What information is needed to quote a custom cable?
Identify both mating devices or connector part numbers, contact gender, coding, locking and exit direction. Define the length measurement points, tolerance and branch positions. Include sample and production quantities, delivery destination and the required date. Ask for assumptions and exclusions to be written in the quotation.
How should the drawing and pinout be defined?
Label mating-face or wiring-side views and map every signal, shield and unused contact. Give the drawing a revision and record unresolved fields explicitly. If you do not have a drawing, send port photos and equipment documents for review. A generic connector illustration is not an approved production drawing.
How do you agree sample acceptance?
Separate mechanical fit, electrical checks and equipment operation. Agree the test method, limits, sample quantity and pass/fail criteria before approval. Where motion or environmental performance matters, record the conditions to be checked. Do not treat a continuity check as proof of high-speed, sealing or cycle-life performance.
What should be confirmed before repeat production?
Keep the approved sample identification and drawing revision with the order. Confirm labeling, packaging, test records and how substitutions or design changes are reviewed. Ask for MOQ, price validity, tooling and delivery timing for this configuration; no universal minimum quantity or lead time is promised by this checklist.
Common mistakes
- Approving a sample while its pin map or drawing revision remains unresolved.
- Comparing prices without matching inspection, tooling and packaging scope.
What to include in your inquiry
- Both interfaces, contact gender, coding and locking
- View-labeled pin map; length/tolerance; drawing revision
- Movement, environment and agreed acceptance tests
- Sample/production quantities, destination and required date
Use this checklist to prepare a specification. Confirm the final assembly against your equipment documentation and the agreed drawing.