Polyether TPU Cable Jacket | Flexible, Abrasion & Hydrolysis Resistant
Polyether TPU Cable Jacket
Polyether-based TPU compounds for flexible cable jackets and drag-chain cables, combining high abrasion resistance, hydrolysis stability and low-temperature flexibility.
Designed for dynamic power, control and data cables operating in harsh and humid environments.
Typical uses include robotic cables, drag-chain cables on automation lines, sensor cables, portable power cables and outdoor extension cables requiring a tough yet flexible TPU sheath.
Abrasion Resistant
Hydrolysis Resistant
Low-Temp Flexibility
Halogen-Free Options
Where These Cable Jacket Grades Are Used
Polyether TPU cable jacket compounds are typically used in:
- Drag-chain and robotic cables – continuous flexing in energy chains and robotic arms
- Sensor and control cables – flexible sheaths for automation and machine control lines
- Portable power and tool cables – tough outer jackets for reels and extension cables
- Outdoor and mobile cables – flexible sheaths exposed to moisture, mechanical impact and UV
Compared with PVC or standard rubber sheaths, polyether TPU jackets provide much better abrasion life, notch and tear resistance, as well as more stable mechanical properties under humidity and temperature cycling.
Typical Polyether TPU Cable Jacket Grades
| Grade | Hardness | Key Performance | Processing | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyether TPU Cable 85A | 85A | Soft flex, good low-temp performance, smooth surface | Extrusion | Sensor and control cable jackets |
| Polyether TPU Cable 90A | 90A | Balanced toughness and flexibility, abrasion resistance | Extrusion | Drag-chain and robotic cable jackets |
| Polyether TPU Cable 40D | 40D | Higher cut and tear resistance, dimensional stability | Extrusion | Heavy-duty portable power and outdoor cables |
Note: Grades and hardness are for reference. Halogen-free and flame-retardant modified versions can be tailored according to cable standards and test requirements.
Key Advantages of Polyether TPU for Cable Jackets
- High abrasion and cut resistance – protects cables from mechanical damage and dragging
- Hydrolysis and microbial resistance – suitable for humid, wet and outdoor applications
- Low-temperature flexibility – cable remains flexible during cold start-up and movement
- Dynamic flex life – supports long life in drag-chain and robotic cable designs
- Halogen-free options – helps cable makers meet low-smoke, halogen-free requirements
Processing & Recommendations
These polyether TPU grades are optimized for extrusion of mono-layer and co-extruded cable jackets.
- Drying: typically 80–90 °C for 2–3 hours before extrusion to avoid moisture marks
- Melt temperature: around 180–210 °C depending on hardness and line speed
- Line design: suitable for tube extrusion head or cable crosshead with vacuum sizing
- Co-extrusion: can be combined with inner insulation layers or stripe marking in one pass
Chemdo can work with cable makers to choose the right grade and basic process window according to cable structure, bending radius and required flex cycles.
Application Gallery
Examples of cable jackets made from polyether TPU compounds:
Target Markets
- Producers of drag-chain and robotic cables for automation systems
- Cable makers focusing on flexible control, sensor and instrument cables
- Manufacturers of portable power cables, cable reels and tool cords
- Converters supplying outdoor and mobile cable solutions with tough sheaths
Request Samples / TDS
Need to move from PVC or rubber to TPU for cable jackets, or design a new drag-chain cable with higher flex life?
Contact us for sample grades, cable extrusion guidelines and detailed technical data sheets.
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