Guide to Heat Shrink Tubing
Uses • Selection Criteria • Insider Tips
What Is Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat shrink tubing is a thermoplastic sleeve that contracts tightly when heated. It’s widely used to insulate, protect, and seal cables, connectors, and components, offering durable, neat finishes across industries.
Top Applications
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Electrical Insulation: Safe coverage for wires, terminals, and joints.
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Mechanical Protection: Guards against abrasion, UV exposure, chemicals, and temperature extremes.
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Splice & Connector Sealing: Especially effective with adhesive-lined (dual-wall) versions for waterproofing.
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Colour Coding & Identification: Makes wiring management simple and efficient.
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Environmental & Strain Relief: Shields against dust, moisture, and stress—perfect for tough conditions.
Choosing the Right Tubing: Key Considerations
1. Shrink Ratio
2. Material Matters
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Polyolefin — Most popular; flexible, durable, chemical- and heat-resistant.
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PVC — Budget-friendly, colourful, decent abrasion resistance.
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Fluoropolymers (PTFE, FEP) — Ideal for high-heat, corrosive, or demanding environments.
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Silicone / Neoprene / Viton — Best for extreme flexibility, temperature tolerance, and chemical resistance.
3. Single vs Dual Wall
4. Size & Fit
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Ensure the expanded ID is ≥ the component’s widest dimension, and the recovered ID fits snugly—typically 20–30% larger pre-shrink.
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Account for ~5–10% length reduction post-shrink.
5. Temperature Ratings
6. Environmental Requirements
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Choose materials based on exposure to moisture, UV, chemicals, and abrasion—or stricter requirements like military, medical, or flame-retardant standards.
Insta-Up Tips for Better Shrink Results
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Shrink from the middle outward to avoid air bubbles and ensure even contraction.
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Preheat conductive surfaces to avoid uneven shrinking or chilling effects.
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Use clean, precise cuts—rough edges can cause unwanted splits.
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Ensure proper ventilation and PPE when shrinking—safety first!
Summary at a Glance
| Factor | Key Decision Point |
|---|
| Shrink Ratio |
Match to the range and shape of target object |
| Material Selection |
Tailor for heat, chemicals, flexibility, and durability |
| Single vs Dual Wall |
Dual for waterproofing; Single for general use |
| Size & Length Fit |
Measure carefully; account for shrink percentage |
| Thermal Specs |
Ensure both shrink and operating Temp are covered |
| Environmental Needs |
Choose materials for outdoor, rugged, or compliant use |
