What is a heat shrink tube?
A heat shrink tubing is a tube that can be used to protect a cable. It shrinks when heated, for example with a lighter or a heat gun. In most cases, tubing consists of the following materials: polymer, PVC, Rubber or plastic. Heat shrink tubing comes in numerous cross-sectional sizes and each in different colours.
What can you use a heat shrink tube for?
Heat shrink tubes are used for: wires, wire harnesses, bundling, and insulation. The heat shrink tube protects against: corrosion, water, chemicals, and wear. The level of protection varies depending on the type of tubing. Tubes come in different colors, commonly used colors include: red, yellow, transparent, black, white, green, brown, yellow-green (ground), gray, pink, and blue. It is also possible to print these tubes with text or codes. This makes heat shrink tubes suitable for the identification of cables or wires.
At what temperature can a stocking shrink?
Niet elke krimpkous krimpt op dezelfde temperatuur. Dit zit tussen de 100°C en de 175°C. Dit hangt sterk af van de grondstof die is gebruikt en hoe dik de wanddikte is. Daarnaast maakt het ook uit of er een dubbelwand of enkelwand aanwezig is. Een enkelwand smelt namelijk eerder dan een dubbelwand.
five steps for the correct application of the heatshrink tubing
Step 1: Measure the length of the wires and take a length of heatshrink tubing that is slightly longer. The tubing usually shrinks from about 1 to 10% in length (keep this in mind when cutting to length)
Step 2: Cut the stocking to the desired length.
Step 3: Slide the sock over the cables.
Stap 4: Use a hot air gun (If you don't have one, use a lighter or a hot dryer!) Move the hot air gun along the length of the sleeving, back and forth, so that the heat is not focused on one spot for too long. Continue to heat the sleeving until it is tight around the cable.