Professional electrical and equipment manufacturers can boost their brand with the use of custom heat shrink products. When buying heat shrinkable tubing, the range of products can be overwhelming. We’ve put together a buyer’s guide with general tips to help you choose the best heat shrink for your needs.
How to Choose the Right Size Heat Shrink Tubing
Custom cut and/or printed heat shrink label size depends on the diameter of what is being covered, the length of tubing required and the shrink ratio of the tubing. Tubing sizes referenced are the inner diameter BEFORE heat is applied to shrink. The diameter selected should be the largest diameter that will provide a tight fit when installed (e.g., after heating). Tubings are available with 2:1 or 3:1 shrink ratios. For 2:1 select a diameter which is just under double the size of what is being covered; for 3:1 select a diameter almost triple in size. As the tubing shrinks the wall thickness increases, which adds to the durability of the finished assembly.
The tubing only shrinks in diameter, there is virtually no shrinkage in the length of the cut pieces.
Is also important to ensure that the tubing selected has the required electrical authority approvals such as UL or CSA.
Choose the Right Material when Purchasing Heat Shrink Tubing
As stated, the original diameter and the shrink ratio are the main determiner when choosing custom heat shrink in the USA and Canada. Another is the material. Polyolefin is preferred since it is a non-toxic, odorless, break-resistant material that is most common in industrial, automotive and electronics industries.
Due to its thermal strength—it can tolerate temperatures up to 135°C or 275°F—polyolefin is the most popular heat shrink material. Polyolefin is also extremely flexible, durable, and quick to shrink.
Consider the Qualities of Heat Shrink Tubing
Heat shrinkable tubing is versatile in various environments. The protection and insulation of the tubing refer shield wires and cables against abrasion, moisture, friction, and fluctuating temperatures. Projects that see wires or cables exposed to dirt, debris, and weather need heat shrink tubing.
In addition to using heat shrink tubing to protect wiring, it can also be used to identify wiring. Tubing can be used to color-code electrical components and identify opposing electrical fields.
Labels can be printed to indicate what the wire is used for, and business names or logos can be printed on both sides of the wrap for easy branding.
How to Safely Remove Heat Shrink Tubing
When heat shrink tubing needs to be removed, it takes just a few easy steps. Locate the end of the tube and, using pliers, pull the material away. Use a razor blade to make a slit along the tubing, being careful not to touch the wiring.
Heat Shrink Tubing: Perfect for Your Wiring Needs
Looking for heat shrink tubing in Canada or the USA? Contact ShrinkShop, the leading online provider of Thermafix® and Thermafix Plus® tubing. Our inventory selection and custom-printed heat shrink tubing consist of various sizes and colors to meet all of your electrical and equipment needs. Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today!