What is TPU cable?

TPU cable refers to a type of cable that is made using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the insulation material. TPU is known for its excellent flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, oil, chemicals, and UV radiation. TPU cables are commonly used in various industries such as automotive, electronics, robotics, and telecommunications due to their high performance and reliability.

Can I require TPU cable UL20279 to be a special color?

Yes, TPU cable UL20279 can be made in customized color as per request. You only have to tell us your desired color code, usually Pantone. Then our technique staff will make it exactly for you.

The following is an example of a customized colored TPU cable UL20279.

Is TPU cable better than TPE cable?

As people’s quality requirements for products and use experience become increasingly higher, many electronic products begin to apply the new wiring material TPU cable. The emergence of TPU cable has promoted the development of electric industry. However, TPU cable is new to the market and people do not know enough about TPU cable. They are not able to identify TPU cable, and even do not know the difference between TPU cable and TPE cable.

TPU Cable UL20549
TPU Cable UL20549

Tactile difference

TPU cable is rough, strong friction resistance. While TPE cable feels delicate and soft, weak friction performance.

Gravity value

The proportion of TPE cable jacketed material ranges from 0.8 to 1.3, while the proportion of TPU cable jacketed material ranges from 1.0 to 1.4. The higher the gravity value, the more the material consume.

Oil resistance

TPE cable is not oil resistant. If there is a specific requirement to adjust in the formula, there is a certain level of difficulty. While TPU cable has excellent performance in the aspect of oil resistance.

Mechanical property

TPU cable performs much better in bearing capacity, bending resistance, tensile resistance than TPE cable. So TPU cable is more widely applied in industry.

TPE Cable UL20327
TPE Cable UL20327

Resilience

TPE cable’s resilience becomes worse with the increase of hardness. TPU cable is better than that of TPE cable.

TypeTactileGravityOil resistanceMechanical Resilience
TPU cableRough1.0-1.4ExcellentExcellentExcellent
TPE cableSoft0.8-1.3No goodNo goodNo good

Can TPU cable fulfil VW-1 requirement?

When it comes to choosing the right cable for various applications, meeting industry standards and certifications is crucial. One such important certification is VW-1, which ensures the safety and reliability of cables.

Understanding Safety Certifications

TPU cables have gained popularity in numerous industries due to their exceptional properties, such as high flexibility, abrasion resistance, and resistance to oils and chemicals. However, it is important to ensure that these cables comply with safety certifications like VW-1 for enhanced peace of mind.

What is VW-1 Certification?

VW-1 is a flame retardancy test conducted to evaluate the fire resistance of cables. It is defined by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and is widely recognized globally. Cables that pass the VW-1 test exhibit self-extinguishing properties, minimizing the spread of fire and ensuring safety in various applications.

Is TPU Cable Complied with VW-1?

TPU cable that complies with VW-1 standards possess desirable characteristics, including flexibility, durability, and resistance to oils and chemicals. When selecting TPU cables, prioritize those that explicitly state compliance with VW-1 standards and consider cable specifications tailored to your specific needs.

How to make a TPU cable?

TPU cable is an important wiring material used to transmit power or signals and is widely used in various fields. This article will introduce the general TPU cable production process.

Step 1: Raw material preparation

  1. Choose the appropriate conductor material, common copper, aluminum, and other necessary components as required.
  2. Prepare insulated materials, such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride.
  3. Obtain TPU raw material for the jacket extrusion.

Step 2: Conductor fabrication

  1. The selected metal raw materials are processed and drawn to obtain the required diameter and length.
  2. Clean the conductor to remove surface dirt and oxides.

Step 3: Insulation layer manufacturing

  1. Heat the insulating layer material through the extruder and press it around the conductor to form a uniform and sealed protective layer.
  2. Ensure that the insulation layer has a high enough pressure resistance and meets the relevant standards.

Step 4: Jacket manufacturing

  1. Use an extruder to wrap the TPU plastics upon the insulated cores.
  2. According to needs, add additional marking with special performance requirements such as fire prevention and weather resistance to the cable surface.

Step 5: Testing and quality control

  1. Carry out necessary tests on the produced TPU cable, including its resistance and voltage resistance test.
  2. Carry out quality control procedures to ensure the produced TPU cable comply with the industrial standards.

Should we use TPU cable?

TPU cable is a type of cable that is known for its high flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and oils. It is often used in environments where tough and flexible cables are required. TPU cables can withstand bending, stretching, and repetitive movements without getting damaged. They are commonly used in industries such as robotics, automation, manufacturing, and outdoor applications where cables are exposed to extreme conditions, including extreme temperatures and harsh substances.

Why do we use TPU cable?

Some reasons why we use TPU cable include the below.

Flexibility

TPU cables can be subjected to repeated movements and flexing without losing their functionality or breaking, making them ideal for applications where cables need to be highly flexible.

Durability

TPU cables have excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, oils, and other harsh substances, making them suitable for demanding environments.

Outdoor Applications

TPU cables can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor installations or use in environments exposed to the elements.

High Performance

TPU cables often offer high electrical and mechanical performance, making them suitable for applications where reliable and efficient transmission of signals or power is required.

Longevity

TPU cables have a longer operational lifespan compared to other types of cables, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.

Where can you use TPU cable?

TPU cable, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane cable, is a versatile type of cable that can be used in various applications. Here are some common areas where TPU cables find their use:

Electronics and Electrical Industry

TPU cables are widely used in the electronics and electrical industry for connecting different components and devices. They provide excellent flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, making them suitable for applications such as power transmission, data transfer, and signal control.

Automotive Sector

TPU cables are extensively utilized in the automotive sector due to their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures, oil exposure, and mechanical stress. They are commonly employed in wiring harnesses for vehicles’ electrical systems.

Industrial Automation

TPU cables play a crucial role in industrial automation processes by providing reliable connectivity between machines or equipment. Their high flexibility allows easy installation even in tight spaces or moving parts of machinery.

Robotics

TPU cables offer exceptional performance characteristics required for robotic applications such as continuous flexing capability, resistance to chemicals/oils/greases present in manufacturing environments, and protection against mechanical stresses during robot movements.

Medical Equipment

The medical field often utilizes TPU cables due to their biocompatibility properties along with resistance to sterilization methods like autoclaving or chemical disinfection. These cables can be found in medical devices like patient monitoring systems or surgical instruments.

Outdoor Applications

Thanks to their UV resistance and weatherproof qualities, TPU cables are suitable for outdoor installations such as solar panels connections or outdoor lighting systems where they need to endure exposure to sunlight or harsh weather conditions.

Sports Equipment

Some sports equipment manufacturers incorporate TPU cables into products like headphones/earphones (for audio transmission) or wearable fitness trackers (for data communication). The flexibility of these cables ensures comfort during physical activities while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Why is TPU cable used in electrical wiring?

TPU cable becomes more and more popular as a reliable and efficient wiring material in various industries. As a preferred choice for electrical wiring, TPU cable has better performance in the aspect of its flexibility, durability, high-temperature resistance capabilities.

Why is TPU cable used?

TPU cable has superior mechanical properties, good abrasion resistance, low temperature resistance, aging resistance, high strength impact resistance and tear resistance, and has high extensibility and tensile strength. TPU cable is non-toxic, eco-friendly wiring material, strong wear resistance, highly flexible, good weather resistance, no plasticizer.

Shielded TPU Cable
Shielded TPU Cable