Cable protection for the defense industry

Cable Protection for Military and Defence Technology: Targeted Protection for Cables and Wiring

In military vehicles, aircraft and communication systems, cables and wiring may be exposed to high mechanical and thermal loads. Depending on the installation location, vibration, abrasion, fuels and electromagnetic influences place different demands on cable protection.

Techflex offers braided sleeving, protective sleeving and heat-shrink tubing for these applications. Selection according to the specific application is essential: a heat-resistant material does not automatically meet requirements for EMI shielding or particularly high cut resistance. Required tests and specifications must be checked for the respective product and project.

Requirements for Cables in Vehicles and Technical Systems

Cables can wear due to movement, impacts and contact with adjacent components. Near engines or other heat sources, elevated temperatures add further stress. In some installation locations, materials must also withstand fuels, oils or other operating fluids.

Data and signal cables may additionally require shielding against electromagnetic interference. The most appropriate protection solution depends on cable routing, operating conditions, available space and the technical requirements of the overall system.

Heat-Resistant Braided Sleeving

FLEXO® NX is a flexible braided sleeve made from meta-aramid. According to the product description, it is suitable for continuous temperatures of up to 220 °C. The material is suitable for cables where temperature resistance and the fire behaviour of the braid are relevant. Suitability for contact with fuels or chemicals should be checked using the product data.

FLEXO® PFA is an expandable braided sleeve for applications involving high temperatures and chemical exposure. It has low outgassing and, according to the product description, is designed for continuous temperatures of up to 280 °C. In addition to temperature, diameter, cable routing and required material certifications should also be considered when selecting the product.

For a fixed covering around individual cables or cable bundles, SHRINKFLEX® 2:1 VITON can be used. This fluoroelastomer heat-shrink tubing is designed for applications involving contact with fuels and solvents. According to the Techflex catalogue, the product is specified as meeting MIL-DTL-23053/13; whether this certification is sufficient for your project should be checked against the current product documentation.

EMI Shielding for Signal and Data Cables

Electromagnetic influences can interfere with sensitive signals. Flexo Shield® is a lightweight, flexible braided sleeve for EMI shielding. Techflex specifies a shielding range of 1 MHz to 1 GHz.

However, the effectiveness of shielding in an installed system does not depend on the braid alone. Cable routing, connections and proper integration into the overall system are also critical. The product is therefore suitable for applications requiring flexible shielding of cable bundles.

Cut and Abrasion Protection Under Mechanical Stress

FLEXO® KV is made from Kevlar® fibres and provides protection against cuts and abrasion. It can be used to cover cables in installation areas where movement or contact with rough surfaces is expected.

ARAMID ARMOR® features a thicker wall and is designed for high mechanical loads. The most suitable version depends, among other factors, on bundle diameter, flexibility and the type of expected mechanical stress.

Easy Retrofitting of Cable Protection

During maintenance or modifications to wiring, side-entry protective sleeves can simplify installation. F6 X combines a Nomex® braid with a self-closing design. It can be wrapped around existing cable bundles without removing connectors.

CLEAN CUT® FLAME RETARDANT is a flame-retardant PET braided sleeve that can be cut without excessive fraying. This makes processing easier when protective sleeves need to be adapted to different cable lengths.

Selecting the Right Cable Protection for Your Application

Heat protection, EMI shielding and mechanical protection require different products. Techflex supports you in selecting the appropriate solution based on installation location, operating conditions and the required technical certifications.

Tell us about your application at sales@techflex.de, by phone at +49 2268 9075131 or via the contact form.