Push Pull Cables
Push pull cables and controls are a particular type of control cable designed for the positive and precise transmission of mechanical motion within a given system. Unlike their counterpart pull-pull cables, these wire rope assemblies offer multidirectional control. Additionally, their flexibility allows for easy routing, making them popular in a number of industrial and commercial applications.
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Applications of Push Pull Cables
The action push pull cables make them useful as replacements in hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical control systems for such varied industries as aerospace, marine, electrical, manufacturing, oil and gas, automation and more. Common applications for these control units include automotive seat releases, throttle controls, and even airplane wing flaps. Some controls are obvious and visible, as in standard push lawn mowers, while others are concealed by surrounding equipment, as well as protective casings or sheaths.
Push Pull Cable Design and Customization
In addition to possible casing, push-pull cables have three basic components. The most basic elements are known as filaments. These are cold drawn rods of metal that are relatively small in diameter. Two or more of these units twisted or braided together compose a group of wires known as a strand, the second major component. Finally, these strands are wrapped in a helical pattern around the core. Though the core may be made of fibrous materials or woven components, solid metal or rubber cores are preferable for pushing applications, as they offer greater stability and force.
Whether hidden or exposed, wire fittings and terminals are commonly added to one or both ends of the cables for easy attachment and connection points. Eyes, clamps, slips, forks, and pins are often hardwired into the end point for security, though tool kits are sometimes available and allow greater versatility of a given push-pull component. Completed assemblies offer a reliable means of motion transmission between two fixed points or points that change their positions relative to one another.
In a push-pull system, compression moves the cables in one direction while tension pulls it in the opposing direction, allowing for bidirectional mechanical actuation. To best achieve this, cable specifications, such as length, maximum push and pull loads, thickness, number of bends, housing, and materials should all be carefully considered with regards to the intended use of the control cable. Together, the conduit and core selection, number of bends in the system, and relative friction between the core and conduit determine the efficiency of control. There are numerous combinations of styles and constructions available for push-pull cable assemblies to suit many different applications.
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Push Pull Cable Informational Video