What is Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat shrink tubing is a type of tube that contracts, or shrinks when it's warmed or heated. Placing an unshrunk tube around a wire, it is slipped into place after the connection is made then shrunk tightly around the joint with a hot air gun or other heat applying tools. Some heat shrink tubes have been pre-lined with adhesive to create a tighter, longer-lasting and waterproof seal. When the heat is applied, the material inside contracts and binds the wires or cables inside to secure and stabilize them. The result of this process yields a unified finished product.
Why Should I Use Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat shrink tubing is shrinkable insulation, used to reduce strain, to bundle, and for color-coding. Heat shrinking is one of the best ways to protect wires from environmental hazards like water, oils, acids, etc. The heat shrinking process is very easy and so is installing the product.
What are the Advantages of Heat Shrink Tubing?
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Excellent durability
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Chemical, Heat, UV, and water resistance*
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Sealing keeps out bacteria, fungi, mold, etc.
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Excellent for thermal and electrical insulation
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Color differentiation
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Lower applied cost
Whether your needs are mechanical protection, chemical resistance, sealing out moisture, or dealing with high temperatures, we offer products that will meet your precise needs. In addition to our heat shrink tubing products, we offer heat-shrinkable molded parts, caps, splices, adaptors, and connectors.
All of our heat shrink tubing products meet UL and CSA specifications and are also RoHS compliant.
What are Heat Shrink Tubing Materials & Types?
Heat shrink tubing comes in a variety of materials, each suited for specific applications:
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Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing: Known for its flexibility and resistance to a wide range of temperatures, polyolefin is a popular choice for many electrical and mechanical applications.
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PVC Heat Shrink Tubing: PVC tubing is valued for its clarity and cost-effectiveness. It offers good insulation and is commonly used in commercial applications.
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Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing: This type of tubing has an inner adhesive layer that melts and flows when heated, creating a waterproof seal that provides excellent protection.
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Teflon Heat Shrink Tubing: Teflon tubing offers superior chemical and high-temperature resistance, making it ideal for harsh environments.
Each type of tubing is designed to meet specific needs, ensuring optimal performance in a variety of conditions.
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Heat Shrink Tubing Guide
SHOP NOWGet a complete understanding of heat shrink tubing, including the applications, different types, sizes, materials, and specifications.
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PVC Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWUsed for wire harnesses, wire splices, and insulating terminals. Low shrink temperature and superior environmental and UV stability.
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Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWExcellent all purpose insulation, Highly flame retardant, very flexible, and excellent chemical, physical and electrical properties.
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Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWFlexible or semi-rigid tubing with a thin adhesive liner. Provides a permanent, waterproof environmental seal.
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Teflon® Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWUsed in applications with critical environmental conditions. Perfect for items that will be subjected to extremes of heat, corrosion, shock & moisture.
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Specialty Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWUsed in rugged applications with severe outdoor environmental conditions. Offers outstanding abrasion and chemical resistance.
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Heavy Wall Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWExcellent thick wall insulation and abrasion protection. Used in demanding applications where insulation, abrasion resistance, and strain relief are required.
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Fluoropolymer Heat Shrink Tubing
SHOP NOWShop PTFE, FEP & PVDF fluoropolymer heat shrink tubing from Electro Insulation. Custom fluoropolymer tubing products for aerospace, medical & industrial use.
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View By Mil-Spec
SHOP NOWProducts that conform to the US DoD military specifications.