Double-wall heat shrink tubing is the next level of defense against the damage and destruction of wires, cables, and other electrical components. It is composed of an adhesive lining to secure a tight seal around the encompassed wiring and an exterior that acts as an extra layer of protection and insulation.
The thermoplastic material offers duo protection for cabling that is exposed to harsh weather conditions, extreme hot and cold temperatures, and shields from corrosion or impact. Dual-wall heat shrink tubing is available in various sizes, colors, and lengths to accommodate various types of cabling.
The Basics of Heat Shrink Technology
Heat shrink tubing is a thermoplastic cylinder constructed with cross-linking polymers that offer strain relief, moisture resistance, protection, and insulation to wires, cables, and terminals. It was invented by a chemical engineer in the 1950s by using radiation or heat to create a tubing that would shrink when heated.
Using extrusion, the thermoplastic is heated to the desired shape and expanded to a larger diameter. Once extrusion is completed, the tube is stretched to the desired dimension (known as the shrink ratio) with air pressure and cooled before being available for use. Heat shrink is available in various sizes and can be applied to various sized wires and cables. The shrink ratio refers to the rate of shrink. For example, a 2-1 ratio means the heat shrink will shrink to one half its diameter.
Introduction to Double-Wall Heat Shrink
Double-wall heat shrink tubing is a multi-layer thermoplastic product with an interior adhesive lining for extra protection and insulation of the encompassed product. This lining helps to prevent moisture from damaging the covered product by forming a seal-tight fit.
The outer layer of the double-wall tubing acts as an extra layer of protection from impact, abrasion, and tears. The exterior layer is also semi-rigid allowing for flexibility in versatile applications.
Dual wall heat shrink tubing works as a strain relief of wires and connections while doubling as an insulator from extreme temperatures. This type of heat shrink tubing is available in shrink ratios ranging from 2:1 to 4:1.
The Science Behind Double-Wall Heat Shrink
There are several types of materials used to create a double-wall heat shrink tubing product. While basic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a cheaper material cost-wise, polyolefin offers superior protection and insulation without breaking the bank.
Polyolefin is a synthetic substance that can be easily manipulated without compromising the quality and durability. It offers high resistance to liquids, moisture, chemicals, and fluctuating extreme temperatures. The material itself can withstand temperatures ranging from 125°C to 135°C.
Having polyolefin double-wall heat shrink tubing provides a premium barrier to the underlying wires, cables, connectors, and terminals. It has an interior layer of robust adhesive that melts when heat is applied. As the adhesive melts and flows, it sticks to the targeted wire or cable to provide a tight fit and seal. The outer layer is composed of a cross-linked material that evenly shrinks radially to the encased product for extra insulation and protection.
The Superior Performance of Double-Wall Heat Shrink
The function of dual-wall adhesive heat shrink tubing is to provide a higher level of insulation and protection in situations where the components are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. The composition of the double-wall tubing offers resistance to moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and corrosion.
Constructed with durable materials, the dual-wall heat shrink tubing can withstand high voltages and protect against impact, tears, and abrasions. As it creates a water-tight seal around wires, cables, joints, and terminals, the tubing protects against extreme temperature changes. Having a double layer can also extend the longevity of the protected components as it provides strain relief, reducing the risk of damage from vibration, movement, and weight stress.
Applications of Double-Wall Heat Shrink
With adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing, the application possibilities are endless. Protection and identification of wires, cables, connectors, and terminals are essential for all industries including medical, marine, and military fields.
- Electrical and electronics industry: This industry is a top user of double-wall heat shrink tubing to protect and insulate wires and cables. From the electrical components in buildings to the manufacturing of electronic machines and appliances, this industry depends on reliable heat shrink tubing.
-
Automotive and aerospace industry: As dual-wall tubing shields components from exposure to harsh weather conditions and movement from vibration, this industry is a top customer of tubing manufacturers.
- Telecommunications and data communication industry: With the advancement of modern technology, this industry sees new developments on a daily basis that call for having an extra layer of protection and insulation for optical fibers, cables, and wires.
ShrinkShop's Double-Wall Heat Shrink Solution
As a prominent dual-wall heat shrink supplier, ShrinkShop uses specialized materials and polyolefin to offer superior quality for all applications. Our tubing features durable adhesive lining, ultraviolet protection, and a resilient outer layer to protect against moisture, temperatures, corrosion, and abrasion.
By using color-coded heat shrink tubing or custom-printed heat shrink tubing, your businesses can label wiring for easy identification and include their company logo. We can print your company logo or product information on one or both sides of the double-wall heating shrink tubing so that the text will not be distorted once the heat is applied to the tubing.
Explore ShrinkShop's Double-Wall Heat Shrink Products
ShrinkShop is a leading online supplier of premium heat shrink tubing. We have been supplying the highest quality of double-wall heat shrink tubing to the automotive, electrical, military, and telecommunication industries for more than 30 years. Call us at 1-800-920-8823 or complete our information or order form here.