Bowden cable manufacturerCustomised bowden cable
Bowden cables for power transmission and control of mechanical functions such as trigger mechanisms, releases or circuits.
Push pull control cable
Customised bowden cable

Bowden cable and push pull control cable manufacturer

As an experienced manufacturer and supplier of custom bowden cables and push-pull control cables, we assemble your bowden cable to fit your application perfectly. Our bowden cables consist of pressure-resistant spiral sheaths combined with assembled steel wire ropes as the pulling element. In addition, a flexible POM lining tube can be inserted between the spiral sheath and the steel wire rope to increase efficiency.

We are a manufacturer of custom-made bowden cables. We can manufacture bowden cables or push, pull, and actuator cables exactly to your specifications. By selecting the right components, we can guarantee a wide range of possible functions. As a supplier of custom bowden cables for industry, our tailor-made bowden cables are used in a wide range of sectors. We develop tailor-made solutions for controlling mechanical functions in mechanical and plant engineering, precision engineering, conveyor technology, robotics, medical technology, and many other areas.

Power transmission with finest wire ropes

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What is a bowden cable? - The structure

A bowden cable is made up of several parts. The bowden cable assembly starts with a sleeve and a bowden cable core. The core is made from high quality steel wire. The bowden control cables steel or stainless steel sleeves and other components can be assembled individually. The numerous standard components allow a wide range of variation possibilities. Create your own bowden cable.

Further information

Bowden cable left
Bowden cable right

Bowden cable made to measure - The components

Our customer-specific and tailor-made product development enables us to put together all variations, both with our standard components and with special components, into a bowden cable that is tailored to your needs. As a bowden cable manufacturer, we produce your bowden cables made to measure.

Spiral sheaths
Spiral sheaths

Spiral sheaths give the bowden cable the necessary stability and reduce friction and wear.

  • flat wire spirals
  • push pull spirals
  • round wire spirals
Spiral end connections
Spiral end connections

If spiral end connections are used, ready-to-install bowden cables can be fixed and fastened in every application.

  • end caps
  • adjusting screw
  • hose sockets
Bulk wire rope
Bulk wire rope

In a bowden cable, the wire rope is jointly responsible for friction and is also used for power transmission.

  • strands
  • wire ropes
  • special terminals
End terminals
End terminals

Cable end connections are the interface between the cable and your application. Due to the multitude of possible combinations, we can create the right bowden cable for you.

  • pressed rope ends
  • injected rope ends
  • special terminals
Bowden cable electric

With a fully automatic cable assembly, we are able to process standard crimp contacts.
The assembly of individual conductors creates cable harnesses through which signals and working currents can be transmitted.
In addition to cable assembly, we also offer ready-to-install cable harnesses for the manufacture of ready-to-install electric bowden cables.

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Possible applications for bowden cables

The following examples give you an insight into the extensive variation options. We are able to manufacture customized bowden cable for your application.

Konkavex system bowden cables

Konkavex sytem bowden cables offer an absolutely pressure resistant casing. This results in a much higher efficiency compared to a conventional bowden cable. The basic elements are threaded together on a fluoropolymer liner. This liner serves as an inner coating for the cable as well as a support for the basic elements. With their unique design the aligned basic elements form a bowden cable which is extremely flexible and highly pressure resistant at the same time. This system is suitable for cable Ø 1,2- 1,5 mm.

Konkavex system bowden cables

Konkavex system Bowden cables

Questions and answers – Bowden cables and push-pull cables

A bowden cable is a mechanical force transmission system consisting of a flexible, pressure-resistant outer sheath and a cable or wire running inside it. When the inner cable is actuated, it transfers a mechanical force or movement from the operating element to the functional component.

The bowden cable operating principle allows forces and movements to be transmitted flexibly, including around bends and between components that are physically separated. Depending on the design, bowden cables can be used for actuation, release, adjustment and unlocking mechanisms.

A push-pull cable, also known as a push-pull bowden cable or push-pull control cable, is designed to transmit both tensile and compressive forces.

Unlike a conventional bowden cable, which is primarily used to transmit pulling forces, a push-pull cable enables movement in both directions. This makes it suitable for mechanical control, adjustment, switching and actuation applications.

The key difference is the type of force that can be transmitted. A conventional bowden cable is primarily designed to transmit tensile forces, whereas a push-pull cable can transmit both tensile and compressive forces.

The appropriate solution depends on the application, required forces, stroke, cable routing and bending radii.

The construction of a bowden cable consists essentially of an inner cable and an outer bowden sheath. Depending on the application, the inner cable can be a wire rope, wire or strand.

Additional components such as an inner liner, guides, end fittings and connection elements can also be incorporated. The individual components are selected and configured according to the requirements of the application.

Bowden cables enable flexible mechanical force transmission in a compact design. Key advantages include:

  • flexible routing, including around bends
  • compact construction
  • reliable mechanical actuation
  • different wires, wire ropes and strands can be used
  • a wide range of end fittings
  • application-specific material selection
  • protection of the inner cable by the outer sheath
  • ready-to-install cable assemblies
  • low maintenance requirements

Through application-specific design, bowden cables can also be adapted to demanding technical applications and restricted installation spaces.

The forces that can be transmitted by a bowden cable depend on its design and operating conditions. Important factors include the inner cable, diameter, material, outer sheath, cable length, bending radius and routing.

A conventional bowden cable is primarily used to transmit tensile forces. A push-pull cable, on the other hand, is designed to transmit both tensile and compressive forces.

The required operating forces, potential peak loads and expected service life should be considered during the design process.

The permissible bending radius of a bowden cable depends on its construction and the components used. Factors include the diameter and construction of the inner cable, the outer sheath and any inner liner.

The bending radius should be considered during the design process. Excessively tight or repeated bends can increase friction and wear and affect the required actuation force.

The correct bowden cable design starts with the requirements of the application. Important factors include:

  • tensile and, where applicable, compressive forces
  • operating stroke
  • overall length
  • bending radii and cable routing
  • available installation space
  • actuation speed
  • required service life and number of cycles
  • temperature and environmental conditions
  • required end fittings

Based on these requirements, the inner cable, outer sheath, liner, materials and end fittings can be selected and configured for the specific application.

Bowden cables can be configured using different wires, wire ropes, strands, outer sheaths, liners and connection components. The selection depends on factors such as strength, flexibility, friction, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and service life.

Special inner liners can also be used to optimise the sliding properties. Bowden cables with integrated electrical cables can combine mechanical actuation and electrical transmission within a single solution.

Various end fittings and connection elements can be used depending on the application. These include, for example, balls, nipples, cable terminals, threaded connections and loops.

The appropriate end fitting depends on the connection to the operating and functional components, the forces involved, available installation space and required tolerances.

In addition to standard components, customised end fittings can also be developed and assembled.

Connectors for bowden cable

Yes. Custom bowden cables and push-pull cables can be developed and manufactured according to the specific requirements of an application.

The inner cable, diameter, material, outer sheath, liner, length and end fittings can all be configured to suit the application. Custom solutions and ready-to-install cable assemblies are also possible.

For standardised configurations, a bowden cable configurator can support the initial selection of components and variants. For complex technical applications, individual engineering and technical consultation are recommended.

Custom wire rope solutions

Carl Stahl Technocabels develops and manufactures custom bowden cables and push-pull cables at its headquarters in Germany.

By combining development, in-house wire rope manufacturing and cable assembly, we can produce application-specific bowden cable solutions and ready-to-install assemblies.

As custom bowden cable manufacturers, we support customers from the selection and design of the cable through to the finished cable assembly.

For the design of a bowden cable, information on the required force, operating stroke, cable length, bending radius, installation space and service life is particularly useful.

For push-pull applications, both tensile and compressive forces should be specified. Additional information such as temperature, moisture, chemicals, corrosion, actuation speed, required end fittings and existing technical specifications should also be provided.

Drawings, technical data, samples or information about an existing solution can further support the design process.

The more precisely the requirements are defined, the more accurately the bowden cable, components and end fittings can be matched to the application.

Requirements analysis for bowden cables and push-pull cables