What properties and applications distinguish Polyurethane (PUR) as a cable sheathing material in demanding environments?

Q: What properties and applications distinguish Polyurethane (PUR) as a cable sheathing material in demanding environments?   A: PUR represents a thermoplastic polymer with exceptional performance characteristics that have made it a preferred cable sheathing material since the 1960s. Unlike conventional thermosetting rubbers, its thermoplastic nature enables recyclability while delivering superior mechanical resilience. Operating across an extensive temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), PUR maintains flexibility in extreme conditions where other materials may become brittle or lose structural integrity.   Mechanically robust, PUR sheathing exhibits remarkable wear resistance, high tensile strength, and exceptional cut/tear resistance—qualities that prevent damage during installation and prolonged use. Its environmental stability includes resistance to humidity, ozone degradation, UV radiation, and microbial growth, while providing an effective barrier against oils, chemicals, and hydrocarbons. A distinctive anti-kink property makes PUR ideal for applications requiring frequent flexing or repositioning, such as robotic systems and drag chains.   These attributes render PUR-sheathed cables suitable for diverse high-performance applications: sensor/control systems, automated machinery, robotics, food processing equipment, medical devices, and harsh industrial environments including mining, offshore operations, and nuclear facilities. As a low-smoke halogen-free material, PUR also addresses safety requirements in sensitive installations where toxic emissions must be minimized during thermal events.