Feedback on Cable Harnesses

In examining the Main Cable Harnesses on my Shapeoko 5 Pro (maybe other models too), it can be observed that some sets of wires have some cable ties on them (probably to keep them separated for future connector assembly.) From an Electrical Engineer’s perspective, many of the ties ARE TOO TIGHT! The machine/tool used to snug the cable ties are adjusted to squish the heck out of the cable bundles! On some of them it can observed that the individual wires have been flattened out, potentially damaging the current/signal carrying capacity. This damage may manifest itself either in the short/immediate term or in the longer term once the wire conductors degrade due to this smaller cross section.

There have been replacements of the cable harnesses in the past (as I have read) to fix problems with some machines. I am wondering if anyone performed a failure analysis on those cable harnesses to determine if some of the failures were due to wire damage from cable ties that were improperly applied. I also have a concern as to the long term reliability of the cables at these critical points once the wire has “worn” due to current flowing through them in addition to normal wire degradation from temperature and age.

Just some feedback for your consideration.

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