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An Overview of Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrinking is a method that uses plastic tubes that contract when heated, forming a close-fit casing for wires and cables. It protects electrical components from elements that can damage them. These include abrasion, substances such as acids, water, and oil, and atmospheric factors like temperature and humidity. Continue reading to learn more.

Other Key Advantages

Aside from protection, there are more benefits to heat shrink tubing. These key advantages are:

 Cable Management

Tubes used in the process come in various sizes, making it possible to bundle wires together in a single channel. Some pieces are also manufactured in different shades, enabling users to color coordinate and identify certain connections easily. This feature not only helps in cable management but is also visually appealing.

 Insulation

Aside from cable management, heat shrink tubes vary in sizes to ensure that there's a suitable type for every wire and cable. In some cases, this "perfect fit" also means that heat tubing performs better than traditional insulation products. It doesn't come off over time in contrast with basic solutions like electrical tapes.

 Relieving Strain

Wires and cables are often stretched, squeezed into confined spaces, or strained because of insufficient length. These actions affect the lifespan of the connections. But, heat tubing can reduce the pressure put into the joints to help keep them in top condition for a long time.

Types of Materials

There are various types of materials used in heat shrink tubing for different industrial applications. Some of them are:

 PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the first and most versatile of all fluoropolymers, plastic substances invented over 70 years ago. It's known as a non-leaching, slippery material that even a gecko can't stick onto its surface. It has a wide operating temperature range and a high resistance to chemicals. Aside from those, it can hold up to corrosion and is the most ideal for medical, electrical, and automotive applications.

 FEP

Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tubes are alternatives for PTFE variants since their chemical and dielectric properties are similar. They're highly resistant to UV radiation and extreme temperatures and considered versatile electrical insulators. FEPs are mostly used in the aerospace and food processing industries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and transportation technology.

 Polyolefin

Polyolefin tubes are the most common materials used in heat shrinking. They have a high resistance to abrasion and corrosion, providing excellent insulation and protection to wires and joints. They also have a high shrinkage ratio and can withstand the touch of a soldering iron. Polyolefin is mostly utilized for communication cables and chemical pipes and often manufactured in various colors.

  If you're interested in using heat shrink FEP tubing or the other materials mentioned above, consult a reputable supplier first. Discuss with them the details of your project so they can offer the right variant that meets your needs and specifications.

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Heat Shrinkable Ptfe Tubing

Heat shrink tubing contracts upon exposure to heat. It has many applications, specifically for protecting cables and wires. Heat shrink tubing can keep cables and wires safe from water and dust particles, scratches, heat, and corrosive chemicals. Heat shrink tubing can also prevent wires from straining. Additionally, it can be used to organize space by color coding cables and bundling wires together.

 Not all heat shrink tubing materials are alike. Each material has its own features that are suitable for specific applications. Below are the 4 different types of heat shrink tubing.

 Polyolefin Tubing

Polyolefin is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics across different kinds of industries due to its valuable properties. It can shrink to half or a third of its size quickly. It's also flexible, light, and tough. Most importantly, it's split- and moisture-resistant.

 Polyolefin tubing is often used in the railway and aerospace industries because of its ability to insulate electricity and withstand intense heat. It's also manufactured in various colors, which makes it ideal for color-coding cables.  

 PVC Tubing

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing can be used as an alternative to polyolefin tubing due to their similarities. Just like polyolefin, PVC can shrink to half of its original size. It can also insulate electricity and protect wires and cables from scratches and certain chemicals.

 PVC tubing is often used in wrapping capacitors and batteries. It also comes in both bright and clear varieties.    

 PTFE Tubing

Heat shrinkable PTFE tubing is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon. This kind of tubing can work in any operating temperature and can withstand moisture and punctures. Like the tubing types above, PTFE can also insulate electricity. It's the top choice for covering car wires and sensors due to its high resistance to aggressive chemicals.

 FEP Tubing

FEP, or fluorinated ethylene propylene, has similar properties to PTFE. FEP contains insulating properties and causes little to zero reaction to certain chemicals. It can also withstand extreme temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. Because of these characteristics, FEP is ideal for applications in industries like textile, print, and photography.

 From heat shrinkable PVC tubing to heat shrinkable PTFE tubing, there's a material that matches your specific requirements. If you need more information or advice on heat shrink tubing materials, you may contact a tubing supplier.