Heat-shrink Tubing FITCOTUBE®

Heat Shrink Tubing with Adhesive

Heat shrink tubing is a cornerstone of countless industrial and technical applications. When it comes to safeguarding components from moisture, and mechanical stress, or ensuring the safety of assemblies, heat shrink tubing with adhesive stands out as the go-to choice. But what makes it so special? When should it be used? And what technical details are essential to know?

What is Heat Shrink Tubing with Adhesive?

Heat shrink tubing with adhesive consists of a thermoplastic outer material that contracts when exposed to heat and a specially formulated inner adhesive layer. This adhesive activates when heated, forming a secure, permanent bond with the underlying surface. The result is a highly resilient, waterproof, and mechanically robust seal.

Typically, the outer layer is made of polyolefin, a material known for its excellent thermal resistance and electrical insulation properties. The adhesive, often a thermoplastic resin, melts and flows during the shrinking process, ensuring a dependable and tight seal.

Key Advantages

1. Comprehensive Waterproofing: Combining the shrinking outer layer and activated adhesive ensures a tight, waterproof seal. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications or industries like automotive, where moisture can lead to corrosion or malfunctions.
2. Superior Mechanical Protection: Beyond electrical insulation, heat shrink tubing with adhesive protects against abrasion, tensile stress, and impacts, extending the lifespan of components.
3. Compliance with Industry Standards: Many heat shrink tubes meet essential certifications such as UL ratings and protection standards like IP68. These certifications ensure high reliability and safety, which is critical in sectors like aerospace and medical technology.
4. Resistance to Harsh Environments: These tubes are designed to perform reliably across a wide temperature range (often from -55 °C to +125 °C) and withstand challenging environmental conditions.

Typical Applications

The versatility of heat shrink tubing with adhesive makes it indispensable across numerous industries:

• Automotive: Protecting wire harnesses and electrical connections from moisture, vibration, and wear.
• Electrical Engineering: Securing solder joints and connectors for superior insulation and durability.
• Outdoor Installations: Sealing and protecting cable connections exposed to wet or extreme environments.
• Industrial Equipment: Safeguarding assemblies against abrasion and chemical exposure.

When to Choose Heat Shrink Tubing Without Adhesive

Non-adhesive heat shrink tubing is ideal for applications that do not require waterproofing or bonding. It is a cost-effective and flexible solution for basic insulation tasks or situations where components may need to be disassembled later.

Selecting the Right Heat Shrink Tubing

Choosing the correct heat shrink tubing involves considering several factors:

• Shrink Ratio: Options like 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 determine how much the tubing can contract relative to its original size.
• Material Properties: Depending on the application, materials should be resistant to UV radiation, chemicals, or high temperatures.
• Certifications: Ensure the tubing meets your industry’s specific requirements for quality and safety.

Conclusion

Heat shrink tubing with adhesive is the ideal choice for demanding applications requiring the highest standards of protection and durability. It offers not only waterproof insulation but also mechanical reinforcement and long-term reliability. From automotive and electrical engineering to industrial machinery, GREMCO provides the perfect solution tailored to your needs.