Knowledge of heat shrink tubing full analysis: types, use and precautions

Release time:2025-04-21 News section:News

Heat shrinkable tubing, a polyolefin material designed for high temperature shrinkage, soft flame retardant, insulation and corrosion resistance, is made of an outer layer of high quality soft cross-linked polyolefin laminated with an inner layer of hot melt adhesive. The outer material not only has excellent insulation and corrosion resistance, but also has abrasion resistance, while the inner layer is characterized by its low melting point, waterproof sealing and high adhesion. During the production process, the heat-shrinkable tubing is heated to a highly elastic state, expanded under load and then rapidly cooled to create a fixed form. When in use, the heat shrink tubing is heated back to its high elasticity state, shrinking and fitting tightly to the surface of the object.


1. Polyolefin (PO)
Polyolefin is a common material in heat shrinkable tubing, which not only has good insulating properties, but is also wear-resistant, soft, and affordable, which is very suitable for insulation protection of wires and cables.

Uses: PO heat shrink tubing is widely used in many aspects such as wire and cable insulation, connection sealing, and harness finishing.

Features: Its excellent insulation, flexibility, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance make it a cost-effective choice in the market.

2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Although PVC heat shrinkable tubing has some chemical resistance and flexibility, its temperature resistance is relatively weak.

Uses: PVC heat shrink tubing is mainly used for insulation and protection of ordinary cables and is popular because of its low cost.

Characteristics: In spite of this, it retains good insulation and chemical resistance to meet general application requirements.

3. Fluorine Plastics (PTFE, FEP)
Such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), both of which exhibit excellent temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and insulation.

Uses: Fluoroplastic heat shrink tubing excels in harsh environments such as high temperatures, strong acids and alkalis, and is commonly used in aerospace and chemical industries.

Characteristics: PTFE, in particular, has extremely high temperature resistance and can be used for a long time at 260°C while maintaining excellent insulation and corrosion resistance.

4. Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber heat shrink tubing stands out for its excellent flexibility, high temperature resistance and aging resistance.

Uses: Silicone rubber heat shrink tubing is ideal for use in high temperature environments, cables that require soft and flexible protection, and in situations where waterproofing is a high requirement.

Characteristics: Its good flexibility, high temperature resistance (can be used for a long time at 200 ℃) and excellent waterproof performance, making it the ideal protective material for high temperature environment.

5. Polyester (PET)
Polyester heat shrink tubing is favored for its excellent mechanical strength and abrasion resistance.

Uses: Polyester heat shrinkable tubing excels in cable protection applications that require high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, such as wire harnesses in industrial equipment.

Characteristics: Its high mechanical strength, abrasion and scratch resistance ensures long-lasting durability of cables in harsh environments.

6. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
Cross-linked polyethylene heat shrinkable tubing is favored by the electric power industry for its excellent electrical properties and aging resistance.

Usage: It is mainly used for insulating and sealing the terminals and intermediate joints of power cables, which ensures the safe and stable operation of the power system.

Characteristics: Its excellent electrical insulation properties and aging resistance make it an ideal choice for power cable protection.

7. Rubberized double-wall heat-shrinkable tubing
This type of heat-shrinkable tubing combines the advantages of a variety of materials with excellent electrical properties, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. Its unique double-wall structure makes it more convenient and efficient in the installation process.

8. Marking Heat Shrink Tubing
This type of heat shrinkable tubing is designed for cable marking, with text, numbers or color marking printed on it, which has excellent durability and is not easy to fade or wear out, providing convenient line management.

elevant content

Related information