Cable harness manufacturing system and a kit of parts and tooling components for use with an assembly board in cable harness manufacturing applications

A routing element for use in a cable harness manufacturing system comprising an assembly board having an attachment surface configured for receiving one or more tooling components to support and locate a cable harness during manufacture, the routing element comprising:

• an upper fixture support having at least one aperture for receiving a tooling component;
• and
• a lower suction holder comprising at least one suction cup for attaching the routing element to the assembly board,
• wherein the suction cup comprises a housing,
• wherein a suction element for applying a suction force at the attachment surface is located in the housing and moveable therein,
• wherein the housing has a peripheral side wall that extends between an upper surface and lower surface edge of the suction cup, the lower surface edge defining a contact surface of the routing element for contacting the assembly board, wherein the contact surface is configured to provide direct mechanical contact between the lower surface edge and the assembly board when the suction cup is in an activated configuration, the peripheral side wall having a cylindrical form configured in use to extend perpendicular to the attachment surface, to support the suction element, thereby preventing tilting of the suction element relative to the attachment surface, and reducing tilting movement of the suction cup, and
• wherein the suction element comprises a rubber element providing the required suction force.