What Is Braided Wire Made Of?

 

Braided wire is a type of shielding used to strengthen a cable and prevent electromagnetic interference. The reason for the name is fairly straightforward, as the shielding consists entirely of sets of smaller wires that have been braided together into a cylindrical shape that encapsulates the actual wiring within the cable. 

What Is Braided Wire Made Of?

Braided wire is typically made of two specific materials. It is usually either tinned copper or silver-plated copper, but you can find other variations of coated copper in some braided wiring. While they are less common, you may also find braided wires made with totally different metals for specific uses through your custom wire company.

These specific materials and their configuration are very important for the proper function of braided wire. The braided copper allows for total coverage of the interior wiring without losing much flexibility. The total coverage blocks electromagnetic interference and provides a tough physical barrier to all sorts of physical damage.

Where Is Braided Wire Used?

Braided wire has countless applications. Many of the devices in your home, your car, and your pocket use some variation of this technology to create secure, sturdy, and flexible connections. While you can find braided wire practically everywhere, the top applications include: coaxial cables, medical devices, and automotive electrical systems. 

Why Is Braided Wire Important?

Obviously, we all want strong flexible cables that are easy to use, but the truth is that those aren’t even the most important reasons for using braided wire. The braided metal’s ability to block electromagnetic interference is absolutely crucial to the reliable function of the cable. 

Without some form of shielding to block interference, the devices that rely on those cables are unlikely to function properly. You may notice slowed responses, malfunctions, and complete failure to operate. Of course, braided wire isn’t the only shield that can be used this way, but it does come with some excellent additional benefits. 

 

What Other Shielding Options Exist?

Your custom cable company provides braiding and shielding services in order to make sure you find the right shielding technology for your project. 

If we were to be precise, we could list dozens of different shielding types that are available. Instead, let’s focus on some of the most common categories of shielding other than braided wire in order to build familiarity before you discuss the specifics with the Calmont engineers. 

Foil Shielding

Foil shielding is usually an aluminum and mylar composite that has been made into a tape for easy application. 

When foil shielding is applied properly, it can provide 100% coverage to significantly reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference. Unfortunately, it cannot provide any physical protection. 

Spiral Shielding

Spiral shielding consists of wrapping metal, usually a form of copper, down the cable in a spiral pattern. When done correctly, there should be no significant gaps. 

Total coverage with a proper application is estimated to be around 95%. This type of shielding does increase the physical strength of the cable, but they have limited frequency coverage. 

Tape Shielding

Tape shielding combines a metal surface with a mylar or polyester backing. While they have some different properties, tape shielding is very similar to foil shielding in terms of coverage and the weakness to physical force. 

Combination Shielding

If you’re looking for the best possible coverage and physical protection for your cables, then combination shielding is probably your best option. 

Rather than simply using one form of shielding, combination shielding tends to combine braided wire with at least one other form of shielding for more complete protection.