A cable can be defined as a set of wires or optical fibers intertwined together in a protective covering, which is generally made of high quality plastic or rubber. A wire is defined as a single strand of metal commonly cylindrical in shape.

The image shows all the internal parts of the cable. The innermost part of the cable is known as the core (central strength member), which is usually 10 micrometer in diameter. The core is surrounded by a fiber buffer tube. Above the fiber buffer tube there is a peripheral sheath made of Aramid yarn. The outermost covering of the cable is made of polymer.

The different types of wires and cables are made up of copper, aluminum, silver, gold, titanium, brass, steel, tungsten, bronze, nickel and Teflon. According to the Integer Research Company the total revenue of the cables and wires industry was US$124 billion in the year 2006. The most popular cable and wire companies in the world are Nexans, Sumitomo Electric, and Prysmian and they reported annual revenues of US$ 6 billion. The main reason behind the increase in revenues is a rise in the prices of raw materials like copper, aluminum and polymer. Thus on the whole we can say that the cables and wire industry is on a boom and the surge will continue in the years to come.