Shrink tubing; also know as Heat shrink tubing is used in a variety of applications for electrical or electronic assembly and repair. Shrink tubing is an insulating material that "shrinks" in diameter when heat is applied. This shrinking process allows the tube to insulate, protect connections and hold wire bundles together.

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What types of shrink tubing are available?

There are three main types of shrink tubing.

1. Thin wall shrink tubing. This tubing usually has a 2:1 shrink ratio, meaning that it's shrunken diameter is 1/2 the size of the original tube (ex. 1/2" tubing will shrink down to 1/4"). Thin wall shrink tubing is the most flexible of the three types of tubing.
2. Dual wall shrink tubing. Dual wall has superior abrasion protection and has excellent insulation properties. It usually has a 3:1 shrink ratio and an inner melt liner for increased protection against moisture. 3) Heavy Duty shrink tubing. This product has the thickest wall of the three types of shrink tubing and is used when the highest level of protection is required against corrosion and moisture. It is intended for use in extreme environments where protection is of the utmost importance. Heavy-duty shrink tubing usually has a 3:1 shrink ratio and an inner melt liner.

What materials are shrink tubing made from?

Shrink tubing can be made from a variety of thermoplastic materials including neoprene, Teflon, silicone or Viton and polyolefin fluoropolymer (such as FEP, PTFE or Kaynar). Polyolefin is by far the most common material used to produce heat shrink tubing.

Shrink tubing is available is a wide variety of colors so it can be used as a color-coding for wires and connectors.

How do you use shrink tubing?

To use shrink tubing you must place the tubing over the wire(s) or connections to be protected. You then heat the tubing using a heat gun or other heat-producing device. As the heat is applied the tubing will shrink down to a tight fix over the wires or connection it has been applied to. Once the desired diameter has been achieved, simply remove the heat source from the tubing and the process is complete.

Shrink tubing is primarily used as a insulating and protection material but can also be used for color-coding wire bundles and connections or simply as and enhanced aesthetic finish.

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