FAQ - Enviroflex

Questions

Q1: Why should we consider a PTFE cable alternative for existing and new system designs?

Q2: Up to now we have specified PTFE cables. What do we have to consider if we want to design-in ENVIROFLEX cables?

Q3: As the temperature rating of PTFE cables goes beyond that of ENVIROFLEX cables, which benefit ENVIROFLEX has in case of fire?

Q4: Are ENVIROFLEX cables just like RG-type cables, but with a halogen-free jacket?

Q5: The operating temperature of Polyethylen cables is generally limited up to +80°C. Why the temperature resistance of ENVIROFLEX is better?

Q6: Can the ENVIROFLEX cross-linked materials easier be decomposed than PTFE/FEP?

Q7: You're claiming that ENVIROFLEX cables are fully dimensionally compatible to industry standard RG-Type cables. For what reason we do find certain deviations comparing the data sheets?

Question (Q1): Why should we consider a PTFE cable alternative for existing and new system designs?
Answer: Industry standard RG-type PTFE/FEP bearing cables possess excellent overall characteristics. PTFE RF cable costs are also remarkably higher versus PE based ones. But an UL temperature rating of 105°C (PE based construction) still meets most customer needs. eg. inner conductor soldering).
With regard to cost, the PTFE/FEP material and manufacturing process is relatively expensive. When the supply and demand mechanisms are aggravated by allocated availability, PTFE cable costs rise excessively.
With regard to flexibility, PTFE cable is relatively rigid. This is a characteristic of extruded PTFE, and virtually nothing can be done to improve this physical property.
With regard to health and safety, PTFE cables are halogen bearing cables. In the event of fire it can lead to the incineration of the cable with a resultant release of toxic smoke.
With regard to being recyclable, PTFE cables are particular resistant to decomposition, especially because of their excessive temperature capability. As environmental responsibility regulations evolve to mandate that manufactures recycle their products at the end of their service life, the true application cost of PTFE cables will reach excessive levels.
Every manufacturer needs to be aware of new regulations and the products and processes that will meet them. Early new product design-in is the best insurance against future regulatory difficulties as world nations move toward more environmentally responsible end-life-product recycling legislation. Companies that adopt the latest technology will also easily provide their customers with the best balance of properties at the lowest possible price.

Question (Q2): Up to now we have specified PTFE cables. What do we have to consider if we want to design-in ENVIROFLEX cables?
Answer: ENVIROFLEX cables offer significant advantages over PTFE/FEP bearing RG cables in situations where the application temperature does not exceed 105°C. In most applications the excess thermal capability of PTFE cable is of no utility, given that the associated circuit components unsolder at a temperature that is substantially below the maximum useable temperature of the PTFE cable dielectric.
Being the dimensional and electrical equivalent of an RG type cable, ENVIROFLEX cables can be easily designed into existing RG type cable applications by merely considering the maximum temperature, power and frequency requirements of the application.

Question (Q3): As the temperature rating of PTFE cables goes beyond that of ENVIROFLEX cables, which benefit ENVIROFLEX has in case of fire?
Answer: Fire Safety is more important than ever. The plastic insulation material of standard RG cables contains halogen, which will produce highly toxic and corrosive gasses when it is burnt. Fumes given off during a fire can severely damage circuitry, and toxic smoke can cause human injury or death.
Careful selection of ENVIROFLEX cable materials ensures that any emissions are of low toxicity, low smoke and low flame generation.

Question (Q4): Are ENVIROFLEX cables just like RG-type cables, but with a halogen-free jacket?
Answer: No, better than that. SUHNER ENVIROFLEX is a truly halogen free cable family. ENVIROFLEX utilizes not only halogen-free, low smoke and fire retardant material for the jacket, but also for the dielectric. No halogen comprised components like PTFE, FEP or PVC are involved, making the cables particularly interesting from a safety, as well as an environmental point of view.

Question (Q5): The operating temperature of Polyethylene cables is generally limited up to +80°C. Why the temperature resistance of ENVIROFLEX is better?
Answer: The Polyethylene dielectric and the RADOX® jacket of ENVIROFLEX are cross-linked to increase its chain molecular stability and elevate thereby its maximum useable temperature by 25°C. This results in a maximum specified operating temperature of +105°C.
The cross-molecular linkages of the material enhances the physical stability, so that it will not begin to soften if it is heated during a solder process.

Question (Q6): Can the ENVIROFLEX cross-linked materials easier be decomposed than PTFE?
Answer: One of the characteristics of PTFE is an excellent temperature capability during its service life. It does not begin to soften until it is heated above 327°C. On the other hand, this means that it will be very resistant to subsequent decomposition when it is no longer needed. In addition, careful consideration must be given to the decompositional byproducts of materials, so as to avoid health and safety hazards like that which results from the incineration of halogen bearing plastics such as PTFE and FEP. The incineration of halogenated combustibles may produce amounts of Carbonylfluorid, Perfluorisobutylen and Hydrofluoric acid that can result in increasing maintenance cost.
Recyclable plastics used in ENVIROFLEX are molecularly altered to enhance their physical properties without producing materials that substantially resist decomposition. The materials are toxical harmless in accordance with the European Union safety specification-sheet 91/155/EWG.

Question (Q7): You're claiming that ENVIROFLEX cables are fully dimensionally compatible to industry  standard RG-Type cables. For what reason we do find certain deviations comparing  the data sheets?
Answer: The ENVIROFLEX cables were developed to be fully compatible to the existing international standards for RG 142 B/U, RG 400 /U and RG 393 /U. An additional cable type was developed to meet the dimensions of the RG 316 /U, with the exception that it has a double braid for better screening. The PTFE equivalent is commonly known as RD 316 (or K 02252 D in "HUBER+SUHNER language").
Due to manufacturing requirements, we have to put up with a few minor dimensional deviations. However, those will have no impact on compatibility, meaning that one can easily move to either cable type while using the same industry standard connectors that are available from suppliers worldwide.