assembly configurations. Electro-Matic has the experience and know-how to provide any special cable assembly configuration for your project.
Check out our blog on “5 Ways to Customize Servo Motor Cables For Improved Functionality” to learn more.
Servo Motor Feedback Cable Quality
Quality cables give you reliability, performance and confidence. When the standard cable offerings from major OEM’s are in short supply, or do not fit the unique needs of an application, third-party manufacturers have to be considered. When evaluating potential third-party suppliers as a source for Servo Motor Cable assemblies, it should be evident the supplier is focused on delivering quality in their products.
When selecting a third-party manufacturer the following should be considered:
- Does the supplier have a quality system (e.g. ISO 9001 or other)?
- Can the supplier demonstrate defect detection and containment is designed into their processes, procedures and work instructions?
- Does the supplier provide continuous training on industry recognized best manufacturing practices for assembly personnel (IPC-620 certification)?
- Does the third-party manufacturer being considered offer UL services?
- Does the supplier offer a means to test assemblies electrically to established standards or signatures and conduct thorough inspections on finished goods?
Electro-Matic works hard to maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification. This comprehensive quality management system provides a greater sense of responsibility and quality consciousness among our employees empowering them to better use time, resources, reduce waste while enhancing product quality. Our customers are the beneficiaries of our commitment to process and quality. Electro-Matic is committed to fulfilling both quality and environmental policies.
Servo Motor Feedback Cable Compatibility
Deciding whether or not to use third party manufactured cables can be a difficult decision. The majority of companies purchase cables as part of a complete system from a single source, meaning there is only a single point of contact when technical support is needed. When production downtime and late deliveries are your reality, a third-party product may be what stands between success or the lack of.
- Does the supplier have an established history of delivering quality Servo Motor Cables?
- Are there Servo Motion Control OEMs that recognize the company being considered an acceptable alternative supplier?
- Can the supplier demonstrate the compatibility of the components used in their assemblies?
Electro-Matic gives you a wide selection of cables, connectors, and cable assemblies, with fast turnaround times. With customizable options to maximize functionality, we make sure every customer gets what they’re looking for.
Get on the Fast Track With Electro-Matic
“Fast track” your servo motor cables and see why customers around the world rely on Electro-Matic for urgently needed servo motor cable assemblies in short time frames.
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