Differences Between High Flexible PVC Drag Chain Cables and High Flexible PUR Drag Chain Cables

Differences Between High Flexible PVC Drag Chain Cables and High Flexible PUR Drag Chain Cables

High Flexible drag chain cables can be classified based on the material of their outer sheath, with commonly used types being high flexible PVC drag chain cables and high-flexibility PUR drag chain cables.

Material Characteristics

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

Has good mechanical and electrical insulation properties but exhibits poor flexibility under extreme temperatures.

Has poor stability against light and heat, making it prone to degradation when exposed to prolonged sunlight or high temperatures.

PUR (Polyurethane):

Exhibits excellent oil resistance, abrasion resistance, and low-temperature flexibility, maintaining good performance in extreme environments.

Has stronger UV resistance and aging properties, making it suitable for long-term use.

Physical Properties

PVC Drag Chain Cable:

More economical, suitable for general indoor use, but may suffer fatigue damage under high-frequency bending and movement.

PUR Drag Chain Cable:

Designed for high-flexibility applications, capable of withstanding frequent bending and twisting, thus extending service life; ideal for industrial robots and automation equipment.

Cost 

PVC Drag Chain Cable:

Relatively low cost, suitable for applications that do not require extreme flexibility.

PUR Drag Chain Cable: 

Higher cost, but offers better performance, especially in applications demanding high flexibility and durability.

Applicable Environments

PVC Drag Chain Cable: 

Suitable for general indoor environments, particularly for cost-sensitive projects.

PUR Drag Chain Cable: 

Suitable for extreme environments, such as outdoor or high-load industrial settings, especially under conditions involving oil contamination, low temperatures, or humidity.

Summary

High-flexibility PUR drag chain cables generally outperform high-flexibility PVC drag chain cables in many aspects, particularly in oil resistance, abrasion resistance, cold resistance, water resistance, aging resistance, acid and alkali resistance, weather resistance, service life, and UV resistance. PUR cables possess excellent oil resistance, abrasion resistance, cold resistance (low-temperature), water resistance, aging resistance, acid and alkali resistance, weather resistance, long service life, and UV resistance, making them suitable for environments with oil contamination and harsh low temperatures. In contrast, while PVC cables offer decent physical properties, their stability against light and heat is poor, leading to decomposition under prolonged exposure to sunlight or excessive heat, which can affect their service life. Additionally, PUR cables have superior tear resistance and abrasion resistance, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, whereas PVC cables can be used in humid environments but are not recommended for outdoor applications.

In terms of price, PUR material is approximately twice as expensive as PVC material, resulting in a higher cost. If special requirements are not present, modified PVC materials can be chosen to save costs. However, in applications requiring frequent movement, such as CNC machine tools and logistics automation equipment, PUR drag chain cables are the better choice to ensure that the cable is not damaged during dragging and maintains normal power transmission functionality.

In conclusion, when selecting high-flexibility drag chain cables, it is important to consider the specific usage environment and requirements. For use in extremely harsh conditions, or when higher durability and stability are needed, PUR drag chain cables are the better choice. If cost is a significant consideration and the operating environment is less demanding, PVC drag chain cables may be a more economical option.