Cable Jacket Materials: PVC vs. PUR vs. TPE for PROFINET Applications

By Eileen Harvey 

When we think of PROFINET cables, the focus usually falls on data transmission, shielding or conductor types. Yet one critical element often overlooked is the cable jacket material. The jacket acts as the first line of defense against physical, chemical and environmental stresses. Choosing the right jacket material is essential for ensuring not just performance, but also cable longevity and overall network reliability. 

In industrial environments where cables are exposed to oil, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and continuous movement, jacket material can make or break your system. The three most common jacket types used for PROFINET cables are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PUR (polyurethane) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). 

The Role of Cable Jackets in PROFINET Cables 

The jacket on a PROFINET cable is more than just a cover—it is a protective barrier. It provides mechanical protection, safeguarding against bending, abrasion and crushing forces. It offers chemical resistance, preventing damage from oils, solvents and cleaning agents. It enhances environmental durability, shielding against moisture, UV radiation and extreme temperatures. And it maintains signal integrity, protecting shielding layers from external influences that could introduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). A poor jacket choice could lead to premature cable wear, signal loss and even plant downtime. 

PVC Jackets 

Key Features: PVC jackets are cost-effective and widely available, offering flame-retardant properties that comply with basic safety standards. They are easy to strip, install and terminate while providing moderate mechanical strength. 

Best Suited For: These jackets perform best in fixed installations such as control cabinets, trays or conduits. They are ideal for indoor environments with limited exposure to oils or chemicals and are often chosen for budget-sensitive applications. 

Limitations: PVC jackets have poor resistance to oils, solvents and chemicals. Their limited flexibility makes them unsuitable for continuous bending, and they degrade faster in outdoor environments due to UV exposure. 

PUR Jackets 

Key Features: PUR jackets provide high flexibility and excellent abrasion resistance. They are resistant to oils, coolants and cleaning agents, making them tough enough for drag chain and robotic applications. They also offer good UV resistance. 

Best Suited For: These jackets are ideal for motion control and robotics applications where cables bend and twist continuously. They perform well in automotive and machining environments with oil and coolant exposure and are suitable for outdoor use requiring UV resistance. 

Limitations: PUR jackets are higher in cost compared to PVC and have limited temperature resistance compared to TPE, struggling in very high heat. 

TPE Jackets 

Key Features: TPE jackets withstand extreme temperatures both high and low. They are halogen-free, environmentally friendly and flame-retardant with superior chemical resistance to oils, acids and solvents. They are also highly flexible and durable. 

Best Suited For: These jackets are commonly used in the food and beverage industry, where chemical cleaning and strict hygiene standards apply. They are well suited for outdoor use thanks to UV, ozone and weather resistance and perform effectively in energy and chemical plants exposed to harsh chemicals and temperature variations. 

Limitations: TPE jackets are more expensive than PVC and PUR and are less common in standard installations, often reserved for specialized cases. 

Comparative Analysis: PVC vs. PUR vs. TPE 

Applications and Use Cases 

PVC is ideal for control cabinets, wiring ducts or fixed industrial setups where cost is a factor. PUR is found in robotics, automotive plants and drag chains where cables are under constant movement. TPE is used in food processing, chemical industries or extreme outdoor conditions. 

Choosing the Right Jacket Material 

When selecting a PROFINET cable jacket, consider four essential matters. First is movement requirements, such as fixed vs. flexible vs. continuous motion. Second is environmental exposure—oils, UV, chemicals or temperature. The third consideration is budget vs. longevity, with PVC saving upfront costs and PUR/TPE reducing long-term maintenance. Fourth is compliance needs: food-grade, halogen-free or flame-retardant requirements. 

Recommendations for PROFINET Installations 

For budget-sensitive, fixed installations, go with PVC. For dynamic machinery and robotics, choose PUR to ensure durability. For harsh, chemical-heavy environments, opt for TPE for maximum resistance. 

Tips and Best Practices 

• Don’t over-specify: PVC is sufficient for simple, fixed runs. 

• Plan for mechanical stress: If motion is frequent, PUR or TPE is worth the extra investment. 

• Think long-term: Spending more upfront for TPE may reduce replacement costs in harsh environments. 

• Check standards compliance: Ensure cables meet PROFINET Type A, B or C specifications. 

Facts You Should Know 

• PVC cables have been in use for decades and remain the most widely installed jacket material worldwide. 

• PUR jackets extend cable life in robotic arms by up to 10x compared to PVC. 

• TPE jackets can survive sterilization processes in food factories, where others would quickly degrade. 

The choice of PVC, PUR or TPE jacket for your PROFINET cables depends entirely on your application environment and performance needs. PVC works for fixed installations at low cost, PUR dominates in motion-heavy setups and TPE is the premium choice for extreme conditions. 

By matching jacket material with application, you can improve system reliability, reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of your PROFINET infrastructure. 

Explore the full range of TKD Kabel through L-com. We’ll fill your orders fast, with same-day shipping on all qualified, in stock, online orders received Monday through Friday before 5 p.m. EST. For TKD-related inquiries, connect with our U.S-based TKD expert Eileen Harvey at eharvey@infiniteelectronics.com.