PUR Cables and Wires with the Insulation and Sheath Material Polyurethan
What are PUR cables and what are their advantages? What are the characteristics of polyurethane cables?
Polyurethan (PUR) - Thermoplastic Elastomere (TPE)
PUR stands for "polyurethane" (VDE Designation “11Y”).
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.
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 (TPE-U) 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-Types from SAB Bröckskes:
- PUR semi-mat (low adhension)
- PUR mat (rough surface, low adhension)
- PUR flame protected
- PUR halogen-free and flame protected
Mechanical characteristics of PUR cables
Generally speaking, the insulation materials in cables are not subjected to particularly high mechanical stresses during operation. The sheath of an electrical cable, on the other hand, is subjected to considerable stress. This is particularly true of flexible control cables.
In use, cables and wires are often pulled over sharp edges and rough surfaces, and are therefore subjected to considerable stress. It is not uncommon for the outer sheath to be cut, and these cuts can tear further as the cable is used flexibly. In addition, there is often compressive stress caused by crushing and impact from workpieces or tools. The key mechanical advantages, which PUR cables fulfil to the highest degree, are set out in the following overview.
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:
very good resistance against mineral oils
good resistance against alcohol-free benzine
good resistance during storage in water
good resistance against many solvents
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).
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. The influence of sunlight makes PUR yellowing as it is not generally resistant to UV radiation. The UV resistance is improved by adding colour pigments. They avoid the penetration of UV radiation and thus the mechanical degradation of the material . Dark colours especially black additionally cover surface discoloration. Also the addition of UV stabilisers delay the ageing process.
Technical data and features of PUR sheath material
| VDE abbreviation of PUR: | 11Y |
| Temperature range of PUR (flexible): | -40°C/+90°C |
| Temperature range of PUR (fixed laying): | -50°C /+90°C |
| Flame retardance of PUR: | good |
| PUR Tensile strength: | 25 N/mm² |
| Elongation at break of PUR: | 400 % |
| Abrasion resistance of PUR: | very good |
| PUR Dielectric constant: | approx. 6,0 at 800 Hz |
| Specific resistance of PUR: | 1012 Ohm x cm |
| PUR Break-down-voltage: | 20 kV/mm |
| Radiation resistance of PUR: | 5 x 107 cJ/kg |
| Halogen-free | yes |
Where are PUR cables used?
PUR cables are often used for control devices, e.g. machine tools, assembly lines, conveyor systems and production lines, machine and plant construction, conveyor technology (e.g. lifting platforms and transport systems), automotive industry, handling and automation technology, iron, steel and chemical industry, electric tool construction (e.g. lawn mowers, edge trimmers, hedge trimmers), in brick and cement works, electric hand tools (e.g. drills, angle grinders and other electric tools), industrial paint shops, water treatment plants, automotive and coal, iron and steel industry, ...
Oil resistant TPE/PUR and PP/PUR Cables from SAB
| Type | Description |
| S 200 | Extremely flexible TPE/PUR control cable with numbered cores |
| SD 200 | TPE/PUR data cable with coloured cores for continuous movement |
| SABdynamic 910 Data | Continuously flexible, suitable for robots, oil resistant PUR data cable |
| SABdynamic 910 Control | Continuously flexible, suitable for robots, oil resistant PUR control cable |
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General Information - Polyurethane (PUR)
FAQ on PUR cables and PUR wires
PUR cables are particularly suitable for industrial applications involving high mechanical, chemical and dynamic stresses. Owing to their high abrasion resistance, notch toughness, tear resistance and fatigue resistance, they are frequently used in applications where cables are subject to constant movement or exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Typical areas of application include drag chain systems, machine tools, conveyor and handling technology, robotics, automation systems, and machinery and equipment that come into contact with oils, cooling lubricants or other industrial media. Compared with many standard cables, PUR cables offer greater resistance to mechanical wear as well as very good resistance to mineral oils and numerous solvents.
Thanks to their high flexibility even at low temperatures and their high resistance to mechanical stress, PUR cables are used in particular where PVC cables reach their limits due to heavy mechanical stress, frequent movement or demanding environmental conditions.
For applications involving particularly frequent movement, such as in drag chains or robotic systems, special PUR cables with enhanced long-term flexibility are available. You can find an overview of suitable PUR cables for various applications in our PUR cables product range.
Yes, PUR cables are frequently used in drag chains and other applications involving continuous movement. The PUR sheath material is characterised by high abrasion resistance, notch toughness, tear resistance and fatigue resistance, and thus offers excellent properties for use in continuous bending and movement cycles.
Furthermore, PUR cables remain flexible even at low temperatures and exhibit high resistance to mechanical stress as well as to many oils and cooling lubricants. This makes them particularly suitable for applications in mechanical and plant engineering, conveyor technology, automation technology and robotics.
For high dynamic loads, special drag chain and robotics cables with a PUR sheath and enhanced long-term flexibility are available. For applications involving high bending cycles and long travel distances, our PUR drag chain cables and robot-compatible PUR cables offer specially developed solutions for continuous motion applications.
Yes, PUR cables or PUR wires are characterised by very good resistance to mineral oils and are therefore frequently used in mechanical and plant engineering, in machine tools, and in automation and conveyor technology.
In addition to their oil resistance, PUR sheathing materials also offer good resistance to many solvents and non-alcoholic petrol. This makes PUR cables suitable for applications where cables regularly come into contact with cooling lubricants, lubricants or other industrial media.
The actual resistance depends, amongst other things, on the type of medium, the duration of exposure, the temperature and the concentration. The specific operating conditions should therefore always be taken into account when selecting a suitable cable.
For applications with increased requirements for oil resistance and long-term flexibility, SAB BRÖCKSKES offers special PUR cables for mechanical and plant engineering as well as applications involving continuous movement. One example is the SABdynamic 910 Control, a robot-compatible and oil-resistant PUR control cable designed for continuous movement.
PUR cables are characterised by high temperature resistance and good cold flexibility. The PUR sheathing material used by SAB can typically be used in a temperature range of -40 °C to +90 °C in flexible applications. For fixed installations, operating temperatures of -50 °C to +90 °C are possible.
Thanks to their flexibility even at low temperatures, PUR cables are suitable for numerous industrial applications in mechanical and plant engineering, in conveyor technology, and in moving applications such as drag chains or robotic systems.
The actual permissible temperature ranges may vary depending on the cable type, design and operating conditions. The technical data for the specific cable is therefore always decisive.
The UV resistance of PUR cables depends on the specific cable construction and the sheath material used. PUR is not inherently UV-resistant as a material. However, its resistance to sunlight can be significantly improved through the use of special colour pigments, UV stabilisers and specially formulated sheath compounds.
For outdoor applications or where there is continuous exposure to UV radiation, the technical properties of the specific cable should therefore always be taken into account. Special PUR cables from SAB BRÖCKSKES, for example, meet the UV resistance requirements of HD 605 and are therefore also suitable for demanding industrial applications involving exposure to sunlight.
For use in environments with increased UV and weathering exposure, SAB BRÖCKSKES offers a range of UV-resistant cables for mechanical and plant engineering as well as moving applications.
PUR, as a sheathing material, is generally halogen-free. Halogen-free materials do not release corrosive halogen gases in the event of a fire and help to reduce damage to machinery, plant and electronic components.
However, whether a PUR cable is entirely halogen-free depends on its specific construction and the materials used. The technical specifications of the cable in question are therefore always decisive.
Many PUR cables from SAB BRÖCKSKES, including, for example, drag chain cables and permanently flexible cables, are halogen-free and are suitable for applications with heightened requirements for fire safety, system availability and operational safety.
PUR cables are suitable for many applications in damp, weather-exposed or otherwise demanding industrial environments. PUR sheathing materials are characterised by good resistance to water, many chemicals, oils and solvents, whilst also offering high mechanical strength.
SAB BRÖCKSKES uses polyether-based PUR (TPE-U) as the sheath material. This material is particularly resistant to microbial attack and hydrolytic degradation – that is, material-related ageing caused by moisture and heat, which can occur in certain polyurethanes. As a result, PUR cables are also suitable for applications involving high levels of moisture or fluctuating environmental conditions.
PUR cables are a particularly suitable choice where high mechanical stresses, frequent movement or contact with oils, cooling lubricants and other industrial media are to be expected. Compared with many standard cables, PUR sheathing materials offer high abrasion resistance, tear resistance, notch resistance and fatigue resistance.
Typical areas of application for PUR cables include drag chain applications, robotics, conveyor technology, machine tools and moving applications in mechanical and plant engineering. PUR cables are also frequently used in demanding environmental conditions, for example where there are increased mechanical or chemical stresses.
For standard applications with lower mechanical requirements, PVC can be a cost-effective alternative. A detailed comparison of the properties and applications of PUR and PVC can be found in our material comparison for cable insulation and sheathing materials.
