Shrink tubing

What is a heatshrink tubing?

A heat-shrink sleeve is a tube that can be used to protect a cable. The sleeve shrinks when heated, for example by a lighter or heat gun. Heat-shrink sleeves are usually made from materials such as polymer, PVC, rubber or plastic. They are available in a wide range of diameters, each in various colours.

What can you use a heat shrink tubing for?

Heat-shrink tubing is used for: wires, wiring harnesses, bundling and insulation. Heat-shrink tubing protects against: corrosion, water, chemicals and wear and tear. The level of protection varies depending on the type of sleeve. Sleeves come in various colours; commonly used colours include: red, yellow, transparent, black, white, green, brown, yellow-green (earth), grey, pink and blue. Another advantage is that these sleeves can be printed with text or codes. This means that heat-shrink sleeves can also be used to identify cables or wires.

At what temperature can a tubing shrink?

Not every heatshrink tubing shrinks at the same temperature. This is between 100°C and 175°C. This depends a lot on the raw material used and how thick the wall thickness is. In addition, it also matters whether there is a double or single wall. A single wall melts earlier than a double wall.

five steps for correct application of heatshrink tubing

Step1: Measure the length of the wires and grab a length piece 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).

Step2: Cut the tubing to the desired length.

Step3: Slide the tubing over the cables.

Step 4: Use a hot air gun (No hot air gun? Use a lighter or hot hair dryer!) Move the hot air gun along the length of the tubing, back and forth so that the heat is not focused on one spot for too long. Keep heating the stocking until it is tight around the cable.