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From 3D model to assembly board: how a wiring harness takes shape

Before the first cable is cut, the wiring harness already exists in full on the computer. A look at the path from design through to assembly.

Wiring harness design in EPLAN Harness proD
From our production: Wiring harness design in EPLAN Harness proD.

On the computer: every cable with all its data

In our design office the wiring harness takes shape in EPLAN Harness proD. Every cable carries its data there: cable type, cross section, colour, length and stripping length. Splices, twists, protective tubing and grommets are planned as separate objects, and lengths and branches are dimensioned.

This lets us check whether the wiring harness fits into the installation space before any material is ordered. We derive bills of materials and cutting lists directly from the design.

On paper: the assembly board drawing at a scale of 1:1

The model yields the assembly board drawing, printed at a scale of 1:1 and applied to the board. It shows the route of every run, the position of every connector and, for each connector, a wire table with the wire name, the start and the destination. A legend marks which surface protection goes where, insulating tape for example.

Wiring harness on the assembly board with a 1:1 drawing and connector holders
From our production: Wiring harness on the assembly board with a 1:1 drawing and connector holders.

On the assembly board: building without searching

Holders and pins sit exactly where the drawing places them. The pre-assembled cables are routed run by run, bundled and protected. That is how every wiring harness in a series turns out the same and fits at the customer without rework.

The wiring harness then goes to electrical final testing. You can read more about the board in the article The assembly board.

Body on board power system being built on the assembly board
From our production: Body on board power system being built on the assembly board.