Batteries & Chargers
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy.[1] There are two types of batteries: primary batteries (disposable batteries), which are designed to be used once and discarded, and secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries), which are designed to be recharged and used multiple times. Miniature cells are used to power devices such as hearing aids and wristwatches; larger batteries provide standby power for telephone exchanges or computer data centers. Common types of disposable batteries include zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries. Generally, these have higher energy densities than rechargeable batteries,[36] but disposable batteries do not fare well under high-drain applications with loads under 75 ohms (75 Ω). Common types of secondary batteries include several "dry cell" types, which are sealed units and are therefore useful in appliances such as mobile phones and laptop computers. Cells of this type (in order of increasing power density and cost) include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells.
Cable Assemblies
A cable consists of two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted or braided together. When the cables conductors are terminated on either or both ends by any one of many styles of connector products it becomes a cable assembly. A cable assembly can be created using any of the below types of cable:
• Coaxial cable
• Multi-conductor cable
• Ribbon cable
• Shielded cable
• Single discrete cable
• Twisted pair
• Mineral-insulated copper-clad cable
• Twinax cable
Contract Manufacturing
The use of machines, tools and labor to produce goods as contracted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs). The term is most commonly applied to industrial production, in which raw materials are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. Such finished goods may be used for manufacturing other, more complex products, such as aircraft, household appliances or automobiles, or sold to wholesalers, who in turn sell them to retailers, who then sell them to end users – the "consumers".
Machining
Conventional machining is a collection of material-working processes in which power-driven machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and drill presses, are used with a sharp cutting tool to mechanically cut the material to achieve the desired geometry. Machining is a part of the manufacture of almost all metal products, and it is common for other materials, such as wood and plastic, to be machined. Much of modern day machining is controlled by computers using computer numerical control (CNC) machining.
Metal Fabrication
Fabrication as an industrial term which refers to building metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling. The cutting part of fabrication is via sawing, shearing, or chiseling (all with manual and powered variants) and via CNC cutters (using a laser, plasma torch, or water jet). The bending is via hammering (manual or powered) or via press brakes and similar tools. The assembling (joining of the pieces) is via welding, binding with adhesives, riveting, threaded fasteners, or even yet more bending in the form of a crimped seam. Structural steel and sheet metal are the usual starting materials for fabrication, along with the welding wire, flux, and fasteners that will join the cut pieces. As with other manufacturing processes, both human labor and automation are commonly used.
PCB Assembly
Also known as Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) is a term used for companies that design, test, manufacture, distribute, and provide return/repair services for electronic components and assemblies of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The concept is also referred to as Electronic Contract Manufacturing (ECM). Most EMS also provides design services used in conceptual product development advice and mechanical, electrical and software design assistance. Testing services perform in-circuit, functional, environmental, agency compliance, and analytical laboratory testing. Electronic manufacturing services are located throughout the world. They vary in terms of production capabilities and comply with various quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Wire Harness
A wire harness, wiring assembly or wiring loom, is a string of cables and/or wires which transmit informational signals or operating currents (energy). The cables are bound together by clamps, cable ties, cable lacing, sleeves, electrical tape, conduit, a weave of extruded string, or a combination thereof. Most commonly used in automobiles, aircraft, military vehicles, medical equipment, appliances, as well as construction machinery, wire harnesses provide several advantages over loose wires and cables. By binding the many wires and cables into a harness, the wires and cables can be better secured against the adverse effects of vibrations, abrasions, and moisture. By constricting the wires into a non-flexing bundle, usage of space is optimized, and the risk of a short is decreased. Since the installer has only one harness to install (as opposed to multiple wires), installation time is decreased and the process can be easily standardized. Binding the wires into a flame-retardant sleeve also lowers the risk of electrical fires. A wire harness can be created using any of the below types of wire or cable:
• Coaxial cable
• Multi-conductor cable
• Ribbon cable
• Shielded cable
• Single discrete cable
• Twisted pair
• Mineral-insulated copper-clad cable
• Twinax cable