Epec's Blog | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions

In today's global electronics landscape, sourcing challenges are more than just a procurement problem, they’re a risk to production timelines, quality, and long-term customer satisfaction. Cable assemblies, which often require precision tooling, are especially vulnerable when changes in your supply chain force a transition to a new manufacturing partner.

In the evolving world of electronics manufacturing, the materials used to build custom cable assemblies have a direct impact on the performance, durability, and overall reliability of the end product. There are numerous types of materials used, from metals to plastics and from finishes to coatings, with each playing a vital role in how the cable functions and enabling it to meet a wide range of requirements.

RF cables are used in applications that require ultra-high-speed data and information to be transferred, specifically covering electromagnetic radio frequencies from 3kHz to 300GHz. These frequencies may consist of satellite communication, Wi-Fi, and cellular signals as well as AM/FM radio and analog/digital television.

Membrane switches are a widely used interface technology, offering a cost-effective, highly reliable, and customizable solution for user input applications. These switches are found in industries ranging from medical devices to industrial controls, where durability and functionality are paramount.

The telecommunication industry is the foundation of global connectivity, enabling seamless communication through wired and wireless systems. While cutting-edge wireless technology like 5G and satellite TV often steals the spotlight, wired telecommunication remains indispensable for its reliability and performance.

In manufacturing, color is more than just a visual aesthetic. It is a critical factor influencing brand identity, product usability, and customer satisfaction. From the vibrant hues of a graphic overlay to the subtle tones of a silicone rubber keypad, manufacturers must navigate a complex world of color callouts to ensure their products meet functional and aesthetic requirements.

In industries ranging from robotics to automotive to consumer electronics, flexibility is a crucial attribute of modern cable assemblies. Flexible cables enable compact routing, support dynamic motion, and enhance durability in challenging environments.

Outdoor-rated enclosures incorporate numerous technologies to stand up to the harsh conditions they must face. These technologies include waterproof keypads and membrane switches, custom silicone gasketing, and highly engineered raw materials such as weatherable ABS/PC blends that can be injection molded creating the custom enclosure shape.

Custom cable assemblies are terminated with a wide range of connector types. These range from the simplest of connections that include ring, spade, and fork terminals, to highly specialized circular connectors used for military and aerospace applications. For the latter, some connector families are single-sourced and only available from a single connector manufacturer.

Within the complexities of modern manufacturing, the creation of custom cable assemblies stands out as a testament to both engineering precision and the nuanced understanding of materials science. These engineered products are tailored to meet the specific needs of various applications and are pivotal in powering, connecting, and ensuring the reliability of a wide range of electronic devices and systems from dozens of industries.