The PVC sheathed cable used in drag chain systems is referred to as PVC drag chain cable (polyvinyl chloride drag chain cable). It employs special PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material for the outer sheath, which is resistant to oil and coolant, making it suitable for damp environments but not for outdoor use. The unique cable structure and modified PVC composite material ensure a long service life for the cable.
PUR armored cables for drag chain systems are commonly referred to as PUR drag chain cables (polyurethane-armored drag chain cables). They feature an outer sheath made of PUR (polyurethane), which is tear-resistant and wear-resistant, offering excellent oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. Suitable for use in damp environments, these cables are ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications and exhibit superior weather resistance. The combination of specialized cable design and PUR material ensures a longer service life.
1.What is the difference between PUR high flexibility cable et PVC high flexibility cable?
| Performance | PUR Drag Chain Cable | PVC Drag Chain Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Résistance à l'abrasion | Extremely high, 3–5 times longer service life than PVC | Average, prone to wear and cracking |
| Oil & Chemical Resistance | Excellent, resistant to hydraulic oil, coolant, acids, and alkalis | Fair, softens or cracks in oil |
| Plage de température | -40°C to 80°C (short-term 100°C), flexible at low temperatures | -20°C to 80°C, brittle in cold conditions |
| Flexibility & Resilience | Outstanding, ideal for high-speed bending and torsion | Moderate, prone to fatigue after long-term bending |
| Weather & Hydrolysis Resistance | Excellent, UV-resistant, suitable for outdoor use | Poor, ages easily outdoors, not for long-term outdoor use |
| Flame Retardancy & Eco-Safety | Low smoke, halogen-free, low toxicity | Good flame retardancy, releases HCl when burned |
| Cost | Higher (1.5–2× PVC) | Lower, cost-effective |
2.What scenarios and equipment are PUR drag chain cables and PVC câbles de chaîne porte-câbles used for?
Applications of PUR and PVC Drag Chain Cables
PUR Drag Chain Cable – For Harsh Environments & High-Frequency Movement
Suitable for: dirty, oily, cold conditions, frequent bending, long service life requirements
Typical Equipment
- CNC lathes, machining centers, high-speed machine tools
- Industrial robots (manipulators, 6-axis robots)
- Automated production lines, handling robots, AGVs
- Engraving machines, cutting machines, high-frequency reciprocating equipment
- Injection molding machines, robotic arms
- Port machinery, cranes, outdoor mobile equipment
- Cold storage and low-temperature equipment
Typical Scenarios
- Exposure to oil, cutting fluid, coolant
- Frequent bending and high-speed movement
- Outdoor, sunlight, humid, hydrolysis-resistant environments
- Low-temperature environments (below -20°C)
- High abrasion resistance, long service life, low maintenance
PVC Drag Chain Cable – For General Indoor & Light-Duty Use
Suitable for: clean, dry, low-frequency movement, budget-sensitive projects
Typical Equipment
- General machine tools, small equipment
- Packaging machinery, assembly lines
- Woodworking machinery, simple automation equipment
- Fixed or low-frequency movement drag chains
- Electrical equipment in dry indoor environments
Typical Scenarios
- Indoor, normal temperature, dry, oil-free
- Low movement frequency, few bending cycles
- Cost-sensitive, large-volume applications
- Temporary wiring, light-duty equipment
In practical use, due to cost issues, most customers choose PVC high flexibility cables, while some customers switch to PUR high flexibility cables after encountering problems during the use of PVC high flexibility cables.
Quelques câble souple manufacturers choose cheap and inferior PUR materials in order to reduce costs and increase profits, such as polyester PUR, which is not resistant to hydrolysis. This type of PUR flexible cable cannot be used outdoors, even indoors, because there is moisture in the air. After 1-3 years, the polyester PUR outer sheath will be decomposed by the moisture in the air, and the outer sheath will lose its original performance, ultimately leading to the outer sheath breaking.
So when we choose flexible cables, we cannot only consider the cost, but also the material performance of the cable.