Our latest guide takes a deep dive into all things cable tie! From its origins, what it is used for and in what industries, to its features and strengths, we have everything you need to know.
Who invented cable ties
Maurus C Logan invented the cable tie, or zip tie, in the 1950s as an aid for workers in the aircraft industry. His original patent in 1958 was for the Ty-Rap cable tie. His is a fascinating story that you can read more about in our article Who invented cable ties?
What are cable ties?
Cable ties go by many names from ty-rap (after the original patent) to zip tie, as well as tie wraps and mouse belts. They are strips, usually of nylon or stainless steel, that are used to fasten round bundles of wires or cables to secure them and make them more manageable.
What are cable ties made of?
Cable ties are made from a specific type of plastic known as nylon, a stiff and durable material. At cableties-online, our cable ties are manufactured from a particular type of nylon known as nylon 6/6. This refers to the molecular make up of the plastic, which renders it particularly strong and heat resistant. To learn more about the science behind the cable tie, What are cable ties made of? has some great information.
Metal cable ties are made from marine grade 316 stainless steel, considered fireproof thanks to its high melting point of 1375 – 1530°C (2500-2785°F)
Types of cable tie
In addition to nylon and stainless steel cable ties there are PVC- and epoxy resin-coated nylon cable ties. There are also metal detectable cables ties manufactured from nylon 6/6 but containing an evenly distributed metal content throughout, which enables them to be detected by scanning equipment. Nylon cable ties can be UV and heat stabilised, releasable and eco-friendly and there are variations of the basic nylon cable tie that feature different mounts. An assortment of printing solutions are also available for nylon cable ties to support a variety of industrial applications too.
Choosing the right cable tie
With the choice available, it is vital to choose the correct cable tie for your needs. Things to consider include materials (nylon or metal), the environment the cable tie will be used in, and how strong the cable tie needs to be. Environmental factors that could impact your choice of tie are such things as whether the tie will be used indoors and out, and whether it will be exposed to extremes of temperature or weather conditions. Strength is also important to factor in. The tensile strength of cable ties determines how much weight the tie can safely bear without compromise so it is essential that any cable tie you choose, is up to the job!
Industrial uses for cable ties
From its roots in the aircraft industry back in the 1950s, the cable tie today is used across a whole host of industries, from construction & mining, manufacturing and electronics, to food production, pharmaceutical and healthcare.
Cable ties from cableties-online
Whatever your cable tie requirements, we can help. With over 50 years’ experience in the supply of cable ties to commercial, industrial and domestic markets, we offer our customers the peace of mind that they will receive top quality products, with the support of a friendly, knowledgeable and professional sales team. For any queries, please send an email to the team at sales@cableties-online.co.uk or call us on 01623 412160.
