Heat Shrink Tubing

shrink tubing

A shrink tubing is a plastic tube that contracts strongly when exposed to heat (heat from a hot air blow dryer or a soldering iron (WITHOUT direct contact!) It is usually used to introduce material into the tube before heating (eg, the solder joint of connected cable ends) The shrink-wrapped material is protected from corrosion by air and water-tightness.

Normally, all manufacturers / suppliers always quote the dimensions of the inside diameter.

Example: Shrink Rate 2: 1

from the shrinking: 3,2mm inner diameter

after shrinking: 1,6mm inner diameter

Shrink tubes are available in many different colors - but usually only in larger quantities (containers).

An essential distinguishing feature is the shrink rate (or shrinkage ratio). The most common shrink rates are 2: 1 or 3: 1 - there are also 4: 1, 5: 1 and 6: 1. One should note that the prices increase enormously with the shrinkage ratio! In the modeling sector, the shrinkage rate of 2: 1 is quite sufficient - here there is also the largest variety of colors. Special versions have an additional adhesive application on the inside.

Many types of heat shrink tubing are made of radiation crosslinked polyolefin. The material is flame retardant and has good physical, chemical and electrical (insulating) properties.