In modern industry, cables are widely used for connecting various machinery and automation equipment. Among them, drag chain cables, as a key component of drag chain systems, play a crucial role in withstanding frequent stretching, bending, and movement. The two common materials for drag chain cables are PVC and PUR, each with different characteristics and application scenarios. This article will compare the drag chain cables made from these two materials from different aspects to help you better select the appropriate cable products.
PUR Drag Chain Cable
PUR (Polyurethane) cables have very strong elasticity and recovery ability. These cables can return to their original shape in a short period and have a smooth and aesthetically pleasing appearance, making them often used in parts with higher requirements. The outer sheath of PUR cables has strong tear resistance and wear resistance, making them particularly suitable for use in high-intensity mechanical operations and complex environments. Their oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance make them particularly outstanding in humid environments, outdoor applications, and harsh working conditions.
PVC Drag Chain Cable
Compared to PUR, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) cables have lower production costs but are inferior to PUR in terms of elasticity. PVC drag chain cables have slower recovery speeds when subjected to stretching and bending, often requiring a longer time to return to their original state. These cables are more suitable for mid-to-low-end products, especially in applications where frequent stretching and bending are not highly required.
Advantages of PUR Drag Chain Cable
Flexibility and Elasticity: PUR cables have strong elasticity, able to withstand frequent bending and stretching, and quickly return to their original state, suitable for environments with high-frequency and complex movements.
Chemical Resistance: PUR cables show excellent oil, acid-base, and chemical corrosion resistance, making them suitable for industries such as petrochemicals and food processing.
Wear Resistance: Due to their special outer sheath design, PUR cables have excellent wear resistance and tear resistance, suitable for high-friction environments such as robotic arms.
Low-Temperature and Aging Resistance: PUR cables maintain good flexibility in low-temperature environments and have a long service life, capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
Advantages of PVC Drag Chain Cable
Cost-Effective: PVC cables have relatively lower production costs, making them cost-effective and suitable for the budget-conscious mid-to-low-end market.
Basic Weather Resistance: Although PVC cables' weather resistance and UV resistance are not as good as PUR, they still provide stable performance in regular industrial environments, suitable for applications in mild environments.
Suitable for Low-Frequency Stretching Environments: PVC cables are suitable for applications with low stretching frequency requirements, such as some mid-to-low-end mechanical equipment or systems with infrequent movements.
PUR cables have a longer service life
Due to PUR's aging resistance, wear resistance, and chemical resistance, PUR drag chain cables have a much longer service life than PVC cables. They are suitable for scenarios requiring long-term high-intensity and high-frequency operations, such as automated production lines, robots, and other demanding environments.
PVC cables have a shorter service life
PVC drag chain cables perform less well in harsh environments compared to PUR cables, particularly in high-friction and chemically corrosive environments, and therefore have a shorter service life. Hence, PVC cables are more suitable for places where durability requirements are lower, and the environmental conditions are milder.
PUR cables are more expensive
Due to the more complex manufacturing process of PUR materials and their superior performance, PUR drag chain cables are usually priced higher than PVC cables. For some high-end equipment or special environmental applications (such as requiring high elasticity and high corrosion resistance in automated equipment), PUR cables are the preferred choice, but this also means higher costs.
PVC cables are less expensive
PVC cables have lower production costs and meet the performance requirements of regular industrial environments. Hence, they are widely used in mid-to-low-end equipment, especially in applications where stretching frequency is not highly required. Using PVC cables can effectively save costs, especially in cost-sensitive projects.
PUR Drag Chain Cable
Due to their excellent chemical resistance, oil resistance, low-temperature resistance, and aging resistance, PUR cables are especially suitable for harsh environments such as outdoor automated production lines, high temperatures, humid or chemically corrosive environments. They are widely used in industries like petrochemicals, food processing, and automotive manufacturing.
PVC Drag Chain Cable
Suitable for regular industrial environments, especially in places without stringent environmental conditions, such as office equipment, ordinary production lines, and equipment with infrequent stretching. Although their performance is not as strong as PUR cables, they are sufficient for general industrial uses.
When selecting drag chain cables, decisions need to be made based on actual application scenarios and budget. Due to their superior durability and comprehensive performance, PUR drag chain cables are suitable for high-end equipment with stringent environmental requirements, especially those systems requiring frequent movements and considerable tensile strength. On the other hand, PVC drag chain cables, with their more competitive pricing, are suitable for regular industrial environments or equipment with lower stretching frequency requirements, providing a good cost-performance ratio.
In practical applications, if the working environment of the equipment is harsh or requires long-term high-frequency use, PUR drag chain cables are undoubtedly the more ideal choice. If the environment is milder and the budget is limited, PVC drag chain cables are an economical and reliable option.