How Aircraft Control Cables Are Constructed

How Aircraft Control Cables Are Constructed

In the aerospace industry, control cables are essential for a variety of applications.aviation cable From aircraft rigging to supporting structural components, the strength and reliability of these wires help ensure operator safety. While various cable configurations exist, only the best options meet rigorous military specifications for optimal performance and long-term durability.

Aircraft cable is created from multiple individual steel wire strands, meticulously arranged to create a strong, flexible bundle that strikes the perfect balance between strength and maneuverability.aviation cable This specialized design is what allows the cable to withstand the incredible stress, torque, and tension it experiences on a daily basis, allowing for precise control while maintaining its strength over time.

A variety of materials are used to construct these durable, dependable wires, including galvanized carbon steel and corrosion-resistant stainless steel.aviation cable Stainless steel is often preferred because it offers improved resistance to extreme temperatures, which can be particularly challenging for cables. Additionally, it typically has a higher tensile strength than galvanized carbon steel.

Choosing the right type of aircraft cable for your specific application is largely dependent on what your system requires.aviation cable If you have the luxury of choosing between two types of aircraft cable, consider the cost and tensile strength differences before making your final decision. Stainless steel aircraft cable is generally more expensive than galvanized carbon steel cable, but it offers the advantages of improved temperature resistance and superior tensile strength over time.

The way that aircraft cable is classified by manufacturers is based on the number of strands and the number of wires in each strand.aviation cable For example, aircraft cable that's labeled 7x19 consists of seven strands with 19 wires per strand. The different wire counts give each type of aircraft cable unique properties that make it more or less suitable for particular applications.

While most people associate the term aircraft cable with the aviation industry, it is actually used in a variety of other industries.aviation cable For instance, it is commonly found in construction, mining, and military applications. In these applications, aircraft cable is often paired with pulleys and winches that experience considerable strain, pressure, and heat on a regular basis. This combination of forces can create a significant amount of friction, which can cause the wires to fray or even break under the high level of stress and tension that these equipment components must endure.

To avoid these issues, it's important to regularly inspect your cable assemblies for signs of wear and tear that may compromise its strength or reliability.aviation cable It's also a good idea to check for critical fatigue areas, which are any portions of the assembly that could be subjected to repeated loading or flexing over a period of time. This can include any areas that run over, under, around, or through a pulley or sleeve, as well as any portion of the assembly that runs over or within one foot of a swaged-on fitting. If you find any broken strands in these critical fatigue areas, it's a good idea to have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent failure.

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