FEP Cable
FEP cable, which is commonly known as Teflon® coated cable, is best-known for its frictionless and chemical inertness, meaning that this extrusion material requires less force to achieve movement and can withstand a variety of chemical environments. While other coated cables may offer minor levels of chemical resistance, Teflon® coated cable offers chemical compatibility, including hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid, along many extremely corrosive chemicals.
Teflon® cable also offers continuous service temperatures, up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and negligible moisture absorption, making this extrusion material ideal in high-temperature and humid environments.
Medical devices using mechanical cable commonly use FEP coated cable. The benefits to Teflon® in these complex endoscopic and surgical instruments are the low coefficient of friction and chemical compatibilities required in such devices.
Polyurethane Cable
Polyurethane cable is ideal in mechanical cable applications where resistance to a wide host of particulates and invasive material are present. Polyurethane, or PU coated cabled, is highly resistant to oils, water, exposure to the harsh conditions created by the ozone, artificial or natural and is largely unaffected by the presence of radiation.
But beyond even the environmental benefits, cable jacketed with polyurethane is also highly tolerant of abrasion, making it a perfect extrusion material where cables make contact with pulleys or other mechanical components. PU is lightweight, easily colored, moldable and is less expensive
with which to coat mechanical cable. Combined with its exceptional load-bearing and tear-resistance, polyurethane is an excellent and cost-effective solution when needing more from extruded material.
PE Cable
PE cable, similar to polyurethane cable, provides superior protection against water and vapor exposure, while also being lightweight, wildly customizable and cost-effective. But what makes polyethylene cable a unique proposition for extruded mechanical cable is its impact tolerance. Used in virtually any application where impact, or continued contact with potentially harmful surfaces is present, polyethylene acts as a durable and time-tolerant barrier from outside elements and objects.
Polyethylene cable also stands up to oxidation and chemical exposure, further making it an enduring jacket material for cables in a host of solutions where exposure to unwanted particulates is constant. If the cable application calls for ease with which the cable or motion control system is cleaned, polyethylene is also nicely suited. It is easily cleaned where either optics, function or both demand a squeaky-clean presentation of the cable.
Lastly, but critically, polyethylene coated cable is eco-friendly. Unless discarded improperly, as compare with many other extruded materials, polyethylene has no verifiable environmental or health concerns, nor negative impacts on ecosystems.
