Arcwire PV 180 Polyesterimide Base Enamel
THEIC-modified polyesterimide base enamel for class 180 H motor, generator and transformer winding wire, formulated for fast line speeds, a smooth surface and a low pinhole count. It is used as a single coat where the duty allows, and as the base under Arcwire PA 200 or PA 220.
Grade Arcwire PV 180 | Range Electrical Insulation and Wire Enamels | Technology THEIC-modified polyesterimide resin in organic solvent
Technical Data Sheet
Arcwire PV 180
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A THEIC-modified polyesterimide base enamel for class 180 H motor, generator and transformer winding wire, and the general purpose grade of the category. Imide content in the backbone together with the THEIC modification of the polyester is what lifts the temperature index out of the plain polyester range, and the enamel is formulated for fast line speeds, a smooth surface and a low pinhole count. It is specified on its own where the winding duty allows it, and as the base coat under Arcwire PA 200 or PA 220 where cut-through, refrigerant or inverter stress rules a single coat out.
2. Features
- Imide content and THEIC modification lift the temperature index above plain polyester
- Formulated for fast line speeds, a smooth surface and a low pinhole count
- Grade 1 or grade 2 build in eight to twelve thin passes
- Base coat for class 200 N and 220 R dual coat constructions
- Not directly solderable
3. Recommended uses
Class 180 H winding wire for motors, generators and transformers. Also the base coat under a polyamide-imide overcoat where cut-through, refrigerant or inverter stress rules out a single coat.
Substrates. Bare round and rectangular copper conductor, and bare aluminium conductor, 0.20 mm to 3.00 mm diameter or the equivalent section.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | THEIC-modified polyesterimide resin in organic solvent | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, amber to brown | Visual inspection |
| Non-volatile matter | 30 to 40 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Thermal class of the material | 180 H as a single coat; base of 200 N and 220 R dual coat systems | IEC 60085 for the designation; thermal endurance to IEC 60216-1 |
| Temperature index, enamelled wire | 180 to 200 at the 20 000 h reference | IEC 60172 |
| Film build, increase in conductor diameter | Grade 1 typically 0.015 to 0.060 mm and grade 2 typically 0.025 to 0.090 mm increase in diameter, on round copper conductor of 0.20 to 1.60 mm | Limits per IEC 60317-0-1; dimensions measured to IEC 60851-2 |
| Breakdown voltage, twisted pair at ambient temperature | 3.5 to 11 kV on grade 2 wire, rising with conductor diameter and build | IEC 60851-5 |
| Continuity of coating, pinhole faults | 0 to 5 faults over a 5 m sample at the specified test voltage | IEC 60851-5 |
| Cut-through, softening under load | 300 °C to 330 °C, 120 K to 150 K above the rated thermal class | IEC 60851-6 |
| Heat shock | No cracking after 30 min at 200 °C (class temperature plus 20 K), wound on a mandrel of 1 to 5 times the conductor diameter | IEC 60851-6 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Wire enamelling line, die or felt application |
| Conductor preparation | Bare round or rectangular copper or aluminium conductor, 0.20 to 3.00 mm diameter or the equivalent section, annealed, clean, dry and free of drawing lubricant and heavy or loose oxide |
| Passes and build | Eight to twelve thin passes to grade 1 or grade 2 build |
| Viscosity adjustment | Adjust only with the thinner specified for the grade, to suit die or felt application |
| Cure | Oven cured in sequence; degree of cure followed by the dissipation factor transition, typically 190 °C to 220 °C (IEC 60851-5) |
| Dual coat construction | Where overcoated with Arcwire PA 200 or PA 220, cure the base enough to carry the topcoat and not so far that the two layers fail to bond |
| Terminations | Not directly solderable: terminations are stripped, welded or crimped |
Process. Applied on a wire enamelling line by die or felt in eight to twelve thin passes to grade 1 or grade 2 build. Oven cured in sequence. Thermal class 180 H alone, and the base of a dual coat construction at 200 N or 220 R. Not directly solderable.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers indoors, in a dry place away from direct heat and frost, and stir before charging the applicator. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.