Abstract: A method according to the teachings of the present disclosure may include disposing a sheath around a conductor assembly, with an outer surface of the sheath defining spaced apart crowns and valleys. An outlet of at least one ink jet print head may be positioned adjacent the sheath at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method may also include using at least one ink jet print head to print marking indicia on the sheath, the marking indicia indicating at least characteristic of the electrical cable assembly.

Abstract: A method according to the teachings of the present disclosure may include disposing a sheath around a conductor assembly, with an outer surface of the sheath defining spaced apart crowns and valleys. An outlet of at least one ink jet print head may be positioned adjacent the sheath at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method may also include using at least one ink jet print head to print marking indicia on the sheath, the marking indicia indicating at least characteristic of the electrical cable assembly.

Abstract: A method according to the teachings of the present disclosure may include disposing a sheath around a conductor assembly, with an outer surface of the sheath defining spaced apart crowns and valleys. An outlet of at least one ink jet print head may be positioned adjacent the sheath at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method may also include using at least one ink jet print head to print marking indicia on the sheath, the marking indicia indicating at least characteristic of the electrical cable assembly.

Abstract: A method according to the teachings of the present disclosure may include disposing a sheath around a conductor assembly, with an outer surface of the sheath defining spaced apart crowns and valleys. An outlet of at least one ink jet print head may be positioned adjacent the sheath at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method may also include using at least one ink jet print head to print marking indicia on the sheath, the marking indicia indicating at least characteristic of the electrical cable assembly.

Abstract: A color coded flexible armored cable includes a tubular sheath formed from a metal strip having a continuous, non-patterned, non-conductive color coating applied to the entirety of an abraded outer surface of the strip. The color coating is of a predetermined precise thickness and includes a polyethylene based wax lubricant in a percent by volume of about 0.45 to 0.55. The strip is formed into helical convolutions having a cross-sectional shape which provides for overlap and interlocking of adjacent convolutions and contact between adjacent convolutions along a helical line such that, upon bending the sheath, the convolutions remain in contact at a trailing edge of one convolution and the inner surface of an adjacent convolution in a way such that the color coating is not scraped off of the outer surface of the sheath. The sheath is preferably formed such that the number of convolutions per unit length of sheath is maximum for sheath flexibility and retention of the coating on the outer surface of the sheath.