Sanlo produces custom jacketed aircraft cable in nylon and thermoplastic jackets. Jacketing not only protects the cable against wear and tear from sheaves, but it also adds visual interest by adding a layer of color to an otherwise drab material. Before committing to either vinyl or nylon, take a moment to consider where your jacketed cable will be used, how durable it must be to withstand working conditions, and which color best suits your application.

Environment
Vinyl is more tolerant to UV exposure than vinyl, making it versatile for a wide range of application. Often found on sailboats, hanging bird feeders, and trailer safety cables, vinyl has the ability to withstand changing weather conditions and strong light. Comparatively, nylon is more sensitive to light, but it is also more tolerant to acidic environments that can deteriorate other types of materials. In general, nylon is a great option for indoor use, and vinyl is suitable for outdoor use.

Durability
Nylon is more resistant to friction and abrasion than vinyl, however, it is also more susceptible to cracking. Vinyl is more flexible, but its pliable surface offers less abrasion resistance than Nylon. Neither material is inherently “stronger” than the other, but they each exhibit unique properties that allow them to excel in specific applications. Exercise machines, as an example, typically use nylon coated cable because the flexible surface smoothly passes over sheaves, protecting the cable on the inside and extending its cycle life. For push-pull applications such as towing that do not use cable to turn corners, vinyl is a sturdy alternative.    

Color
Both nylon and vinyl can be tinted to a wide range of colors, including neutral tones such as beige and gray, or bright tones like yellow and red. Both materials are also available in translucent finishes that allow the cable to be seen through the jacket color. Vinyl colors tend to appear more vibrant and saturated than nylon colors, which is why our vinyl coated products include Blue Spartan, Lime Green, and White Bright in addition to traditional options like white, red, orange, and brown. We can also provide custom color matching for hues not available in our standard range.

Check out our previous blog, The Differences Between Nylon and Vinyl Coating, to learn more about jacketed aircraft cable. To see our wide range of product options, visit the coated cable page on our website, and contact us with any questions.