The humble cable tie, so called as its sole purpose was always simply to secure cables together, is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment, comprising one smooth side and one toothed zip side.
First invented in 1958 and used mainly in the electrical industry, the cable tie today has applications in a variety of areas.
Cable ties in the Aerospace Industry
The Boeing747 aeroplane has 150 miles of cabling, surpassed by the double decker Airbus A380 which has in excess of 320! With these statistics in mind, it becomes clear to see why efficient cable management is essential. The type of cable tie needed varies with the type of cable; heavy-duty ties are necessary for larger cables and hoses, while miniature ties are required for small, tight spaces. In all instances, heat stabilised options are preferable for their thermal endurance.
Cable ties in the Automotive Industry
As with the aerospace industry, the type of cable tie required in the automotive industry will depend on where they will be used. For wiring under the bonnet for example, chemical and heat resistant ties should be a priority and should be able to withstand harsh conditions involving petrol, oil and grease. Stainless steel cable ties are a popular choice due to their heat resistance and ability to withstand weathering.
Cable ties in the Manufacturing Industry
This industry involves the production of a finished item through the transformation of materials and components. These transformations can be physical, chemical or mechanical and may produce an item that will in turn be used to create something else. A basic use of the cable tie in this industry is to secure components such as generator parts, against vibration and to secure goods during transit.
Cable ties in the Electronic Industry
The most widely recognised use of the cable tie is in the securing of cables and wiring to computers. Cost effective and strong, nylon cable ties can be heat stabilised and offer security and flexibility. Coloured cable ties also have a part to play in organising the wiring inside data cabinets, where often tangled cables present as one jumbled mess. Different coloured cable ties can be used to group cables or components of a similar type quickly and easily. Marker cable ties can also be useful here allowing identifying information to be recorded.
Cable ties in the Construction and Mining Industries
A range of cable ties are employed within these industries, from those able to withstand harsh conditions to those used to secure fragile wiring. Nylon 6/6 has a high enough tensile strength to secure scaffold netting and sheeting and even the actual scaffolding, while cable ties manufactured from 316 stainless steel will be resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. These ties are also weather and chemical resistant.
Cable ties in the Food Production and Pharmaceutical Industries
Where stringent safety laws and contamination risks are prevalent, metal detectable cable ties are essential. The evenly spread metal content throughout the tie will permit even the smallest fragment to be detected and the ties are often a vibrant colour for easy visual detection.
Cable ties in the Healthcare Industry
Where the safe disposal of clinical waste, in line with official guidelines and requirements, is essential, pre-printed cable ties are invaluable.
Cable ties and the Emergency Services
Pre-printed cable ties fulfil a vital role in both the police and fire services, where chain of evidence and evidence classification is paramount.
The amount of industries and applications for cable ties has resulted in a host of different types and today you can select from almost any sort, from the humble nylon tie (UV and heat stabilised or not) to the more sophisticated pre-printed, releasable and reusable cable tie. Whatever your requirement, today there is a cable tie that will meet your needs.
