Non-Woven Polyester
Component separation and easy stripping for power and special cables
Non-Woven Polyester
Non-woven polyester (NWP) is a technical tape made from short, micrometric-diameter fibres using carding technology. Unlike compact polyester film, its fibrous structure offers a controlled-microporosity surface that eases cable stripping and prevents unwanted adhesion between layers during extrusion processes.
In cable construction, NWP works as a separator between insulation and screen, or between screen and outer sheath. Its porous texture lets the sheath compound grip the surface lightly during extrusion without bonding permanently, resulting in a clean, controlled strip during field installation operations.
We offer thicknesses from 40 to 200 µm with short-term thermal stability of 230°C and continuous service of 90°C per IEC 216. This range allows the separator thickness to match each construction's tolerances, from instrumentation cables to large-section power cables.
Unlike compact PET film, where selection is mostly driven by dielectric strength, NWP selection combines thickness, grammage and mechanical strength. The fibrous structure does not deliver the same dielectric properties as compact film, but offers decisive advantages in cable processability during manufacturing and ease of stripping during installation.
During taping, NWP behaves more "softly" than compact film: its texture absorbs minor irregularities in underlying layers and reduces the risk of marks or imprints on the insulation, which is especially relevant for cables insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
How to choose the right one?
The right reference depends on the balance between required separation thickness, available space and mechanical strength during manufacturing. Grammage is a direct indicator of fibre density and, therefore, of effective separation capacity.
| Reference | Thickness | Grammage | Tensile strength | Typical application | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NWP-04 | 40 µm | 20±2 g/m² | ≥20 N/cm | Fine separation in instrumentation cables | Tight spaces, compact constructions |
| NWP-05 | 50 µm | 25±3 g/m² | ≥25 N/cm | Standard separation | Thickness/cost balance |
| NWP-06 | 60 µm | 30±3 g/m² | ≥28 N/cm | Control and signal cables | General use, good handling |
| NWP-09 | 90 µm | 40±3 g/m² | ≥38 N/cm | LV power cables | Greater separation thickness |
| NWP-12 | 120 µm | 50±3 g/m² | ≥43 N/cm | MV power cables | Maximum tensile strength |
| NWP-16 | 160 µm | 60±4 g/m² | ≥40 N/cm | Special cables, robotics | Moderate cushioning effect |
| NWP-20 | 200 µm | 70±5 g/m² | ≥55 N/cm | Maximum separation | Large-section cables, demanding conditions |
Technical specifications
The values shown below come from tests run to ISO standards and characterise the material's behaviour both during processing and in service.
| Property | Method | NWP-04 | NWP-05 | NWP-06 | NWP-09 | NWP-12 | NWP-16 | NWP-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness (µm) | ISO 9073-2 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 90 | 120 | 160 | 200 |
| Grammage (g/m²) | ISO 9073-1 | 20±2 | 25±3 | 30±3 | 40±3 | 50±3 | 60±4 | 70±5 |
| Tensile strength (N/cm, min.) | ISO 9073-3 | ≥20 | ≥25 | ≥28 | ≥38 | ≥43 | ≥40 | ≥55 |
| Elongation at break (%, min.) | ISO 9073-3 | ≥10 | ≥10 | ≥12 | ≥12 | ≥12 | ≥12 | ≥12 |
Thermal and environmental properties (common to all references)
| Property | Value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term thermal stability | 230°C | Q/TR.J02.031-2000 |
| Long-term thermal stability | 90°C | IEC 216 |
| Moisture content | ≤5% | ISO 287 |
Values shown are typical and do not constitute binding specifications.
Available variants
Colour
- Natural white — standard
Alternative materials by application
- Compact polyester film (PET) — when dielectric strength is required
- Non-woven polyester with water-blocking — for longitudinal water blocking
- Expanded polypropylene (PPF) — when a pronounced cushioning effect is required
Delivery formats
The supply format directly influences process continuity and taping efficiency. Material can be supplied in different formats and dimensions adapted to each machine type and production speed.
Pad / Roll (pancake)
Flat reel for conventional taping
Spool (TWS / STS reel)
Reel for feeding taping machines
Other formats and dimensions available on request. Custom slitting service available.
Application sectors
Need technical advice?
Our technical team is available to help you select the optimum material for your application.
Custom slitting
Up to 1200 mm width, ±0.50 mm tolerance
View service
Spooling
Pad to TWS/STS spool conversion
View serviceWe process material from our stock or material supplied by the customer.
Need technical advice?
Our technical team is available to help you select the optimal material for your application.
Local stock in Barcelona · Immediate delivery in Spain and Portugal