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Enameled Flat Copper Wire – AIW, EIW & UEW Insulation Types Compared for Transformers, Motors & Inductors

July 26, 2026

Features of AIW,EIW&UEW rectangular enameled copper wire

Enameled flat copper wire is a unique type of magnet wire which is commonly used in high performance transformers, inductors, motors, and automotive applications. Its rectangular shape allows for greater space filling than a round wire which translates into smaller coils with better cooling and higher ampacity. The wire is insulated that its performance is highly dependent upon. Some of the more popular varieties include AIW (polyamide-imide), EIW (polyester-imide) and UEW (polyurethane). Each has its own particular features for specific operating conditions.

AIW (Polyamide-imide)

AIW (Polyamide-imide) is of the highest thermal class usually at 220°C. This material has superior heat, chemical, and wear resistance, and excellent dielectric strength. AIW is the bearing of choice for harsh environments such as aerospace actuators, EV traction motors, and hermetic compressor windings where high stress generation and long term reliability are musts.

EIW (Polyester-imide)

EIW (Polyester-imide) is a moderate thermal (Class 180–200°C) and mechanical toughness. It has excellent resistance to refrigerants and water vapour for use in hermetically sealed motor applications such as HVAC motors or refrigeration compressors. It has also good windability (ability to automate winding).

UEW (Polyurethane)

UEW (Polyurethane) is a direct-solderable wire having a lower thermal class (130–155°C). Its insulation can be stripped by soldering heat, uncut and intact, greatly shortening the termination time. UEW is also popular in consumer electronics, tiny relays, solenoids, as well as communication coils, where cost-effectiveness and production simplicity are important.

The applications of AIW,EIW&UEW rectangular enameled copper wire
AIW (Polyamide-imide)

AIW (Polyamide-imide) is at the highest thermal class in 220°C. This material presents outstanding heat, chemic al and wear resistances and excellent dielectric strength. AIW is the preferred bearing for severe environments including aerospace actuators, EV traction motors, and hermetic compressor windings for high stress generation and long term reliability requirements.

EIW (Polyester-imide)

EIW (Polyester-imide) is a medium class therm al (Class 180-200°C) and stiff mechanical polymer. It is highly resistant to refrigerants and water vapour to be utilized in hermetically sealed motors including HVAC motors and refrigeration compressors. It is also good windability (ability to automate winding).

UEW (Polyurethane)

UEW (Polyurethane) is a directly-solderable wire with a lower thermal class (130–155°C). Its insulation is able to be stripped by soldering heat as one uncut piece still intact, which can highly reduce the time needed for termination. UEW is also widely used in consumer electronics, ultra miniature relays, solenoids, and communications coils where cost is a key consideration and manufacture is simple.