Purchasing industrial flexible cable or wire can cost as little or as much as you want it to, depending on the type, application and durability of the cable or wire you select. These factors, and the quantity you buy in, determine the price of your flexible cable or wire. Any special requirements, like unusual diameters, cable types or lengths can also add to the price, making custom orders more expensive.

Usually, flexible wires and cables are sold by the yard, allowing you to purchase the exact amount you need in a single purchase. Some cables can only be purchased in set lengths, and may require a custom cable order to achieve the desired length. If you want to learn more about flexible cable and wire pricing and costs, consider the following:

1. Buy flat flexible cable for a cheap alternative to more expensive cable types.
2. Purchase bundled flexible wiring for better durability and lower replacement costs.
3. Buy flexible wire and cable from places that allow customization to get exactly what you need.
   

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Buy flexible cable and wire stranded in layers for an economical alternative

Often called flat flexible cable, wire stranded in layers is the cheapest kind of cable to produce, allowing most companies to make it quickly and easily. However, flat flexible cable wire wears out quickly compared to most other kinds of flexible cable because of its construction. Flat flexible cable can be purchased in bulk, by the foot or yard, or in predetermined amounts from most manufacturers, although most suppliers will require you to submit information on the quantity, type and diameter you'll need to receive a quote. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $8.00 a foot, depending on the diameter and type of cable.

I recommend: Request a quote from a leading flat cable manufacturer, like Parlex. Get a price quote from Cicoil, which offers a huge selection.

Purchase flexible cables and wires stranded in bundles to reduce replacement costs

Flexible wiring that has been stranded in bundles reduces pressure on the inner part of the cable and strain on the outer, leading to very high durability and a long lifespan. This kind of cable is more expensive to purchase upfront, but can end up costing less in the long run, particularly if the cables will need to move. As with most purchases directly from the manufacturer, you'll usually need to submit information on the quantity, diameter and type before receiving a quote. If you're buying a lot, be sure to ask about discounts for bulk orders. You'll find bundled flexible cable can cost anywhere from $2.00 to $10.00 per foot.

I recommend: Check out the wide variety available from Igus or Alpha Wire Company and request a quote on the cable you need.

Get custom flexible cables and wires for specialized jobs

Flexible cable and wire distributors sometimes offer custom cable design and manufacturing. This can be a cost effective solution if you need an unusual length or type of flexible cable, or a specific feature not commonly found in normal cable, like extra thick shielding or an unusual type of metal. The price of custom cable design and manufacture will vary widely, depending on the complexity of your cable design, the type of materials you'd like to use, and the quantity you're looking for. Generally, a discussion with a manufacturing representative can tell you just how much you custom cable will cost.

I recommend: Talk with a representative from Allied Wire & Cable or Assemble Connect, two of the leading custom cable suppliers, to learn about their custom cable options and get information on pricing.

Flexible cables come in all shapes and sizes. If you work with this item in your business, you know how frustrating it can be to find just the right flexible wires for a particular job.

You should know that there are flexible wire and cable distributors who specialize in helping you find flexible cable wire. And if they don’t have standard flexible cable in stock for you, many of the same distributors can make custom flexible wire products to meet your specifications. Regardless of the size, flexible cable falls into three main categories:

1. Industrial flexible cable

2. Flexible cable used for electronics

3. Specialty flexible cable

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Determine what your flexible cable needs are

Decide what gauge flexible cable and wire you need, as well as what lengths you need to purchase. Also, note what conductivity you need in your wiring. Factor in the minimum and maximum temperatures under which the wire will operate. Finally, figure out what kind of connectors you need for your flexible wiring.

I recommend: TIM-CO/CAL-RF offers an in-depth chart that compares different types of industrial flexible wire. This can be a helpful guide to deciding what kind of wiring you need. Lapp USA offers a cable specification tool that lets you enter various specs to locate just the right flexible cable for your needs.

Find the right flexible cable distributor to meet your needs

It's important to remember your bottom line when flexible cable, but price shouldn't be your only factor. Find flexible cable and wire distributors that offer good deals on shipping. You also want to find dealers who deliver flexible wire shipments on time, as promised. They should also stand behind their product with a written warranty.

I recommend: With over 800 varieties of flexible cable to choose from, Igus, Inc. can probably supply the right cable for you. SAB North America offers products for automotive, electrical and electronic applications, in addition to any other product that requires repeated bending and flexing.

Work with a distributor to design custom flexible cables for your application

One example of custom flexible cables is a cable festoon. You can design the multiple strands of industrial wiring to carry exactly what you want, exactly where you want it. A festoon can perform the task repeatedly; and with flexible cables, it doesn't wear out.

I recommend: Find cable festoons at Vahle Electrification Systems. Calvert Wire & Cable also offers cable festoons, along with other flexible cables.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Handle flexible wires properly. Uncoil the wiring from the spool according to the manufacturer's directions. Each cable must be able to move from side to side without coming in contact with the flexible wiring next to it. Even though flexible cable bends, it can break if mishandled.

Flexible cables serve a large variety of purposes. Flexible electrical wire is often a vital component of electrical and electronic equipment. It has uses in military and industrial settings. Flexible wiring is not only a component of medical equipment, but doctors also use it to perform medical procedures.

Chances are good that any mechanical item you pick up today has some piece of flexible cable and wire in it. As you look at cable and wire applications and uses you also need to consider individual components of the wiring. These include:

1. The size of the flexible cable or flexible wire. This includes the tensile strength, as well as the thickness of the individual wires.

2. The configuration of the flexible cable and wire. Twisting wires around each other in particular patterns sets up the configuration.

3. The jacket on the flexible cable and wire. This is the protective coating and it comes in a variety of thicknesses.

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Use flexible wire designed for general purposes

This includes wiring created for electronics and instrumentation. Much of this type of flexible wiring is small in diameter. Wiring in this category can be as flexible as hair or more rigid.

I recommend: The flexible wire products from Calvert Wire & Cable are suitable for electronics and other industrial implementation. The company lists the specific uses for each of its flexible cable types. Buy flexible cable from Interstate Wire for general-purpose use, as well as electronic and instrumentation purposes. Among its selection you can find flexible industrial USB cables and flat flexible cable options, as well as a wide variety of jacketing options.

Locate flexible wire constructed to meet military specifications

When you buy flexible wire for military purposes, it must meet certain International Standard Organization (ISO) guidelines. The manufacturer of military flexible wire must be ISO certified to meet those standards.

I recommend: You can find a list of flexible cable and wire applications and uses for military equipment from the flexible cable and wire distributors at Calmont Wire and Cable. The company's site also lists resource where you can find other uses and applications for industrial flexible cable. For a better understanding of flexible cable and wire applications and uses, study the diagrams and corresponding information from Loos and Co.. Many of its industrial flexible wire options are military grade.

Find aerospace certified flexible cables

Even though you may not be manufacturing an item to send into space, flexible wires and cables designed for that purpose can withstand extreme heat and cold. So this particular type of wiring may be suitable for your product.

I recommend: Allied Wire and Cable produces flexible cables for aerospace projects. These flexible wires are capable of withstanding extremes in temperatures while still retaining their flexibility. Cable Specialties is an ISO registered firm that offers flexible cable and wire that meets rigid aerospace specifications. It also offers flexible cable wire for military installations.

Flexible cable and wire are used by a variety of different industries. Companies that manufacture electronics need different types of flexible cable to make their products work. Similarly, cable TV companies use flexible cables, such as fiber optic cables, to deliver their product to their customers. With so many cable and wire choices available, it is important to understand which products your customers need. Find out some basic flexible cable and wire key terms before stocking your shelves or purchasing cables and wires for your company use.

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Cable specifications

The type of cable or wire you will use depends on the type of project you are working on. You also need to know what type of cable connectors work the wire you are using. Understanding and finding cable specifications will help you determine what type of cable and connector is right for your work.

I recommend: TIM-CO CAL-RF has a cable specification chart that can help you determine which type of cable and connector you need.

Control cables

Control cables are typically used on automated machinery. Their flexible properties allow electricity to flow continuously, allowing the machine to work properly.

I recommend: IDS has a picture of a flexible control cable and offers different lines and coatings for their flame-retardant cables.

Continuous flex cables

Continuous flex cables can be control cables, power supply cables or data transfer cables. These cables are made to withstand repeated or continuous flexing. There are even continuous flex cables that are made to withstand small radius bending.

I recommend: Igus describes the functions of continuous flex cables and offers a large line of cables with detailed information on their applications and uses.

Festoon cable

Festoon cables are power supply cables that are used in large applications, such as hoists, monorail systems and other large moving electrical systems.

I recommend: There is a description of festoon cables at Calvert Wire & Cable, as well as a listing of their applications and uses.

Robotic cables

Robotic cables are used in automated applications, or robotic applications, and need to be very flexible. They are commonly used for animatronics and manufacturing robots.

I recommend: Calmont Wire and Cable lists the different common applications for robotic cables, as well as a description of robotic cables and their properties.

Fiber optic cables

Fiber optic cables are an upgraded type of flexible cable that is used for transferring data at a high speed. It has been used in recent years to replace slower transmission wires by cable TV companies and electric companies.

I recommend: ARC Electronics has a very detailed description of fiber optic cables, their uses and their applications. They also include diagrams of different types of fiber optic cables.