Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing, also called electrical shrink tubing, is a thermoplastic tubing that forms a protective layer around the electric wires, cabling, and related components when heated. This plastic tubing insulates, protects, and organises cabling and wires by providing a protective coating. Heat-shrink tubing is made of rugged materials and is easy to install, ensuring effortless insulation for extended periods. Besides insulation applications, these heat-shrink sleeves protect cables from environmental contaminants, including dust, moisture, dirt, chemicals, and other sharp objects. Due to their versatile functionalities, heat shrink tubing finds applications in a range of industrial settings, such as telecommunications and electrical sectors. 

Potential Benefits of Heat Shrink Tubing:

Heat shrink tubing provides a bunch of unique benefits, including: 

• They offer robust thermal and electrical insulation with improved structural support.
• Made from highly thermoplastic materials, ensuring long-lasting sealing and insulation applications. 
• Easy to use and install, with a smoother and more pleasant appearance.
• Safeguard from damaging environmental factors, including abrasion, dust, dirt, and chemicals.
• Secure and organise wires and avoid strain on cables.
• Easy wire identification and compatibility option due to colour additives. 
• They are cost-effective.

Materials of Heat Shrink Tubing: 

The operational conditions of tubing determine the materials used for their robust functionalities. Besides highly thermoplastic materials, other heat shrink tubing materials include PVC, polyolefin, adhesive-lined polyolefin, PTFE, FEP, silicone rubber, and elastomers. 

Simple Tips to Install Heat Shrink Tubing:

It is simple to install electrical shrink tubing; however, the maximum and minimum covering diameters should be determined when choosing the right tubing size. Follow these simple tips for effective and neat installation of heat-shrink tubing:

• First, cut the tubing to the desired length or diameter using scissors, which then easily slide over the object to be covered. 
• Use a handheld heat gun or lighter to tighten/heat the shrink. Avoid overheating the tubing.
• Cover the exposed area of the wire by sliding the tubing.
• Heat the tubing until it covers and tightens the wire securely.
• Allow the tubing to cool and test the sealing.

Note: Prepare the covered area of the material/object before heating for secure and tight sealing. Keep the heat gun a few inches away from the tubing to avoid melting. Ensure uniform tubing shrinking and sealing.

Typical Applications of Heat Shrink Tubing:

The versatile nature of the heat-shrink tubing makes it ideal for a range of applications in multiple facilities, such as:

• Electrical and Electronic Devices
• Industrial and Manufacturing
• Plumbing and HVAC
• Automotive Applications
• Military and Defense
• Aerospace Industry
• Telecommunications
• Marine Applications
• Medical Equipment
• DIY and Repair Projects.