Cable Assembly

Prototype Wire Harness & Cable Assembly Services

Build-to-print prototype cable assemblies for customer validation before production. China headquarters (Hebei Cloom) holds IATF 16949; Philippines follows aligned procedures with no independent certification. Quantity and timing are confirmed after drawing, BOM and test-plan review.

Prototype cable assembly manufacturing on a wire harness assembly fixture board
Sample Turnaround7-10D
From 1 UnitPrototype Builds
First-Pass YieldHigh
Max Conductors240+

Application Context

What is prototype cable assembly

Prototype cable assembly is a specialized manufacturing service that produces small quantities (1-50 units) of custom cable assemblies for design validation, functional testing, and certification — before committing to full-scale production. Building production-quality samples first lets you verify mechanical fit, electrical performance, and connector compatibility, and catch design errors early, when a fix costs a fraction of a post-tooling change and before you release production tooling quoted for the program.

We focus exclusively on complex, high-value cable assemblies — 10 to 240 conductors, multiple connector types, custom routing, EMI/RFI shielding, and specialized materials. We do NOT manufacture simple commodity cables like HDMI or USB; our equipment and processes are optimized for assemblies where precision, quality, and engineering expertise matter. Every prototype quote includes a build-to-print Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review, and samples are built with the same processes and equipment as production so what you test is what you get at volume.

When a prototype is ready for production release, our wire harness testing service defines the continuity, hi-pot, insulation resistance, pull-force, and documentation plan for recurring lots.

Applications

Industries we prototype for

Professional prototyping for high-reliability applications in automotive, medical, industrial, and robotics sectors.

Automotive & EV

IATF 16949 certified prototypes for electric vehicle powertrains, ADAS sensors, battery management systems, and in-cabin control modules.

  • EV battery interconnects
  • Autonomous driving sensors
  • Infotainment systems
  • Engine control units

Medical Devices

ISO 13485 supply chain compliant samples for diagnostic imaging, surgical robotics, patient monitoring systems, and implantable device interconnects.

  • Surgical robot cables
  • CT/MRI scanner harnesses
  • Patient monitors
  • Defibrillator assemblies

Industrial Automation

Rugged prototypes for PLCs, servo motors, industrial robots, CNC machines, and factory automation equipment.

  • PLC control panels
  • Servo motor cables
  • Encoder feedback systems
  • Industrial HMI interfaces

Robotics & AGV

High-flex assemblies for collaborative robots (cobots), automated guided vehicles, warehouse automation, and mobile robotics platforms.

  • Cobot tether cables
  • AGV power/data cables
  • Robotic arm assemblies
  • Vision system interconnects

Engineering Challenges

Review risk before production

01

Design Validation Risk

Identify design flaws, connector-compatibility issues, and manufacturing challenges on a real sample before committing to production tooling — when a fix still costs a fraction of a post-tooling change.

02

Connector Lead Time & Sourcing

Specified connectors can carry long lead times. We flag approved alternates before sampling and source authentic parts from a worldwide distributor network with full traceability.

03

Manufacturability (DFM)

A Design for Manufacturing review checks the customer drawing, BOM, specified materials, terminations and test plan for manufacturing risk before the first sample is built.

04

Production Transfer

Prototype records, processes, and test plan carry forward to FAI, PPAP, and production release so the validated sample matches the production part — no re-tooling or supplier change.

Technical Capabilities

Prototype technical capabilities

IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 manufacturing across a wide range of conductor counts, connector families, and environmental specifications, from single samples to pre-production lots.

Standard Lead Time7-10 Business Days
Express / Rush3-5 Business Days
Minimum Quantity1 Unit (Prototype Builds)
Conductor Count10 to 240+
Wire Gauge Range28-10 AWG
Assembly Length50mm to 50+ meters
Voltage RatingUp to 1000V
Temperature Range-40°C to +200°C
Prototype cable assembly sample

Manufacturing Process

Our transparent prototyping process

01Technical Consultation & Requirements
02Quotation & DFM Review
03Global Component Sourcing
04Prototype Assembly & First Article
05Quality Testing & Documentation
06Secure Packaging & Express Shipping

Quality & Testing

Comprehensive testing & quality assurance

Every sample undergoes rigorous electrical, mechanical, signal integrity, and environmental testing to ensure your design performs as specified. Every prototype is 100% inspected before shipment, with test reports and certificates of conformance included.

Continuity & ResistanceInsulation ResistanceHi-Pot (1000-3000V)Contact ResistanceFlex Life TestingVibration (ASTM D999)Signal IntegrityTemperature CyclingIP67/IP68 Immersion

Why WHP

Why partner with us for complex prototypes

We're not a commodity cable factory — we're your specialized partner for high-value, complex prototype wire harness manufacturing.

Complex Assemblies Only

We don't waste resources on commodity HDMI or USB cables. Our expertise is in complex, high-value custom assemblies with 10+ conductors, custom routing, shielding, and specialized materials.

Global Component Sourcing

Our connector procurement review checks authorized availability and documents any proposed alternate for customer engineering approval. Price and lead time are confirmed per RFQ.

Production-Quality Samples

We manufacture samples using the same IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified processes as our production runs, ensuring your prototypes accurately represent production parts.

Global Technical Support

Our global office provides local timezone technical support, consultation in English, and worldwide business hours availability — no language barriers or delays.

Scalable Prototype to Production

Seamless transition from prototype (1-50 units) to low-volume (500+) to mass production (10,000+) without changing suppliers, re-tooling, or re-qualifying.

Rapid 7-10 Day Delivery

Sample timing is confirmed after drawing, BOM, material-availability and test-plan review.

Testing standards we follow

Prototypes are manufactured under our ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949 certified quality systems and tested to internationally recognized standards for quality and reliability.

IPC-A-620Cable Assembly
ISO 16750Automotive
ASTM D999Vibration
ASTM B117Salt Spray
ISO 9001 Certificate
IATF 16949 build-to standard

FAQ

Prototype wire harness FAQ

What is prototype cable assembly?
Prototype cable assembly is the manufacturing of small quantities (typically 1-50 units) of custom cable assemblies to validate your design before full-scale production. Prototypes let you test mechanical fit, electrical performance, connector compatibility, and manufacturing feasibility without the cost and time of production tooling and large MOQs.
What is your minimum order quantity?
We have NO minimum order quantity. Whether you need 1 sample or 50 pre-production units, we can accommodate your requirements. This flexibility allows you to order exactly what you need for testing without wasting budget on excess inventory.
How long does prototyping take?
Prototype lead time is quoted after review of the released drawing, BOM, component availability, tooling, sample quantity, and test plan. Expedited production may be quoted when material and capacity allow; international transit is confirmed separately.
What DFM review is included?
No. We provide build-to-print manufacturing, not customer-owned design or CAD services. Our DFM review covers manufacturability, customer-specified materials and the acceptance test plan; any proposed material alternate requires customer engineering approval.
What types of cables do you NOT manufacture?
We do not manufacture simple commodity cables like standard HDMI cables, USB charging cables, or basic audio/video patch cords. Our expertise and equipment are optimized for complex, high-value custom assemblies with 10+ conductors, multiple connector types, custom routing, shielding, and specialized materials. If your project has fewer than 8 conductors and uses only standard connectors, we may not be the right fit.
Can you source connectors globally?
We source customer-specified connectors through authorized channels and review availability during the RFQ. Any proposed alternate is documented for customer engineering approval; price and lead-time effects are confirmed per program.
Where are your manufacturing facilities located?
We operate manufacturing locations in China and the Philippines. Our China headquarters (Hebei Cloom) holds ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 13485. The Philippines facility follows aligned quality procedures and has no independent certification.
What testing is included?
Every sample undergoes 100% electrical continuity testing, insulation resistance verification, and visual inspection as standard. Additional testing available includes: Hi-Pot testing (1000-3000V), contact resistance measurement, connector insertion force, cable flex life, vibration resistance, temperature cycling, humidity exposure, salt spray corrosion, and IP rating validation. Test reports and certificates of conformance are provided with all shipments.
Can I transition prototypes to production with you?
Absolutely! We design our process to ensure seamless transition to production. Your samples are manufactured using the same equipment, processes, quality standards, and supply chain as production runs. When you're ready to scale from prototype (1-50 units) to low-volume (500+) or mass production (10,000+), there is no re-tooling, re-qualification, or supplier change required. This saves you weeks of time and thousands in transition costs.
What certifications do your facilities have?
Our China headquarters (Hebei Cloom) holds ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949 and ISO 13485 certifications. The Philippines facility follows aligned quality procedures and has no independent certification. Program-specific material certificates, test reports and certificates of conformance are available when agreed in the quality plan.
How much do prototypes cost?
Pricing varies based on complexity, connector types, wire specifications, test requirements and quantity. Send a released drawing and BOM for a program-specific quote. Build-to-print DFM review of manufacturability, materials and the test plan is included in the RFQ review.

OEM Program Entry

Ready to validate your wire harness design?

Submit your specifications and receive a program quote review with a free DFM analysis ($500 value). 7-10 day turnaround, prototype quantities, high first-pass yield, and global technical support.

We will review

  • 01Manufacturability Review
  • 02Component Availability
  • 03Cost Drivers
  • 04Validation Requirements

Related Capabilities

Related cable assembly services

Services that pair with prototype builds and take a validated design into production.

Transparent Pricing

Prototype pricing guidelines

Clear guidelines to help you budget. Final quotes receive a 12-hour engineering review based on your specific requirements, and every quote includes a free DFM analysis, 100% electrical testing, test reports, and secure packaging.

Simple Prototypes

Quoted per drawing per unit (1-10 pieces)

  • 10-30 conductors
  • Standard connectors (Molex, TE, Amphenol)
  • Basic crimping and assembly
  • Length up to 2 meters

Complex Prototypes

Quoted per drawing per unit (1-10 pieces)

  • 30-120 conductors
  • Multiple connector types
  • Shielding or custom routing
  • Length up to 10 meters

Advanced Prototypes

$700+ per unit (1-10 pieces)

  • 120-240+ conductors
  • Customer-specified circular connectors
  • Overmolding or IP67/IP68 sealing
  • Program-specific requirements

Scope

Our limitations & what we don't manufacture

Transparency is key to a successful partnership. Here are the applications and specifications we cannot support, so you don't waste time on an incompatible inquiry.

We do NOT manufacture

  • Simple Commodity CablesStandard HDMI, USB, DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio cables, or any off-the-shelf consumer electronics cables.
  • Low-Complexity AssembliesAssemblies with fewer than 8 conductors using only standard connectors (below our complexity threshold).
  • Direct-to-Consumer ProductsWe serve B2B customers only. No retail, e-commerce, or end-consumer sales.
  • Off-the-Shelf Fiber Patch CordsOur core is electrical copper harnessing; optical and hybrid fiber-copper assemblies are handled build-to-print on customer specification, not as stock catalog patch cords.
  • Design Engineering ServicesWe provide manufacturing, not electrical design consulting or CAD drawing services.

Technical limitations

  • Ultra-High Frequency (>12 GHz)Our standard processes are optimized for signals up to 10GHz. Specialty RF/microwave assemblies require different expertise.
  • Extreme Cryogenic (-100°C or lower)Standard materials are rated -40°C to +200°C. Liquid nitrogen or extreme cryogenic applications are not supported.
  • Nuclear / Radiation HardenedAssemblies for nuclear power or high-radiation environments require specialized materials we don't stock.
  • FDA Class III Medical ImplantablesOur ISO 13485 ready supply chain supports external medical devices, not surgically implantable products requiring FDA Class III certification.
  • Explosive / Hazardous Atmospheres (ATEX Zone 0)We can support Zone 2 applications but not Zone 0/1 requiring intrinsically safe certification.

Guarantees

Quality guarantees & policies

Clear policies that protect your investment and ensure successful prototype outcomes.

Prototype-to-Production Guarantee

Your approved prototype is manufactured using identical materials, connectors, wire specifications, and processes when you transition to production — no component substitutions without your written approval.

  • Same connector brands and part numbers
  • Same wire manufacturer and specifications
  • Same assembly processes and quality standards

Rework & Replacement Policy

If your prototype fails to meet agreed specifications due to our manufacturing error, we remake it at no charge within 5 business days.

  • Free remake for our manufacturing defects
  • Design change requests charged at 50% of original quote
  • Express shipping included for replacement units

NDA & IP Protection

We sign mutual Non-Disclosure Agreements to protect your proprietary designs, connector selections, and technical specifications.

  • Standard NDA template or your company agreement
  • Segregated project files with access control
  • No design reuse without written permission

Shipping & Customs Support

We handle all export documentation, customs paperwork, and compliance certificates for international shipments. You pay only actual shipping costs — no hidden fees.

  • Commercial invoice, packing list, certificates provided
  • Import duties/taxes are your responsibility (standard practice)
  • DHL/FedEx with full tracking and insurance