Shrinkage ratio, as an important performance parameter of heat shrink tubing, is an important indicator that cannot be ignored when selecting heat shrink tubing. Shrinkage ratio refers to the multiple of the inner diameter reduction after heat shrinkage. Currently, the commonly used shrinkage ratios for heat shrink tubing are 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, and the highest 6 times shrinkage. Usually, the larger the shrinkage ratio under the same specifications, the higher the price. 2x, 3x, 4x can be used to produce single wall heat shrink tubing, as well as double wall heat shrink tubing with adhesive, while 6x heat shrink tubing can only produce medium wall thickness heat shrink tubing with adhesive due to its high shrinkage.
二、Determine the working temperature
The working temperature of heat shrink tubing varies depending on the model and material, with a maximum temperature tolerance range of 105 ℃ to 260 ℃. In some special situations, there are also requirements for the minimum working temperature, which ranges from -65 ℃ to -45 ℃. So it is necessary to have a general understanding of the working temperature of heat shrink tubing. According to the highest temperature resistance level, it can be divided into seven levels: 105 ℃, 125 ℃, 135 ℃, 150 ℃, 175 ℃, 200 ℃, and up to 260 ℃. You can choose the corresponding temperature heat shrink tubing according to your own product requirements.
三、Determine the usage scenario and purpose
Heat shrink tubing can be divided into food and medical grade heat shrink tubing (silicone heat shrink tubing and PVDF heat shrink tubing), sealed waterproof heat shrink tubing (with adhesive heat shrink tubing), acid and alkali resistant solution heat shrink tubing (PTFE heat shrink tubing), oil resistant heat shrink tubing (fluororubber heat shrink tubing), military grade heat shrink tubing, and high-voltage insulation heat shrink tubing (busbar heat shrink tubing) according to their applications. You can choose the corresponding heat shrink tubing according to the application environment and technical requirements of the product.
四、Determination of inner diameter specifications
The selection of inner diameter specifications is relatively simple, just measure the maximum and minimum dimensions of the product that needs to be wrapped. If the joint between the connector and the cable needs to be protected, simply use a caliper to measure the wire diameter and the outer diameter of the connector, and then select the corresponding diameter of the heat shrink tubing according to the outer diameter of the connector. Do not choose the size of the heat shrink tubing according to the wire diameter, as this will prevent the connector from fitting in. The inner diameter of the heat shrink tubing should be selected according to the larger end.
五、Color selection
The colors of heat shrink tubing are relatively complete. Black is the color that all materials of heat shrink tubing have. PE polyethylene heat shrink tubing has 11 standard colors, including black, white, transparent, gray, brown, and red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It should be noted that PE transparent heat shrink tubing is not flame retardant. Ground wire heat shrink tubing can be made in both yellow and green colors, and heat shrink tubing manufacturer KEYUACE can customize heat shrink tubing with dual color stripes.
The selection of specifications for heat shrink tubing only requires five basic indicators: shrinkage ratio, working temperature, usage environment, inner diameter, and color. Through these five indicators, it is easy to choose a suitable high-quality heat shrink tubing. If you are unsure which model and specification of heat shrink tubing to use, you can contact KEYUACE's online customer service for heat shrink tubing manufacturers. The heat shrink tubing manufacturer will help you choose the appropriate heat shrink tubing, providing one-stop service from selection to delivery.