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GARATHANE® TPU Jacket Compounds: for EV Charging Cables and Other Tough Industrial Applications

  • Alphagary, an Orbia business
  • Mar 9
  • 3 min read

Electric vehicles are accelerating demand for durable, safe, and flexible charging infrastructure—but EV charging is only one example of where cable jackets must survive constant motion, abrasion, harsh chemicals, outdoor exposure, and extreme temperatures. Across industrial manufacturing, automation, and material-handling equipment, the same mechanical challenges show up every day: repeated flexing, dragging, impact, fluids, and tight routing that punish ordinary materials.

 

Two engineers reviewing data on a robotics line.
Cables that see repeated flexing need tough jacketing compounds like GARATHANE

GARATHANE thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compounds are engineered for applications that require superior mechanical performance—toughness, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, high flexibility, and exceptional low-temperature behavior—while providing a cost-effective alternative to over-engineered straight TPU solutions. Whether you’re designing EV charging cables, industrial robotic or automation cables, or other demanding manufacturing components, GARATHANE helps you balance performance and processability without the premium cost of a straight TPU. 

 

Built for Mechanical Abuse: Toughness, Abrasion Resistance, and Flex Life

From charging cables that are pulled, dropped, driven over, and coiled to industrial cables that run through routing systems and moving machinery, durability is non-negotiable. GARATHANE jacketing compounds deliver superior toughness and abrasion resistance to help maintain cable integrity under repeated mechanical stress, impact, and surface wear—supporting longer service life in dynamic, high-contact environments.

 

High flexibility is just as critical as strength—especially for tight bends, frequent coiling, and continuous motion. GARATHANE stays flexible in dynamic applications and maintains exceptional low-temperature performance, with brittle points as low as -50°C. This combination helps reduce cracking risk for outdoor EV charging in winter climates and for industrial equipment operating in cold storage, unheated facilities, or seasonal outdoor conditions.

 

Thermal Stability for High-Power Charging and Hot Factory Floors

High-voltage charging systems generate heat, and many industrial environments add additional thermal load from equipment, routing near motors, and exposure to warm process areas. GARATHANE compounds offer high temperature stability with ratings up to 90°C, helping cable constructions maintain reliable performance when heat is part of normal operation—not an exception.

 

Safety and Compliance: Flame Retardancy Options for Critical Cable Designs

For EV infrastructure and industrial manufacturing alike, material selection must support both performance and safety requirements. GARATHANE compounds are available in flame-retardant formulations, including halogen and non-halogen options, with limiting oxygen index (LOI) values up to 37%. In EV charging cable applications, GARATHANE can help support compliance with EN 50620, and the product line also includes UL-recognized solutions for a range of indoor and outdoor applications.

 

Chemical and Environmental Resistance Where It Matters Most

Charging cables and industrial manufacturing environments can expose polymers to oils, greases, coolants, cleaning agents, and other harsh chemicals—plus abrasion from concrete, metal edges, and equipment contact. GARATHANE’s robust chemical resistance helps maintain jacket integrity despite exposure to industrial fluids and demanding service conditions. For outdoor EV charging and exterior industrial installations, specialized formulations also provide UV stability to support long-term weathering performance.

 

Efficient Processing for High-Throughput Manufacturing

GARATHANE delivers the processing advantages of thermoplastics while maintaining the mechanical performance demanded by tough applications. Compounds run on conventional extruders and standard machinery, helping manufacturers streamline production, maintain efficient throughput, and achieve consistent jacket quality.  

 

Put GARATHANE to Work in Your Next Demanding Design

If you’re specifying materials for EV charging cables, industrial automation cables, moving machinery, or other applications where toughness and flexibility must coexist, GARATHANE compounds provide a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to straight TPU. With options for flame retardancy (halogen and non-halogen), UV stability, and custom formulation capabilities, GARATHANE can be tailored to the performance targets that matter most for your end use.


Visit the GARATHANE product page.

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