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Fillers, Binders, Identification Methods
Fillers are generally used for three reasons:
| 1. |
To fill gaps in a cable for a more attractive appearance. |
| 2. |
To create and maintain a sequence or lay-up of components. |
| 3. |
To add strength to a cable. |
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Types of Fillers |
| Solid Plastic |
Typically PVC, and to a lesser degree, Polyethylene. These fillers are available in any size and are commonly used in the cores of many cables. |
| Paper |
These fillers are used extensively in power cables (SJT, SVT, etc.). They are available in flame moisture resistant versions. |
| Foamed & Fibrillated Polypropylene |
Used mainly for the ability to mold to the gap to be filled. These are the most commonly used cable fillers for computer based cable. |
| Cotton, Rayon |
Cotton or rayon fillers are used as a good middle choice between solid and fibrillated polypropylene fillers due to their "filling" ability and low cost. |
| Kevlar |
Used mainly as a strength member, Kevlar is very expensive and should be used when longitudinal strength is required. Kevlar is commonly used in Fiber Optics cables to improve impact and strain resistance. |
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Types of Binders |
| Tapes |
Polyester and polypropylene tapes are commonly used to hold cable bundles together and are frequently used to provide isolation between conductors and shields. |
| Nylon & Textile |
Nylon binders are mainly used when flexibility of a cable must be maintained. They are also used in telephone cables to separate bundles and are supplied color coded for that purpose. Textiles can be braided or served. |
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Cable Identification Methods |
| ID Threads |
Each manufacturing company has identification threads which can be run inside the cable should the need arise to identify the manufacturer. |
| Printed ID Types |
ID tapes with a manufacturer's legend printed with appropriate UL and CSA information can be run in the cable. |
| Surface Marking |
a) Indent Print - Physical impressions of appropriate information in the cable jacket.
b) Surface Ink - Inked information on the jacket surface.
c) Embossed Legend - Raised lettering on the cable jacket.
d) Sequential Printing - Printing occurs every foot in ascending numerical order. |
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