So how is heat applied to plastics?! Let’s explore the many great adventures on which your heat gun can accompany you.
The Heat Gun Origins and Humble Beginnings
The handy heat gun is great for many home improvement projects and it was born out of the same impulse of electrical heaters. The inventor of the earliest heat gun cites the air diffusing device in the patent. The early technology of electrical heaters—such as heating elements and electric discs— was used to develop the concept of the heat gun as well.
In the early 1930s, C.H. Kenney received the first patent for the heat gun. Its initial purpose was to facilitate the removal of old paint. By using heat to warm the paint, it would blister and peel off more easily.
A second version of the heat gun came along a few years later by a mechanic that worked on electric motors and vacuum cleaners. In contrast to the first iteration of the heat gun, this design was aimed at thawing frozen oil and water in pipes and in vehicles.
The third famous version of the heat gun began to look like the gun we know and recognize today. This was Fred Schumacher’s design, which resulted in a more efficient design.
How is a Heat Gun Used?
There are different grades to the heat gun that could be used for day-to-day household uses and other more industrial applications. There are essentially three different markets for heat guns: industrial, commercial, and residential.
For typical household uses a heat gun can be used for:
- Paint stripping
- Removing decals, labels, and other adhesives
- Thawing frozen pipes
- Removing floor vinyl or wallpaper
Commercial applications for the heat gun include:
- Window tinting
- Automotive repairs
- Bending plastics
What Other Applications are Heat Guns Used For?
People might be surprised to know that the market growth for the heat gun has grown considerably in recent years. There is a global heat gun market that shows burgeoning prospects for this tool used in a variety of applications.
According to a recent report, rising demand for industrial heat guns and demand for environmentally friendly paint removal is driving the increased demand. There is also a rise in heat gun use in:
- The medical industry
- Demand for DIY accessibility
- Increased product innovations
How Hot Do Heat Guns Get?
Heat guns have a wide range of temperatures and can go from about 120 degrees to up to 1,000 degrees. Depending on the applied application and material, temperature plays a major role in how things function.
Using Heat Guns On Shrink Tubing for Cable Management
One of the most common industrial and commercial uses of heat guns today includes using them with heat shrink tubing. Because many commercial businesses and operations need to operate electric and data cables under harsh conditions, heat shrink tubing adds protection and an organizational feature.
Adding the heat to the heat shrink tubing adds a layer of protection that molds to the shape and size of the cable, thereby protecting it from abrasion and harsh environments.
How does it work?
- Once the heat is added to the tubing, it shrinks to about half of its size. This forms a tight connection.
- The heat is applied in a way that doesn’t damage the shrink tubing or the cables
- The shape and size of the heat gun allows it to be applied in tight spaces and allows for flexibility
When looking for the perfect power tool for your heat shrink tubing, there’s a couple of things to look for. Many heat guns have a fixed heat setting. Versatility in this department is a good thing. Here’s what to look for with your next heat gun:
- Temperature setting
- Temperature range
- Manufacturing quality
- Safety
- Efficiency
Shop for Power Tools For Your Industrial and Commercial Needs
Whether you need to apply heat to heat shrink tubing for the office or are looking for a multi-functional heat gun for your home and DIY needs, HST Cable Management offers high-quality heat guns. We specialize in supplying heat shrink tubing for a variety of applications, so we know how important the right tool is for the job.
Need a powerful, effective, and efficient heat gun? Call HST Cable Management and connect with us.
