Example 14: Tested! Comparison of jacket materials in various oils

By taking into account the individual requirements of igus® customers for years, specifically designed tests deliver more conclusive results than would be possible through standardized tests. To select jacket materials suitable for use in an application with oil, lubricant or coolant, relatively unclear specifications like "oil-resistant" or "coolant-resistant" are not very helpful.

Besides the generally valid tests, e.g. according to DIN EN 60811-2-1 and IEC 60811-1-1, the "daily application" is simulated in a test facility specifically suited to the requirements of the customers as close to realistic conditions as possible. Thus the specimens are mounted in an energy supply chain, which for instance travels in and out of an "oil bath". Alternately the outer jacket is in direct contact with the medium to be tested and the air around the energy supply chain and/or the cable – just like in a real application.

After a test duration that can be freely selected or is defined by the igus® standard, the specimens can be tested for the alteration of their material properties, e.g. stability, elongation at break and the swelling compared to the values before the test. In this way one gets more than a statement with regard to the variable stability of the various materials. Compared to the otherwise normal material aging according to the above-mentioned standards, it is also possible to estimate the service life in the E-Chain® application.

If the specimens do not survive the prescribed test duration – like the shown competitors' cables – a usage in the relevant applications cannot be recommended.