Heat shrink tubing how does it work

It is commonly used when working with electrical wires, connections, joints and terminals. It is a shrinkable plastic tube that is positioned over the area requiring protection. It is then heated - and it shrinks into place providing a secure layer of external protective cover. Firstly, the unshrunk piece of tube is fitted to the wire before the connection is made. Once the connection is complete, slide the tubing into place, positioning it carefully over the area that requires protection.

Silicone lubricant can be used to help position the tubing if the fit is tight. This will not compromise the seal or connection. Once in position, the tubing is heated to shrink it firmly into position. Heat shrink tubing contracts up to one half of its original diameter depending on the type of heat shrink used. The vast majority of heat shrink on the market is made from a substance called polyolefin. Some tubing is constructed from a material called PTFE aka.

This type of tubing is used in situations where the cable and wiring is going to be exposed to very high temperatures - eg: the wiring in temperature probes, metal rollers and heavy engineering equipment.

Adhesive heat shrink is tubing that comes with an adhesive liner to help it stay in place once applied. The adhesive layer is made from a thermoplastic material that is coated onto the inside of the tube.

It ensures a better seal and stronger adhesion when in position. It is a good choice for delivering a more permanent seal for heavier and more critical wires.

The tubing is thicker and less flexible so it gives an increased level of protection to the wires and cables it covers. The use of these materials would be dictated by the environment that the shrink tube is to be used in. Heat shrink tubing shrinks by heating the material in an oven or by using a hand-held hot air gun. Other methods can be used such as holding a solder gun close to the tube or by using a hand-held lighter, but these methods are not recommended.

Heat shrink tubing is classified by the material it is made from the inside diameter of the un-shrunk tube and the shrink ratio. The shrink ratio is the size of the original tubing in relation to its shrunken final form. The more popular ratios are:. Choosing the correct heat shrink tubing size for the application rests solely on being able to make the right measurements. The smallest and largest components to be covered will determine the size of the shrink tube needed.

This difference allows for ease of sliding the tube over the component. The measurement of the smallest component dictates the shrink ratio of the tubing that will be needed. The tubing when shrunk should fit snug on all of the components. Heat shrink tubing can be used in many applications. When used as a means to bind wires together it is a viable substitute for a cable jacket. Shrink tubing offers the same or better temperature ranges as does a cable jacket and has the same ability to offer material isolation of the components under it as a cable jacket.

Topics: Cable Assemblies. Heat shrink tubing is used to replace insulation for strain relief, bundling, and 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.

Polyolefin Shrink Tubing is a popular selection among heat shrink tubing 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. Sometimes Polyolefin heat shrink tubing is also referred to as Automotive Heat Shrink Tubing since it can be a good choice for automotive applications.

However, depending on the specific application, another heat shrink tubing option may work better for your requirements. In most instances, heat shrink tubing is very easy to work with and simple to install.

Heat shrink tubing is available in an array of sizes and colors. Heat Shrink Tubing for electrical insulation and mechanical protection. Thin Wall Tubing, Medium and Thick Wall tubing, without single wall or with adhesive liner dual wall. Available in various shrink ratios from up to for different applications. End Caps and Breakouts for low voltage applications, two component epoxy adhesive and hot melt adhesive tape. The HellermannTyton Heat Shrink Joint Kits are quick and easy to install offering excellent impact and abrasion resistance.

With high electrical insulation properties our Heat Shrink Kits also offer excellent environmental and UV properties. TCN20 is a general purpose, flame retardant polyolefin tubing with good resistance to common fluids and solvents. This flexible, shrink ratio tubing has an excellent physical and electrical performance. The low shrink temperature and good mechanical strength means this tubing is widely used in the electrical, electronics and automotive industries.

Straigt plug-and-socket connector terminal casing. This style is used in conjunction with circular grooved adaptor, providing protection against environmental stresses. The inside lip has been designed to provide extra reinforced stress relief.

Special fitting G for audio plugs has external ribs for an improved grip. End caps are used to seal cables during storage or transportation. HEK end caps can be used as an insulating cap for LV cables 0. The adhesive lining provides an excellent environmental seal. Cable breakout boots are designed for insulating and sealing a cable crotch, or conduit system, and provide excellent resistance to abrasion and weathering. SGP General purpose heat shrink tubing is a cost effective product for numerous commercial insulation applications.

It provides effective electrical insulation and protection for in-line components, disconnect terminals and splices. It also bundles wires and cables for very flexible lightduty harnesses, use as strain-relieves for electrical wire connections and colour-codes wires, cables, terminals and components.

Powerful, electronically controlled hot air guns with temperature control and cool air stage for dedicated DIY enthusiasts and frequent users.

The material thickness will be indicated in mm after complete shrinkage. Generally you can distinguish between thin wall, medium wall and thick wall heat shrink tubing. Heat shrink tubings are also available with adhesive liner. They are also called dual tubing. For thin wall tubing with a shrink ratio of standard tubing the diameter is usually in inch sizes