So, what’s the deal with heat shrink tubing, and what are the benefits of using high-quality tubing for wiring systems?
Let’s look at the specifics.
If you need heat shrink tubing, call HST Cable Management Products at (915) 304-2787.
What is Heat Shrink Tubing?
The concept is simple: manufacturers design the tubing to shrink and wrap around the cable or cable bundle in order to provide a layer of protection against external elements, abrasion, rust, and other conditions. This added layer also aids in organization. The material varies, but it is usually made out of polyolefin, fabric, polyvinyl chloride, or Teflon.
How is Heat Shrink Tubing Made?
Manufacturers use a variety of thermoplastics to create the tubing. They use a process called extrusion on the thermoplastic material. The extruded plastic is extended, forced to expand via heating- and then cooled to room temperature to set in its current state.
When the thermoplastic tubing is ready to go into action, it is placed around the intended cable or cable arrangement and heated once more (usually with a heat gun) to shrink back to its original size, snugly wrapping around the intended wires.
What are the Benefits of Polyolefin Tubing?
The most common material for heat shrink tubing is polyolefin. The material has an abundance of qualities that make it fit for the job of cable protection. There are varying formulations of polyolefin tubing that differ slightly in their performance. Take a look at the benefits of polyolefin tubing below.
#1) Flexibility and great shrink ratios
The advantage of having a material that is flexible like polyolefin is that it can serve several applications. It is a flexible material because it offers a great range of shrink ratios. When a material has a great shrink ratio, it is ideal when used for products of varying diameters because it suggests that it can work elegantly with cables and wires of different widths.
#2) Low recovery temperature
Polyolefin shows what is called a low recovery temperature, which means it can be used in low-temperature applications while protecting the components beneath the shrink tubing. Polyolefin has a shrinking temperature of about 120° but can perform swiftly in temperatures between -55° C to up to 135°.
#3) Thin walls
Polyolefin is also a sought-after material because of its thin walls. Its high flexibility and thin walls make it ideal for several types of applications. The material’s thin walls make it less bulky and a great option for cable bundles that need to remain separate.
#4) High expansion ratios
Similar to its shrink ratios, polyolefin can also exhibit high expansion ratios that benefit applications that require a change in diameter. If the diameter of a device changes, the polyolefin tubing will mimic these properties without compromising integrity.
What to Consider When Looking for Heat Shrink Tubing
Every application is different. Many factors should come into consideration when you’re looking for the best high-quality heat shrink tubing. The best decision will come down to the application and the external conditions this application might be used for. So when choosing the material for you consider:
- Operating temperature of your application
- Voltage
- Exposure to chemicals
- Exposure to moisture
- UV exposure
- Shrink temperature
Every material used in heat shrink tubing will exhibit specific properties that make it ideal for specific tasks and types of applications. For example, while it is highly flexible, polyolefin might not be the best choice for an application that requires high levels of UV exposure, as it has been known to be less resistant in this regard.
The consideration of shrink temperature ensures that the cables or materials that you’re seeking to protect will not be damaged by the tubing that you’re using to protect them. A material with a shrink temperature that is too high can be less effective, as you want to keep the operating temperature well above the shrink temperature to ensure proper protection.
When it comes to chemical exposure, your heat shrink tubing should be well-armed against any chemicals it will be exposed to on a regular basis. This is a major consideration for automotive or aircraft applications that might engage with chemicals such as oil or brake fluid on a regular basis.
Have Questions About the Right Heat Shrink Tubing For Your Application?
The chemical properties of these thermodynamic plastics can get complicated. It’s why here at HST Cable Management Products, we help companies find the right material and formulation for their cable protection and organization needs. We serve the El Paso area and beyond, supplying companies and manufacturers with the right product.
Don’t get your cables tangled up. Do you have questions about the right heat shrink tubing for the job? Connect with our experts at HST Cable Management Products and we’ll get you set up.
We’re here to guide you through the best products for your specific application. Call us today — (915) 304-2787.