Jacket materials of cables

The outer jacket of a cable provides protection against various adverse conditions, such as mechanical load, ambient temperature or chemicals with which the cable comes into contact. For chainflex cables, igus offers PVC, PUR and TPE jacket materials. igus ensures that the material mixtures of the jacket materials are adapted to the requirements, low-adhesion and highly abrasion-resistant. Depending on the application and external conditions, you can choose between different jacket materials.

The PVC jacket is the most cost-effective jacket material. Due to its properties, it is designed for low to medium loads and is ideal for ambient temperatures from +5°C to +70°C. Like all igus jacket materials, PVC is a particularly abrasion-resistant material mixture for use in the energy chain. PUR, on the other hand, is also notch-resistant and offers high oil resistance, which is ideal for use in machine tools. In addition, it has an extended temperature range from -25°C to +80°C and high UV resistance. The TPE material, on the other hand, offers the highest UV resistance and oil and bio-oil resistance. The temperature range extends from -35°C to 100°C.

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a very versatile thermoplastic and is often used on conveyor belts and assembly lines, as well as in packaging technology and lighting technology, due to its chemical structure and low flammability. PVC cables are popular due to their high strength and good insulating properties, even with thin insulation. PVC is resistant to constant moisture and salt water. However, in the event of a fire involving a PVC cable, the addition of e.g. chlorine in the jacket material releases halogens, which can pose a risk to humans.

In the low-voltage range (up to 1,000V), PVC is also known as the material with the best price-performance ratio. igus offers PVC cables in non-oil-resistant and oil-resistant compounds.

PUR or polyurethane, on the other hand, is a halogen-free and self-extinguishing thermoplastic elastomer and has become increasingly important in cables in recent years. Up to a certain temperature, PUR is very similar to rubber, which makes it very interesting for cables and wires, as this behaviour endows it with very high flexural fatigue strength. Added to this are the specifications of a strong jacket material such as notch resistance, low abrasion values and cold flexibility. Furthermore, PUR has significantly better chemical compatibility than other materials. PUR cables from igus are resistant to oil and coolants and, thanks to their composition, do not contain any toxic halogens that could be dangerous in the event of a fire. This makes PUR cables a popular material for machine tools, plant engineering, cement works, the paint industry and the automotive industry.

TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomers and is the generic term for numerous subcategories. TPE-U materials are mainly used for flexible cables because they can withstand mechanical stress very well and are highly resistant to external influences such as chemicals or temperatures. TPE is generally suitable for a temperature range from -35°C to +100°C. TPE is also halogen-free. By adding halogen compounds, TPE can also be produced as a flame-retardant material and is therefore UL 94-HB compliant. It is often used in energy chains, especially in harsh environmental conditions or where there is constant movement. TPE cables are a popular material that is often used in crane applications, conveyor technology or applications with low temperatures.

The solutions offered by chainflex cables and their areas of application are as diverse and unique as the requirements and applications themselves.

Do you already know our online tool?
Easy to find, select the right type, calculate service life and order online