General
Material	E/TFE
Colour	Blue
Bandwidth	2,5 mm
Operation temperature	+170 °C
Minimum temperature	-80 °C
Hygroscopy	non-hygroscopic
Flame retardancy class	UL94 V0
UV resistance
Radiation resistance

The cable tie T18R-ETFE-BU-C1 from HellermannTyton is a securing material specifically developed for demanding industrial applications. It features high chemical resistance and is designed for operating temperatures up to +170 °C. The blue colour serves as visual identification and is part of the product identification. The cable tie is made from E/TFE (also known as Tefzel®), a thermoplastic polymer suitable for excellent resistance against aggressive chemicals, UV light, and radioactivity. E/TFE is non-hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb moisture from the environment – a property particularly advantageous in damp or wet environments. The material quality meets UL94 V0 requirements, ensuring high flame resistance and low smoke development when exposed to heat.

Applications
This cable tie is primarily intended for use in the food and beverage industry, aviation, automotive, and rail vehicle construction. In these sectors, high requirements apply to material resistance, temperature stability, and hygiene. Use in the food industry requires materials that do not release harmful substances and are easy to clean – E/TFE meets these criteria. In aviation and rail vehicle construction, the cable ties are particularly suitable due to their resistance against vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and chemical influences.

Functions and Features in Detail
The cable tie has a length of 100 mm and a strap width of 2.5 mm, making it suitable for medium to large cable bundles. The design ensures secure and durable fastening without damaging the cables or lines being secured. The E/TFE material composition provides high mechanical strength and long-term stability, even under extreme environmental conditions. The blue colour serves as visual identification, which can be used in specific applications to identify cable bundles or systems.

Technology Explained Simply
E/TFE (Ethylene-Tetrafluorethylene) is a high-quality fluoropolymer valued in industry for its chemical and thermal resistance. Compared to conventional plastics such as polyamide or polypropylene, E/TFE offers significantly higher resistance against acids, alkalis, solvents, and other aggressive chemicals. The material structure is non-hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb moisture from the air – this prevents degradation of mechanical properties due to moisture absorption. The UL94 V0 certification confirms that the material extinguishes quickly when exposed to flame and produces minimal smoke, which is important in fire-hazardous areas.

Compatibility and Accessories
For processing the cable tie, special tools are recommended to enable clean and efficient fastening. Suitable accessories include the processing tool EVO7i (part number 110-77001) and the tool MK20 BLAU (part number 110-20006). These tools support fast and precise processing, especially in series applications or where high quality standards are required.

Installation and Mounting
Mounting is done by simply looping the cable tie around the cable bundle to be secured and then closing the locking mechanism. Using a special tool allows for clean and even tensioning, minimizing the risk of overloading or damaging the cables. Installation typically requires no additional tools, although using a tool is recommended for optimal fastening.

Operational Advantages
The cable tie offers high long-term stability, even under extreme environmental conditions. Resistance to UV light and radioactivity makes it suitable for outdoor use or in environments with ionizing radiation. The non-hygroscopic property ensures that mechanical properties remain intact throughout the product’s lifetime. High chemical resistance reduces the risk of corrosion or material failure due to contact with aggressive substances. The UL94 V0 certification enhances safety in applications where there is an increased fire risk.