Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing, also known as heat shrink sleeves or shrink wrap tubing, is a versatile solution for electrical insulation, protection, and organisation in various industries and applications. At RS, we offer an extensive range of heat shrink tubing, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.

What is Shrink Tubing?

Heat shrink tubing is a specialised type of plastic tubing that contracts or shrinks when exposed to heat. This unique property allows it to conform tightly to the shape of the object it covers, providing a snug and protective layer.

Heat shrink tubing is typically made from materials like polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or fluoropolymers. It is available in various sizes, colours, and shrink ratios to accommodate different wire gauges, cable sizes, and application requirements. When heated with a heat gun or other heat source, the tubing shrinks, creating a durable and protective barrier against moisture, dust, chemicals, and physical damage.

What Are the Benefits of Heat Shrink Tubing?

Heat shrink tubing offers a multitude of benefits that make it an essential component in electrical and electronic applications:

• Electrical Insulation: It creates a protective barrier around wires, preventing short circuits and electrical hazards.
• Strain Relief: By shrinking around the wires or cables, it helps relieve stress on the connection points and prevents the wires from bending or breaking.
• Environmental Protection: The tubing provides resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation.
• Organisation and Bundling: It can be used to group and organise wires or cables, making installations neater and more manageable.
• Identification and Colour Coding: Heat shrink tubing is available in various colours, allowing for easy identification and colour coding of different wires or cables.

What Are the Materials and Types of Heat Shrink Tubing?

Heat shrink tubing is available in a range of materials, each with specific properties and advantages:

• Polyolefin (PO): Polyolefin tubing is the most widely used and versatile type of heat shrink tubing.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC heat shrink tubing is known for its flexibility, durability, and flame-retardant properties. It is commonly used in applications where resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals are critical.
• Fluoropolymer (e.g., Teflon): Fluoropolymer heat shrink tubing offers exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and solvents.
• Neoprene: Neoprene heat shrink tubing provides good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals.
• Dual-Wall Heat Shrink Tubing: Dual-wall tubing consists of an inner layer of adhesive and an outer layer of heat-shrinkable material. When heated, the tubing shrinks, and the inner adhesive layer melts and creates a moisture-resistant seal.
• Specialty Heat Shrink Tubing: There are various specialty heat shrink tubing options available for specific applications.

How to Choose the Right Heat Shrink Tube

Selecting the appropriate heat shrink tubing requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure optimal performance and protection.

1. Sizing Requirements

Choose heat shrink tubing with a shrink ratio that allows it to shrink tightly around the object being covered without causing damage or stress. Consider the original diameter of the wire or cable, as well as any connectors or components that need to be accommodated.

2. Material Selection

The material of the heat shrink tubing should be chosen based on the specific application and environmental conditions. Consider factors such as temperature resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, and UV resistance.

3. Operating Environment

Evaluate the environment in which the heat shrink tubing will be used. If exposed to harsh conditions, such as high temperatures, moisture, or chemicals, choose a tubing material with suitable resistance properties.

4. Thickness of the Tubing Wall

The wall thickness of the heat shrink tubing affects its mechanical strength and durability. Thicker-walled tubing provides greater protection against abrasion, cuts, and punctures.

5. Electrical Properties

Consider the electrical properties of the heat shrink tubing, such as its dielectric strength and insulation resistance. Choose a tubing with appropriate ratings to ensure adequate electrical insulation and protection.

Industrial Application of Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing finds diverse applications across multiple industries, providing reliable protection and insulation for electrical and electronic components:

Automotive

In the automotive industry, heat shrink tubing is extensively used for wire harnessing, protecting electrical connections from moisture, abrasion, and harsh chemicals. It also provides insulation for high-voltage components and helps manage cable organisation within vehicles.

Military and Aerospace

Heat shrink tubing's resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion makes it indispensable in military and aerospace applications. It's used to protect critical wiring and components in aircraft, missiles, and other defence systems.

Home Improvement & Construction

Heat shrink tubing is a DIYer's go-to for various home improvement projects. From insulating electrical connections and repairing damaged wires to bundling cables and providing strain relief, heat shrink tubing offers a versatile solution for enhancing electrical safety and organisation around the house.

Electrical Industries

In the electrical industry, heat shrink tubing plays a crucial role in protecting and insulating wires and cables in a wide range of applications, including power distribution, control panels, and electrical installations.

Other Industries

Heat shrink tubing also finds extensive use in various other industries, including:

• Telecommunications: Protecting and organising fibre optic cables and other communication wires.
• Medical Devices: Providing insulation and protection for wires and components in medical equipment.
• Marine: Shielding electrical connections from harsh marine environments and saltwater corrosion.

Delivery Information

RS offers fast delivery of heat shrink tubing and other related products like cable ties and electrical cable across Malaysia. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.