The purpose of this report is to provide information on the results of ultraviolet (UV) laser marking and mark contrast measurement of a wide range of aerospace wire and cable constructions, the specifications for most of which do not state specific requirements for laser markability. The contents of this document are for information and guidance only. It is not intended that it be used as the basis for marking process specifications or standards, which are covered by AS5649.
Wire and cable products progress through a series of handling or operational steps from the time they leave the manufacturer, and until a finished harness or assembly is ready for installation on a vehicle. Throughout these many steps, environmental or processing conditions may be present which can generate damage detrimental to the wire or cable and/or its intended application.
This specification establishes the performance requirements for the identification of wire and cable by indirect markings that have been applied to electrical insulating materials including heat shrink sleeving, wrap around labels and “tie-on” tags as well as any other types of materials used for indirect marking. This specification covers the processes used to mark these materials, including impact ink marking, thermal transfer, hot stamp, and lasers, etc. This specification does not cover the direct marking on insulated electrical wires and cables.
This standard is applicable to the marking of aerospace vehicle electrical wires and cables using ultraviolet (UV) lasers. This standard specifies the process requirements for the implementation of UV laser marking of aerospace electrical wire and cable and fiber optic cable to achieve an acceptable quality mark using equipment designed for UV laser marking of identification codes on aerospace wire and cable. Wiring specified as UV laser markable subject to AS4373 and which has been marked in accordance with this standard will conform to the requirements of AS50881.
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) describes the etching of fluoropolymer electrical wire insulations to ensure that all facets of the process from the chemistry to the processing, to the storage and handling are well defined.
This specification applies to complete cable assemblies (using either molded on or attachable plugs) used to connect external electric power to aircraft and to attachable plugs used as replacement for plugs damaged in service.