What Is Heat Shrink Tubing and How Can It Benefit Your Business

29 January 23

Heat shrink tubing is a type of plastic tubing that is used to insulate and protect wires, cables, and other components. It is made from a variety of materials such as polyolefin, silicone, and PVC. The tubing is heated with a heat gun or other heat source, causing it to shrink and conform to the shape of the object it is covering. This creates a tight, secure fit that helps to protect the object from damage and improve its insulation properties. Heat shrink tubing is commonly used in electrical and electronic applications, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Heat shrink tubing is one of the most versatile and widely used products in the electrical and industrial industries. It’s a highly insulated, flexible, and durable material used for insulation, electrical wiring, and strain relief. It provides a great way to protect wires, cables, and other materials from external damage, as well as from the elements and from short circuits. In this blog article, we’ll discuss what heat shrink tubing is, its various benefits, types, sizes, materials, and applications, and finally, how to install and work with heat shrink tubing.

What is Heat Shrink Tubing?

Heat shrink tubing is a polymeric material that shrinks when exposed to heat. It’s made up of two layers: a core and a jacket. The core is typically made of a cross-linked polyolefin and the jacket is usually made of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). When heated, the material contracts around the wires, cables, or materials it’s applied to, creating a secure and tight fit. The tight fit ensures that the insulation and strain relief provided by the heat shrink tubing is maximized.

Heat shrink tubing is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications. It can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, as it is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and UV light. It’s also resistant to abrasion and chemicals, making it a great choice for many industrial applications.

Benefits of Using Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing offers many benefits to businesses and individuals. It’s easy to install and does not require the use of tools or special skills. It also provides a great way to protect wires, cables, and other materials from external damage, as well as from the elements and from short circuits.

Heat shrink tubing is also highly durable and can last for a long time. It can withstand extreme temperatures, UV light, abrasion, and chemicals, making it a great choice for many industrial applications. Additionally, it’s a great way to improve the appearance of wires, cables, and other materials. The tubing comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to customize the look of your wires and cables.

Finally, heat shrink tubing is also cost-effective. It’s easy to install and can be purchased in bulk, making it a great choice for businesses on a budget.

Types of Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications. It can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, as it is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and UV light.

The most common types of heat shrink tubing are spiral wrap, split-loom, expandable sleeving, and heat-shrinkable boots. Spiral wrap is great for bundling multiple cables and wires together, while split-loom is great for protecting individual wires. Expandable sleeving is a great way to provide additional protection to wires and cables, and heat-shrinkable boots are great for protecting connectors from dust and moisture.

Heat Shrink Tubing Sizes

Heat shrink tubing comes in a variety of sizes, from 1/16” to 5” in diameter. The size of the tubing you need depends on the application. For instance, if you’re looking to cover a large cable bundle, you’ll need to use a larger diameter tubing. On the other hand, if you’re looking to cover a single wire, you’ll need to use a smaller diameter tubing.

Heat Shrink Tubing Applications

Heat shrink tubing is used in a variety of applications, including electrical wiring, insulation, strain relief, and more. It can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, as it is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and UV light. It’s also resistant to abrasion and chemicals, making it a great choice for many industrial applications.

Heat shrink tubing is commonly used to protect wires, cables, and other materials from external damage, as well as from the elements and from short circuits. It can also be used to improve the look of wires, cables, and other materials, as the tubing comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Additionally, heat shrink tubing can be used to provide additional protection to connectors, such as terminals and plugs.

Heat Shrink Tubing Materials

Heat shrink tubing is typically made from a cross-linked polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and a jacket made of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The jacket material provides a layer of insulation, as well as protection from abrasion, chemicals, and UV light.

Heat shrink tubing is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great way to customize the look of your wires and cables. Additionally, it’s available in different thicknesses and sizes, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications.

How to Install Heat Shrink Tubing

Installing heat shrink tubing is relatively simple and easy. First, you’ll need to measure the length of the tubing you need and cut it to size. Then, slide the tubing over the wires or cables you’re trying to protect. Finally, apply heat to the tubing using a heat gun or an open flame. As the tubing heats up, it will shrink and form a tight fit around the wires or cables.

It’s important to use the right amount of heat when installing heat shrink tubing. Too much heat can cause the tubing to overheat and melt, while too little heat can cause the tubing to not shrink enough. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the tubing is securely fastened to the wires or cables before applying heat.

Tips for Working with Heat Shrink Tubing

When working with heat shrink tubing, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind. First, make sure to use the right size tubing for the application. It’s important to use the right size tubing so that it can provide the protection and insulation you need. Additionally, make sure to use the right amount of heat when installing the tubing. Too much heat can cause the tubing to overheat and melt, while too little heat can cause the tubing to not shrink enough.

Finally, make sure to use the right tools when working with heat shrink tubing. Heat guns and open flames are the most common tools used to install heat shrink tubing. It’s important to use the right tools so that the tubing can be installed properly and securely.

Heat Shrink Tubing Services

For businesses that don’t have the time or resources to install their own heat shrink tubing, there are a number of heat shrink tubing services available. These services provide professional installation of heat shrink tubing for a variety of applications. They can provide custom cuts, as well as the right size tubing for the application. Additionally, they can provide expert advice on how to properly install and use heat shrink tubing.

Conclusion

Heat shrink tubing is a versatile and widely used product in the electrical and industrial industries. It’s a highly insulated, flexible, and durable material used for insulation, electrical wiring, and strain relief. It offers many benefits to businesses and individuals, including easy installation, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it’s available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications. If you’re looking for a great way to protect wires, cables, and other materials from external damage, as well as from the elements and from short circuits, then heat shrink tubing is a great option.