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.
