Is the braiding on the cable 100% Kevlar or another weave with Kevlar threads for durability? I tend to worry a bit, probably too much, about exposed Kevlar due to it's vulnerability to sunlight.
macshomeLink to Nonda site provided by Outlaw012590 Includes cut away view of cables construction. The braiding's function is to protect the metal wires as they provide a vehicle to transport charge/data. If the cable's skin is damaged by exposure to its surrounding atmosphere while allowing devices to charge, it's doing it's job.
https://www.nonda.co/products/kevlar-reinforced-zus-charging-cable-usb-c-and-lightning
crossPVC sheath protects cables. Braided cable sheathing is for protecting cables from rubbing against other things. Like automotive applications and so on. Irrelevant for a USB charging cable. It is to make it look better, for less cost of production than using better quality wire and better crimp/weld machine.
KatjiRight, the braiding and the pvc work together, as a 'layered skin' covering the metal wires within from the surrounding environment, necessary or not, to protect the metal wires as they do their thing. It's cool that it provides an added value of lowering production costs allowing Massdrop to offer it to the community at value pricing.
macshomeThere is no point in braided sheathing on a USB cable other than appearance. A USB cable is not constantly rubbing or vibrating against something like wires in an automotive / industrial application.
Regarding cost of production... Adding sheathing *increases* cost of production - but not as much as *better quality wire* (copper instead of steel, etc.)
**(and more thinner strands instead of fewer thicker strands means more flexible.)**
Better crimp/weld machines to join the wires to the connectors :) cost more.