HYDRAULIC HOSES FROM EUROPOWER FEATURE ARNITEL® TEE-E CORE FOR LONG-TERM TOP PERFORMANCE

Europower, a major U.K.-based manufacturer of hydraulic hoses and fittings, uses Arnitel® thermoplastic ether ester block copolymer elastomer (TEE-E) from DSM Engineering Plastics for the core of a select line of its hydraulic hoses. DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group within the DSM N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam:DSM) Performance Materials cluster.

Hydraulic hoses typically consist of core overlaid by fibre or metal braid pressure reinforcement and an outer protective layer. As a core material, Arnitel provides a smoother inner surface, superior flexibility and better hot oil resistance compared to the traditional nitrile rubber. Europower’s customers benefit from the smoother surface, which makes fluids easier to pump, and from the enhanced flexibility and superior oil resistance of Arnitel, affording easier handling and longer service life.

Arnitel grades suitable for hydraulic hose core include PM581, PM650, EM550 and EM630, all of which meet SAE J517 specifications. Core production is much easier with Arnitel than with competitive materials. In addition, cores can be produced to any length, including continuous production.

Hydraulic hose cores can have thinner walls with Arnitel for a given pressure rating, making the hose thinner, more flexible and lighter than is possible with traditional materials. Other Arnitel material properties ideal for hydraulic applications include low volumetric expansion under pressure, little or no oil absorption and low diffusion of gases. Because Arnitel requires no processing oils or plasticisers for flexibility, there is no leaching of contaminants in use.

In addition to hydraulic applications, Arnitel is extensively used in automotive components designed for human touch, such as armrest and steering wheel covers; for components requiring exceptional fatigue resistance and resistance to oil and greases, including rack and pinion

bellows, constant velocity joint (CVJ) boots, and air brake tubing. In the electronic and consumer goods industry, Arnitel is widely used for mobile phone antennas, cable insulation, flexible tubing, handles, and pads. The range of Arnitel is exemplified by its use both in tiny, low-noise gears, and in large, energy- and sound-absorbing railway pads.