Heat Shrink Tubing
Heat shrink tubing is a type of plastic tubing that shrinks when heated, hence the name "heat shrink." It is commonly used for electrical insulation, protection, and bundling of wires, cables, and other components. The tubing is typically made from materials like polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or fluoropolymers. It is available in various sizes and colours to accommodate different applications. When heat is applied to the tubing, either through a heat gun or an oven, it undergoes a shrinking process. The tubing's diameter reduces, and it conforms tightly to the shape of the object it is covering. This provides an effective barrier against moisture, dust, chemicals, and physical damage.
What are the Materials and Types of Heat Shrink Tubing?
- Polyolefin (PO): Polyolefin tubing is the most widely used and versatile type of heat shrink tubing.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC heat shrink tubing is known for its flexibility, durability, and flame-retardant properties. It is commonly used in applications where resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals.
- Fluoropolymer (e.g., Teflon): Fluoropolymer heat shrink tubing offers exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and solvents.
- Neoprene: Neoprene heat shrink tubing provides good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals.
- Dual-Wall Heat Shrink Tubing: Dual-wall tubing consists of an inner layer of adhesive and an outer layer of heat-shrinkable material. When heated, the tubing shrinks, and the inner adhesive layer melts and creates a moisture-resistant seal.
- Specialty Heat Shrink Tubing: There are various specialty heat shrink tubing options available for specific applications.
What are the Benefits of Heat Shrink Tubing?
- Electrical insulation: It creates a protective barrier around wires, preventing short circuits and electrical hazards.
- Strain relief: By shrinking around the wires or cables, it helps relieve stress on the connection points and prevents the wires from bending or breaking.
- Environmental protection: The tubing provides resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation.
- Organisation and bundling: It can be used to group and organise wires or cables, making installations neater and more manageable.
- Identification and colour coding: Heat shrink tubing is available in various colours, allowing for easy identification and colour coding of different wires or cables.
Applications and Industries
Heat shrink tubing is a versatile material with a wide range of applications across various industries in NZ. Its ability to provide insulation, protection, and strain relief makes it an indispensable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Electrical Applications:
- Wire Insulation and Protection: Heat shrink tubing is commonly used to insulate and protect electrical wires and cables from abrasion, moisture, and other environmental factors.
- Cable Harnessing and Bundling: Electrical heat shrink tubing is used to bundle multiple wires together, creating organised and easy-to-manage cable harnesses. This simplifies wiring installations and reduces clutter in electrical panels and enclosures.
- Strain Relief and Connector Protection: Heat shrink tubes can be used to provide strain relief for electrical connections, preventing wire breakage and ensuring secure connections.
Industrial Applications:
Automotive: Heat shrink tubing is used in automotive wiring harnesses to protect against abrasion, heat, and chemicals.
- Aerospace: In aerospace applications, industrial heat shrink tubing is used to protect wires and cables from extreme temperatures and harsh environments.
- Marine: Heat shrink tubing is essential in marine environments, providing protection against saltwater corrosion and ensuring the integrity of electrical connections on boats and ships.
- Electronics: Electrical shrink tubing is used in electronics manufacturing to insulate and protect components, such as circuit boards and connectors, from damage and environmental factors.
Other Applications:
- Plumbing: Heat shrink tape can be used to repair leaks in pipes and provide a watertight seal.
- DIY and Hobbies: Heat shrink tubing is a popular material for DIY projects and hobbies, such as customising tools, creating crafts, and repairing household items.
For more information on heat shrink tubing please see our complete guide:
https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/heat-shrink-guide
For accessories that are used with heat shrink tubing please see:
Heat Shrink Connectors https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/wire-terminals-splices/splice-connectors/
Heat Guns https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/power-tools-soldering-welding/power-tools/heat-guns/
How to Order Heat Shrink Tubing from RS?
RS NZ provides a wide range of heat shrink tubing products to meet your specific needs. We understand the importance of reliable insulation and protection for wires, cables, and other components, which is why we stock a variety of electrical and industrial heat shrink tubing options from top brands like 3M, TE Connectivity, and HellermannTyton.
Our selection includes heat shrink tubing in various sizes, colours, and materials, including adhesive-lined, flame-retardant, and high-temperature options. Whether you need electrical heat shrink tubing for wire insulation, heat shrink tube for cable harnessing, or any other application, we have the perfect solution for you.
Delivery Information for New Zealand
To have your purchases delivered the next working day, please place your orders for items stocked locally in New Zealand or Australia before 5 pm NZT and 3 pm NZT, respectively.
RS will deliver your order between 8 am and 5 pm local time the next working day. However, a longer lead time may be required for some products, including:
- Global Stock and Extended Range products.
- Orders of hazardous materials.
- Products over 20kg, with a cubic weight exceeding 20kg, or longer than 1.5 metres.
Extended lead times may also apply to non-core products and deliveries to specific regional areas. For further details or to arrange consolidated delivery, please speak to our Customer Service.