How do I use heat shrink tubing and at what temperature does it shrink?

How to use heat shrink tubing

1.Choose the right heat shrink tubing

Choose the right size and material of heat shrink tubing according to the diameter, shape and application scenario of the cable to be protected. For example, for ordinary wire insulation, polyolefin heat shrink tubing can be used; for occasions that require high temperature resistance or chemical corrosion resistance, fluoroplastic heat shrink tubing can be used.

Make sure that the inner diameter of the heat shrink tubing is larger than the outer diameter of the object to be wrapped so that it can be easily inserted.

2.Clean the surface of the cable or object

Before inserting the heat shrink tubing, it is necessary to wipe the surface of the cable or object to be wrapped clean to remove dust, oil and other impurities to ensure that the heat shrink tubing can fit tightly and achieve good insulation and protection.

3.Inserting the heat shrink tubing

Put the heat shrink tubing on the cable or object to be protected, ensuring that it is in the right position and covers the area to be protected. If the cable joint needs to be wrapped, ensure that the heat shrink tubing can cover a certain length at both ends of the joint to provide sufficient insulation and sealing protection.

4.Heat shrinkage

Heat the heat shrink tubing with a hot air gun. Aim the nozzle of the hot air gun at the heat shrink tubing, keep an appropriate distance (usually 10 - 20 cm), and move the hot air gun at a uniform speed so that the heat shrink tubing is heated evenly. During the heating process, the heat shrink tubing will gradually shrink and fit tightly to the surface of the wrapped object.

Pay attention to the control of heating temperature and time to avoid overheating and damage to the heat shrink tubing or the wrapped object. Generally speaking, when the heat shrink tubing shrinks to fit tightly with the wrapped object and there are no obvious wrinkles and bubbles on the surface, you can stop heating.

5.Cooling and shaping

After heating is completed, let the heat shrink tubing cool naturally. During the cooling process, the heat shrink tubing will be further shaped and firmly wrapped on the protected object to form a tight protective layer.

6.Check the effect

After cooling, check the shrinkage effect of the heat shrink tubing to ensure that its surface is smooth, crack-free, and fits tightly with the wrapped object to achieve the expected insulation, protection or identification purposes.

Shrinkage temperature of heat shrink tubing

The shrinkage temperature of heat shrink tubing varies depending on the material:

1.Polyolefin heat shrink tubing

The shrinkage temperature is generally between 100℃ - 130℃. This heat shrink tubing is the most common type, with good insulation performance and flexibility, suitable for insulation protection of most common wires and cables.

2.Fluoroplastic heat shrink tubing

The shrinkage temperature is usually between 150℃ - 200℃. Fluoroplastic heat shrink tubing has excellent high temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, suitable for high temperature environment or occasions exposed to chemicals.

3.Polyester heat shrink tubing

The shrinkage temperature is generally around 150℃ - 180℃. Polyester heat shrink tubing has high strength and good weather resistance, suitable for outdoor or occasions requiring high mechanical strength.

4.Silicone rubber heat shrink tubing

The shrinkage temperature is usually between 120℃ - 150℃. Silicone rubber heat shrink tubing has good insulation performance, high and low temperature resistance and flexibility, suitable for insulation protection inside electronic equipment.

In actual use, the heating operation should be performed according to the material of the heat shrink tubing and the recommended temperature in the product manual to ensure that the heat shrink tubing can shrink correctly and achieve the expected use effect.