FAQ
What is Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat Shrink Tubing, also called heat shrinkable tubing, is a tube that contracts when heated.
What is Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing?
When heat is applied to the heat shrink tubing, the adhesive material inside of the tube is activated. The adhesive material then secures it to the wire or cable. The process allows the wire or cable and the heat shrink tubing to become one unified product.
What is the purpose of Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat shrinkable tubing is used to replace insulation, for strain relief, bundling, and for color tubing. Heat shrinkable tubing is a great way to protect electric wires and cables from harmful elements such as water, oils, acids and other environmental hazards. Heat shrinkable tubing is an alternative to customary methods of insulation and may be used in a variety of applications.
Why is Polyolefin Tubing a good heat shrinkable tubing choice?
Polyolefin Shrink Tubing is a popular selection among the heat shrink tubing family because Polyolefin is flame-retardant and possesses good chemical, electrical and physical properties. In general, Polyolefin Tubing is a reliable all-purpose heat shrink product and is UL recognized. The heat shrinkable tubing is also available in many different styles for various uses. Sometimes Polyolefin heat shrink tubing is also referred to as Automotive Heat Shrink Tubing, so it may be a good choice for automotive applications. However, depending on the specific application, another heat shrink tubing option may work better for your requirements.
Is installation of the heat shrinkable tubing difficult?
No, in most instances, heat shrink tubing is very easy to work with and simple to install.
Heat Gun is the most widely used tool for Installation of heat shrinkable tubing.
For some thick wall heat shrinkable tubing, Gas Flamer will be better choice because of higher temperature.
Heat shrink tubing is available in various sizes and colors. Click here to visit the Tubing section of our online catalog where you can view specs of heat shrink tubing.
Heat shrink tubing better than Tape?
Besides providing extra durability and heat resistance, heat shrink tubing is also designed to give a perfect fit and does not come off with age or use, unlike electrical tape.
For some application where the heat shrink can’t be used, we also have Cold Shrink Tubing. No heat shrink, just hand installation can work. More details, please click here to visit the Specification of Cold Shrink Tubing.
What are some important specifications to consider when choosing heat shrink tubing?
1. The maximum outside diameter of the thing you want to cover, need to ensure the Inside Diameter of heat shrink tubing is big enough to put through the thing you want to cover.
2. The temperature range required by your application is very important to consider when choosing heat shrink tubing. We have different types of heat shrink tubing which can be continuous worked under -55℃ ~ 105℃, -55℃ ~ 125℃, -55℃ ~ 135℃, -55℃ ~ 150℃, -55℃ ~ 175℃, -55℃ ~ 260℃
3. Because these products change size so drastically, the heat shrink ratio is also an important spec to consider so that you get the correct fit for your heat shrinkable tubing.
For more information on specifications to consider, please contact our sales team.
What are some common heat shrink ratios and what do those ratios mean?
Heat shrink ratios give you the size of the original heat shrink tubing in relation to its shrunken, final form.
Shrink ratio = D / d
1. 2:1 - This heat shrink tubing will become half of its original size once heat is applied. The original heat shrinkable tubing is twice as large as its shrunken form.D= 2* d
2. 3:1 - This heat shrink tubing will be one third of its original size once heat is applied. The original heat shrinkable tubing is three times larger than its shrunken form. D= 3* d
3. 4:1 - This heat shrink tubing will be one quarter of its original size once heat is applied. The original heat shrinkable tubing is four times larger than its shrunken form. D= 4* d
What is Inside Diameter?
Inside Diameter is the diameter of the tube when it is round shape.
Flat Width is the diameter of the tube when it is flat.
Flat Width = Inside Diameter * π / 2
How do I choose a heat shrinkable tubing size?
Choosing the right heat shrinkable tubing size is all about taking the right measurements.
1. Use a caliper or a ruler to measure the diameters of the smallest and largest parts you will be covering with the tubing.
2. Choose heat shrinkable tubing that is twenty to thirty percent larger than your largest measurement. The extra twenty to thirty percent will allow room to slide the expanded tubing over the largest part.
3. Don’t forget your small measurement though! Check to make sure that the heat shrinkable tubing has a high enough shrink ratio to get a snug fit on the smallest part you wish to cover.
4. Finally, when placing your order, it’s a good idea to buy a little extra because some heat shrink tubing also shrinks lengthwise! This measurement is referred to as "longitudinal shrinkage" on the tubing specification, but isn't always provided for all heat shrinkable tubing products.
Don't forget to watch our How-To use Heat Shrink Tubing Video for some helpful tips on measuring, choosing, and installing heat shrink tubing!
