What does PUR mean in cables?

06 May.,2024

 

Polyurethane (PUR) Cables & Wires | Mechanical & chemical ...

What are PUR cables and what are their advantages?

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This material shows at certain temperatures mechanical characte­ristics similar to rubber. The combination of thermoplastic and elastic characte­ristics has led to the description TPE thermoplastic elastomere. Here at SAB Bröckskes GmbH & Co KG, we use PUR on a Polyether base as sheath material. In addition to standard Polyurethane, thanks to constant development between SAB Bröckskes and the plastic industry, the following types of PUR are also available:

PUR stands for "polyurethane". The insulation and sheathing material " PUR " is a thermoplastic elastomer ( TPE ) and has become increasingly important in the cable industry due to its special properties and advantages.

The insulation materials of the cables are usually not subject to high mechanical stress. Sheaths, on the other hand are heavily used. This is especially true for flexible control and connection cables which are often pulled over sharp corners and rough surfaces. This can lead to cuts which are accentuated when the cable is stretched during flexible use. Compressive stress caused by squashing and impacting from tools and machines can also occur.

Chemical characteristics of PUR cables

The chemical resistance depends upon many factors such as chemical type, reaction time, temperature, volume, concentration and of course the type of Polyurethane used. In comparison with many other materials, such as rubber or PVC, PUR has a better resistance against chemical reaction.

The outstanding chemical characteristics of PUR cables are:

The danger of decomposition through microbes exists with Polyurethane on a Polyester base after prolonged exposure to dampness and warmth. The Polyurethane on a Polyether base used by SAB is resistant to microbic decomposition. Etherpolyurethane and Esterpolyurethane can be differentiated by the saponification value (VZ).

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  • Etherpolyurethane (resistant) - VZ ≤ 200
  • Esterpolyurethane (non-resistant) - VZ ≥ 350

After prolonged exposure to warm water or tropical climates, Polyurethane on a Polyester base will undergo a che­mical reaction. The result is a weakening of mechanical strength. SAB Polyurethane on a Polyether base is relatively more resistant to hydrological break-down.

Etherpolyurethane is weather and ozone resistant in all climates. Discolouration by sunlight is possible, but this will not affect performance.

 

PVC Cable or PUR Cable: How to Choose

PVC cable jackets are inherently flame- and heat-resistant, owing to their chemical makeup. They can also resist oils, acids, abrasions, sunlight, salt water, ozone, oxidation, and moisture, and a PVC cable with an IP69K rating means it is sealed against the ingress of water even during washdown. This makes them an excellent choice for most chemical washdown applications in the food industry and beverage industry. Because PVC is a blend of materials and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, its properties can be adjusted and tailored for specific applications and conditions. PVC cable jackets have good-to-excellent resistance to common cleaning solvents including, but not limited to:

  • sodium hypochlorite
  • sodium hydroxide
  • potassium hydroxide
  • peracetic acid
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • quaternary ammonium compounds

You will find PVC cable jackets in other applications across many different industries, including packaging and assembly lines, lighting, and medical manufacturing.

When choosing a cable jacket material, it is also important to consider the concentration of chemicals, temperature of the process, and the duration and frequency of exposure since these factors can impact the suitability of PVC for these applications. For example, though PVC has some resistance to oils, other materials such as PUR offer improved oil resistance, making PVC less suited for automotive and machine tool industries.

In addition to cleaning chemical resistance, PVC cables are typically more rigid than other types of cables. This makes them suitable for use in applications where they will be exposed to high temperature, high pressure washdown. The rigidity of the PVC sheathing protects the cable from damage and extends the life of the cable. However, the rigidity of PVC cables can be a disadvantage in freezer applications, where low temperatures can cause the material to crack if the cables are being flexed. 

For more pur cable materialinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.