Carl Stahl Sava Industries Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Assemblies

Cable

  • What size cable do I need?
    • Depending upon your application, please consider that Carl Stahl Sava Industries offers customers a rich and detailed guide for your cable selection needs. Please take a moment to get familiar with the cables you require to satisfy your unique application circumstances.

  • What are the difference between 302, 304, 306 stainless steel? What type of steel does Sava primarily use for their cable and fittings?
    • Carl Stahl Sava Industries uses 95% 304 Stainless Steel in making cable, with the balance being 302 Stainless Steel. This is for standard catalog cables and many others for Sava customers. While Sava does use 316 on occasion and upon request, it is far less common. 302/304 is prevalent in the US, while 316 is common in Europe, Japan and other countries. 316 has slightly less tensile strength and on average about 90% of the strength of 302/304 SS. In order of increased corrosion resistance: 302, 304 and most corrosion resistant, 316.

  • What is the differences and reasons to choose one extruded plastic over another; ie Nylon, Vinyl and FEP?
    • Nylon should be used in applications over pulleys in all cases where possible. It is designed to be integrated into the cable when applied as it is pressurized into the cable stranding. Nylon has excellent adhesion to the cable. Vinyl is used for basic applications outdoors and when coating will not be used over pulleys. It is the least expensive option for coating, available in many colors and has UV inhibitors ideal for outdoor use. Vinyl has limited adhesion to the cable. FEP is a clear color (also available in colors upon request) extrusion that is vacuum formed to the cable, so it has very limited adhesion. It should not be used over pulleys, as it will quickly delaminate and come off the cable. FEP has excellent corrosion resistance to many chemicals and can be used in many environments as a result. FEP has a very low coefficient of friction as well, so it is slippery on the surface.

  • What are the smallest and largest cable diameters Sava offers?
    • The smallest stainless steel cable diameter is .006” (Sava P/N 2006, SS .006” 1X7), while the largest is 3/8” (Sava P/N 2375, SS 3/8” 7X19 and Sava P/N 3375, GAC 3/8” 7X19).

  • Can Sava extrude different coating and colors on cable?
    • Yes. Carl Stahl Sava Industries extrudes the coatings at our manufacturing facility in Riverdale, NJ. Please let us know what your application requires are and we may have the material and/or color available.

  • Does Sava sell electrical cable?
    • No. Carl Stahl Sava Industries is a manufacturer of mechanical cable and cable assemblies. However, some of the cable assemblies are used in electromechanical applications.

  • Does Sava offer metric sizes/cable diameters?
  • Does Sava test its cable and assemblies and if so, how?
    • Yes. Carl Stahl Sava Industries has a proven, standard operating procedure to test all of our cable for breaking strength, diameter and material, ensuring that all industry standards are met. Cable assemblies are manufactured and tested, as a first stage, in process inspection as well as final inspection, promising that the breaking strengths and dimensions are consistent throughout the manufacturing run.

  • Will cable stretch and if so, how can I minimize it?
    • Two kinds of stretch occur in cable: constructional stretch and elastic stretch. They are due to two different causes. To learn more about cable stretch, visit the Cable Expertise portion of our website.

      Constructional Stretch

      When strand and cable are made, the load at the closing head is light. Therefore, there are small clearances between the wires and strands, and between the strand and the core. The application of initial load causes wires and strands to seat properly, and a slight overall elongation of the strand or cable accompanies this section. The amount of constructional stretch is not constant for all cables, as it depends on such variables as type of construction, length of lay and other factors, including the load applied.

      Elastic Stretch

      Elastic stretch is the actual elongation of the wires of a strand or a cable. This is caused by the application of a load, up to the yield point of the metal, and the stretch is approximately proportional to the load applied. When the load is released, strand or cable subjected to elastic stretch returns to its approximate original length, providing the stretch has not reached the yield point of the metal.

      Yes. Cable does have a tendency to stretch, depending upon the load being applied. Proof loading each cable assembly serves two purposes. First, it ensures the efficiency of the assemblies; and second, it prestresses the cable, removing some of the constructional stretch. Proof loading is generally done at 60% of rated breaking strength. The removal of constructional stretch means that frequent adjustments are not necessary to maintain proper tension in a control system. After assemblies are proof loaded, subsequent handling should be held to a minimum, otherwise the prestressing effect will be partially removed. If stretch is critical in your application, Sava suggests contacting our engineering department for further information.

  • The cable frays when I cut it. How can I prevent this from happening?
    • Carl Stahl Sava Industries can electrocut the bare cable, which is a system to fuse the ends of the wires together. When this is not possible, it is recommended to use Sava cable cutter C07, C09 or C12, which encircles the bare cable, keeping the wires together before cutting through it. Other cable cutters are scissor-like and induce fraying before the cable is even cut. The cable can also be stress relieved or preformed. Coated cable can be mechanically cut with the Sava cable cutters mentioned above or using standard cable cutters.

  • What is stress relieving?
    • Stress relieving is a process in which the bare cable is passed through a certain temperature to reduce the fraying when mechanically cut. This process also helps to keep the cable straighter when laying flat and assists in minimizing the residual oils from the wire drawing process. Cable assemblies can also be vapor degreased and/or ultrasonically cleaned to further remove any residual oils from the above process. These methods have been used widely in medical applications.

  • What is the minimum bending radius of a cable?
    • For minimum cable bending radius information, please visit the Pulleys Expertise portion of our website.

  • Does Sava offer tools and cutters?

Ordering and Shipping

  • What is the minimum order quantity and billing?
    • The minimum cable footage is generally 250’ and fittings are 25 pcs. Minimum billing is $250.

  • Is freight included in your quotation?
    • All shipments are quoted FOB Riverdale NJ, unless otherwise agreed upon.

  • Do you accept credit cards and what is your policy?
  • Do you offer expedited delivery for cable assemblies?
  • How are terms established?
    • Sava generally uses Dun & Bradstreet to establish creditworthiness. When it is not available or limited, we may ask for three (3) credit and one (1) bank reference(s). If favorable, Sava can establish N/30 terms. However, Sava can also discuss COD, CIA or CC upon credit check outcome. Contact Sava to discuss your payment term requirements.

Returns

  • If I need to return material, what is the process and do I need an RMA number?
    • All material that is not the subject of a request for return authorization within thirty (30) days of shipment, shall be deemed accepted by the customer. Credit will not be issued for items returned without prior authorization. Contact a Sava sales associate for a return material authorization (RMA) number. All returned catalog items must be in new condition and are subject to a 20% handling charge. Note, items manufactured to customer's specifications (including cable assemblies, tools and cutters) are not returnable.

  • How and when will I receive my credit for returned product?
    • Once approved, and an RMA is provided for bulk cable, pulleys or fittings, the material will need to be inspected, counted and returned to stock. Any credits due are generally provided at month's end.

Other FAQ's

  • Does Sava charge for Certifications?
    • A Certificate of Compliance is included with every order at no cost. Where chemical and physical certifications, and/or First Article Inspection Reporting is required, contact Sava.

  • Is Sava ISO Certified? How can I obtain a copy of this Certification?
    • Yes, Carl Stahl Sava Industries is certified to the latest ISO9001:2015. Contact a Sava representative to acquire a copy of this and any other credentials your project requires.

  • Is there someone we can call to set up a meeting at our company?
    • Please contact our sales team at 973-750-9578 and we will help you setup a meeting at your facility or at our manufacturing headquarters in Riverdale, New Jersey.