PVC/vinyl plastic covers are more abrasion resistant than polyester, so they’re often used for robot arms in applications such as sorting, packing, and loading. They protect your arm from dust, powders, and water-soluble coolants and cutting fluids. These covers are not waterproof, but they will provide some protection from water and other liquids.

Use CSM/vinyl plastic covers to protect your arms from heavy abrasion, such as from flying chips. They’re durable, cut and tear resistant, and they last up to three times longer than PVC/vinyl plastic covers. These covers are often used for robot arms in cutting and deburring applications. They provide some protection from water and other liquids, but they are not waterproof. They’ll also break down from amines, which are commonly found in cleaners.

Plastic-laminated Teflon® PTFE covers are designed for use in sanitary or food processing areas. They protect your robot arms from liquids, and they’ll hold up to frequent washdowns with harsh chemicals. They’re also FDA compliant for direct contact with food.

For extreme temperature applications, use Kevlar covers. They have the largest temperature range of any cover material, so you can insulate your robot arm in freezers, near ovens and furnaces, and in welding applications. They have an insulation R-value of 0.07, which means they protect your arm from extreme temperature changes.