Kevlar® alternative for crash protection in case of an accident
In the automotive industry, the behavior of the vehicle in a crash scenario plays an important role in terms of safety. In this context, it is particularly important to protect sensitive cables and wires, which would quickly suffer damage if left unprotected and, in the worst case, could become an additional safety risk for the occupants. As a replacement for the Kevlar® hoses that have dominated cable protection up to now, we now offer a crash protection hose, the FITCO®CRASH, as a Kevlar® alternative, which is not only more cost-effective but also offers improved protection in the event of a crash.
What is a Kevlar® hose?
The term Kevlar® is a trademarked name. The chemical materials’ name is aramid. This technical term is the abbreviation for aromatic polyamides, which in turn belong to the liquid crystal polymers. These are primarily used as fibers but also as pulps, films, or papers.
Due to its properties as a cut and impact-resistant material, Kevlar® is used as a protective substance in safety vests or as a protective hose in sensitive areas, for example.
How does a Kevlar® protective hose work?
The Kevlar® protective sleeving is primarily used for crash protection and is preferred on electrically conductive cables, especially battery cables in critical areas. In a possible accident scenario, it protects the cables from damage or cutting, which could potentially energize the entire body of the vehicle. This makes the potential recovery of persons enormously difficult and delays it furthermore.
This protective measure is particularly necessary for electric cars and hybrid vehicles. In the case of electrically powered vehicles, this is due to the increased risk resulting from higher voltage and current. In the case of hybrid drives, there is also the possibility of a fire hazard in the event of short circuits due to the coming together of sparks and fuel.
FITCO®CRASH: The Kevlar® alternative
A Kevlar® protection hose has two main disadvantages. On the one hand, it is very cost-intensive, on the other hand, it can be attributed to application-related deficiencies in terms of mechanical protection. Kevlar® protective sleeves are extremely torn and puncture resistant, but also relatively flexible. As a result, the hose itself is immune to any damage in case of impact. However, damage to the line is supposed to be protected by the hose cannot be excluded. This can displace the insulation of the cable, leaving the conductor bare.
Our Kevlar® alternative FITCO®CRASH protection hose does not use expensive Kevlar® fibers and builds up massive mechanical protection using cheaper alternative fibers. Tests carried out using standard test procedures on the market have shown that the above-mentioned problem did not occur with our FITCO®CRASH. Impacts on the insulation were found, but the conductor was not completely exposed. In accordance with the usual application requirements, this hose for electric mobility is also available in orange as well as a self-retracting version: The FITCO®CRASH – wrap for subsequent installation.
We would be pleased to advise you on our product range and the possible applications of the Fitcoflex woven hose polyethylene. Please contact us!
