Materials

The deciding factor in cable performance

Chemically pure materials are often ideal for use as insulation. Materials such as PTFE and  HFI 90 provide high insulation resistance and low dielectric loss. Some insulation materials like HFI 120 can be used for inner sheaths, but do not have the rugged properties necessary for use as an outer sheath.

What is available?

There are a number of different groups of materials. Each has its own distinct properties, benefits and uses.
Fluoropolymers for High Performance - ETFE, FEP, PTFE, PFA, LSI 155
Fluoropolymers are halogenated high temperature materials that are highly flame retardant. They do not generate much smoke and are exceptional in oils and fuels. Due to their thin wall nature they are not ideal as jacketing materials, but are often used in this way on smaller sized cables.
Polyesters such as TPS 100 are generally higher temperature materials than polyolefins and can be used thinner due to their tougher nature.

Insulation and Sheathing Materials:

- ETFE FR low smoke fluoropolymer -100 +155 degrees C
- FEP FR low smoke fluoropolymer -200 +205 degrees C
- LSI 155 fluoropolymer FR low smoke -100 +155 degrees C
- PFA fluoropolymer FR low smoke -200 +260 degrees C
- PTFE fluoropolymer FR low smoke -200 +260 degrees C
- TWI 205 polyimide FR low smoke -200 +200 degrees C

Sheathing Materials for Cables:

- TPS 100 low smoke FR jkt -50 +100 degrees C
- TPS 125XL FR jkt -50 +125 degrees C