FITCOTUBE® HEAT-SHRINK TUBING

Heat-shrink tubing, usually based on heat-resistant PTFE or PVDF, is drawn over the object to be protected and then heated with various processing devices. The heat applied shrinks the tubing into a tightly enclosing sleeve.

How far down the shrink tube shrinks depends on the shrinking rate, which is also called shrinking range or shrinking ratio.
The usual shrinking rates are from 2:1 to 4:1, although there are also other variations.

The material of a shrink tube is crosslinked after production. This step ensures that the molecular chains are connected to each other. Silanes or electron radiation can bring about this state. The respective plastic is extruded in the warm state and expanded to a desired diameter. This leads to tension between the molecular chains, and subsequent cooling then ensures that the diameter and the tensions are “frozen.” These dissolve under the influence of heat, and the diameter of the shrink tube returns to its original size.

A heat-shrink tube is made of plastic which contracts when heated. Depending on the material, it is usually used to electrically insulate something and/or to protect something from damage (thermal or mechanical). There are countless variations of heat-shrink tubing. For example, there are differences in the shrinking ratio (how much the tubing shrinks), the wall thickness (thin, medium, thick), the color, the approval (MIl, UL, CSA) and the material (polyolefin, fluoroplastics, elastomers, polyester, etc.) of the respective heat-shrink tubing. Depending on the design, the shrink tubing then exhibits specific properties.

The right choice of heat-shrink tubing is essential for the successful use of the product. Since there are a multitude of possible criteria that could be relevant for you, we have a four-figure repertoire of different products in the area of heat-shrink tubing alone. The wall thickness, the material used, the shrinking temperature, the necessary approvals or the possibility of printing are only a few of the most important characteristics that must be clear when selecting the shrink tubing. This is why we at GREMCO are not simply one of many shrink tubing manufacturers – we have specially trained personnel who will provide you with professional support in the decision-making process. Our individualized customer consultation service in the field of heat-shrink tubing helps you to avoid unnecessary incorrect purchases and ensures the smooth employment of the most suitable plastic tubing.

The usual temperature to shrink a heat-shrink tube is around 200°C. However, it is often not a problem to use a higher temperature, since the data sheet always indicates the minimum shrinking temperature. For example, if you use a hot-air blow dryer as a processing device, you will reach temperatures of around 400°C. In principal, the higher the temperature used, the faster the hose shrinks. However, be careful when storing because, even below the shrinking temperature, a shrink tube can begin to shrink (although not completely). A normal hairdryer is not suitable for this. Other possible products for shrinking are heat guns, soldering irons and shrinking/infrared ovens.

Heat-shrink tubes are used in various fields of application and industries. Therefore, you have a wide range of possible applications, such as protection against moisture (shrink tubing with inner adhesive), protection against mechanical as well as thermal environmental factors, electrical insulation or protection against chemical substances. They can also be used for connecting cables or as corrosion protection.