20 September, 2011
Industrial robot cables are a prospective application for new Apex PVC / TPU compounds.
Two jacketing compounds based on blends of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) provide outstanding resistance to the aggressive end-use conditions often encountered by industrial cables, it was announced by Teknor Apex Company.
Applications recommended for new Apex® P-55003 and P-55004 compounds include factory automation networks, industrial robots, and other plant systems requiring data or control cable. Besides exhibiting the superior abrasion resistance and excellent tensile properties associated with TPUs, the compounds provide resistance to oil and chemicals, toughness at low temperatures, and oxygen indices comparable to those of standard PVC jacketing compounds for industrial cable. Property data appear on the accompanying table.
“Teknor Apex developed these new Apex PVC / TPU blends to provide durable protection for cable that is in constant movement, is subjected to rough handling, or is exposed to the aggressive substances often found in factory settings,” said Mike Patel, wire and cable industry manager. “They provide a combination of flexibility, toughness, and low-temperature endurance that is well suited for a broad range of industrial applications.”