Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-04-14 Origin: Site
Heat shrinks tubing (also known as heat shrink or heat shrink) is a shrinkable plastic tube that provides abrasion resistance and environmental protection to stranded and solid wire conductors, connections, connectors, and terminals in electrical operations. It can also be used to replace or bundle wire insulation, protect wires or small parts from abrasion, and provide cable entry seals that protect against the elements. Heat shrink tubing is commonly made of nylon or polyolefin and shrinks to half to one-sixth of its original diameter when heated radially (but not longitudinally).
Types of heat string tubing and how they are used
Heat shrink tubing is available in a wide range of colors and chemical compositions, with each type’s composition differing depending on the application. Each variety has a precise design and chemical additives that make it suitable for various environmental conditions, from ultra-thin-walled tubing to sturdy, heavy-walled tubing. The heat shrink tubing expansion ratio compares the variations in expansion and recovery rates.
The unshrunk tubing is placed on the wire and then slid down to cover the joint before making the connection. If the fit is tight, silicone lubrication can be utilized without jeopardizing the heat shrink material. After that, the tubing is shrunk in an oven or with a hot air cannon or another source of hot gas flow to wrap firmly around the joint. The heat from a lighter or a soldering iron held close to but not touching the tube are two convenient but less consistent options for decreasing the tube. Heat shrink vendors do not recommend these approaches since they can result in uneven shrinking, physical damage, and insulation failure.
Like any other plastic, overheating heat shrink tubing can cause it to melt, burn, or catch fire. Heating causes the tube to contract to half to one-sixth of its original diameter, making a close fit across irregularly shaped connectors, depending on the heat shrink material employed. There’s also longitudinal shrinkage, which is usually unfavorable and happens in lower amounts than narrowing, usually around 6%.
The benefit of heat string tubing:
· Sharp cutting blades, abrasion resistance, and minimum impact
· Water, chemicals, dust, and other pollutants are kept at bay.
· Wires and cables are packaged together in bundles that are easy to handle.
· A smoother texture and a more finished appearance
· Insulation on both an electrical and a thermal level.
· Because of the better structural support, wires, connectors, and components are less strained.
· To improve wire identification, color additives are compatible.
Some heat shrink materials have a coating of thermoplastic glue on the inside to aid in sealing and adhesion, while others rely on friction between the closely fitting components. Heating non-adhesive shrink tubes to near-melting temperatures may also allow them to fuse to the underlying material.