Cable Extrusion
Cable jacketing and extrusion is an essential part of the cable construction process, protecting the cable from mechanical damage and environmental hazards.
Key services
- Cost-effective cable extrusion and jacketing
- A wide range of coloured cable jackets
- Full cable design or extrusion of an existing cable
- STD/HR/LSOH graded
- Over 18 cable jacketing grades of compound in stock
- Colour and compound change on existing cables
CDC utilise a vast range of different materials for extrusion and jacketing purposes, and use state of the art extruders to provide a perfect finish.
The kind of extrusion utilised, and the material used for that extrusion, will depend on your specific operational performance requirements and budget.
Cable extrusion is applied at numerous points in the cable design process, with each layer of extrusion or jacketing carrying out a vital function in the overall performance of the cable.
Conductor insulation
Insulating the conductors of a cable ensures that electrical current cannot deviate from its intended route.
It isolates conductors from other conductors and outside influences, ensuring that the conductor performs unhampered.
The material and thickness of the insulation used on a conductor determines the maximum operating voltage of a cable.
The material used to insulate conductors is determined by the range of temperatures the cable will be exposed to, flexibility, mutual capacitance, environmental operating conditions and the intended purpose of the cable.
Bedding Layer
A bedding layer is a cost-effective ‘filler’ used in certain applications. It can be used to increase the diameter of a cable and improve its overall shape, which is important for non-standard cable designs.
Bedding layers can also provide moisture protection and a mechanical barrier between inner and outer conductors.
When cable armouring is utilised, a bedding layer is usually added to the cable beforehand.
Final Cable Jacket
Cable jacketing gathers all the components of a cable into a compact unit, providing protection against external damage and physical wear.
The material used for a cable jacket is determined by the operating environment – such as temperature and exposure to liquids – as well as the flexibility and mechanical strength required for the cable’s intended application.
Cable jackets are also used for branding purposes,where a company’s logo or name can be printed on the side. This is for aesthetic and, more importantly, health and safety purposes.