Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is a type of plastic tubing that shrinks when heated, hence the name "heat shrink." It is commonly used for electrical insulation, protection, and bundling of wires, cables, and other components. The tubing is typically made from materials like polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or fluoropolymers. It is available in various sizes and colours to accommodate different applications. When heat is applied to the tubing, either through a heat gun or an oven, it undergoes a shrinking process. The tubing's diameter reduces, and it conforms tightly to the shape of the object it is covering. This provides an effective barrier against moisture, dust, chemicals, and physical damage.

Benefits of Heat Shrink Tubing?

Electrical insulation: Heat shrink tubing creates a protective barrier around wires, preventing short circuits and electrical hazards. It is particularly effective in low voltage applications, ensuring safety and reliability by using low voltage heat shrink tubes to insulate and protect electrical connections
Strain relief: By shrinking around the wires or cables, it helps relieve stress on the connection points and prevents the wires from bending or breaking.
Environmental protection: The tubing provides resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation.
Organisation and bundling: It can be used to group and organise wires or cables, making installations neater and more manageable.
Identification and colour coding: Heat shrink tubing is available in various colours, allowing for easy identification and colour coding of different wires or cables.

What is Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing

Adhesive heat shrink tubing is a type of shrink sleeve that features an inner adhesive layer. When heated, the tubing shrinks and the adhesive melts, creating a secure and waterproof seal around the wire or cable. This wire cover provides enhanced protection against moisture, chemicals, and physical damage, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications

Materials and Types of Heat Shrink Tubing

Polyolefin (PO): Polyolefin tubing is the most widely used and versatile type of heat shrink tubing.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC heat shrink tubing is known for its flexibility, durability, and flame-retardant properties. It is commonly used in applications where resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals are required.
Fluoropolymer (e.g., Teflon): Fluoropolymer heat shrink tubing offers exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and solvents.
Neoprene: Neoprene heat shrink tubing provides good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals.
Polyethylene Heat Shrink Tubing: Polyethylene heat shrink tubing is valued for its excellent insulation properties and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in low voltage applications and to protect cables from environmental factors.
Polyester Heat Shrink Tubing: Polyester heat shrink tubing offers high tensile strength and clarity, making it suitable for applications that require robust and transparent protection.
Dual-Wall Heat Shrink Tubing: Dual-wall tubing consists of an inner layer of adhesive and an outer layer of heat-shrinkable material. When heated, the tubing shrinks, and the inner adhesive layer melts and creates a moisture-resistant seal.
Specialty Heat Shrink Tubing: There are various specialty heat shrink tubing options available for specific applications.

Applications of Heat Shrink Tubing

Electrical and Electronics

Heat shrink tubing is widely used in the electrical and electronics industry for insulation, strain relief, and protection of wires and cables. For example, heat shrinkable sleeve joints are used to insulate solder joints and connections in circuit boards, preventing short circuits and damage.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, heat shrink tubing is used for bundling wires, protecting connections, and providing abrasion resistance. Wire cover shrink tubing is often used to cover and protect the wiring harnesses in vehicles, ensuring durability and reliability under harsh conditions.

Manufacturing

Heat shrink tubes in manufacturing provide protection for cables and wires against environmental factors, mechanical wear, and chemical exposure. An example application of shrink tubing is to protect sensor cables on assembly lines, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.

Medical

In the medical industry, heat shrink tubing is used for insulating and protecting medical devices and equipment. For example, shrink tubing is used to cover and protect the connections on medical probes and catheters, ensuring they are safe and hygienic for patient use.

Construction

Heat shrink tubes are essential in construction to seal and protect outdoor electrical connections. The sleeve protects the connections from moisture and environmental damage whilst providing strain relief.

Military and Defense

In the military and defense sector, heat shrink tubing is used for insulating and protecting critical wiring and components. For instance, it is used to cover and protect communication cables and electronic equipment in harsh environments, ensuring reliable performance under extreme conditions

How to Order Heat Shrink Tubing from RS

RS is a trusted supplier of heat shrink tubing, offering a wide range of products from renowned brands such as RS PRO, 3M, TE Connectivity, Phoenix Contact, and Thomas & Betts. Our extensive catalogue provides a variety of options to meet your specific needs.

To place an order, simply browse the RS website and use the filter options to narrow down your choices based on your requirements. You can filter by shrink sleeve diameter or length, colour, adhesive lined options, and material such as polyolefin, PVC, and polyethylene. These filter options help you find the perfect heat shrink tube for your application, whether you need a low voltage heat shrink tube or a specialty adhesive heat shrink tube.

Once you’ve found your desired heat shrink tubing, buy it by adding it to your cart and proceed to checkout. RS ensures a smooth and efficient ordering experience, providing high-quality heat shrink tubing for all your insulation and protection needs.

How Delivery Works at RS Hong Kong

We offer convenient delivery options to ensure you receive your order promptly:

Note: Delivery is not available to GPO Box, Restricted Area, and Outlying Islands. For global stock and Product Plus products, please contact customer service.

For more information, please visit our delivery page.