Heat-shrink Tubing FITCOTUBE®

Heat-shrinkable tubing made from special materials

In the world of technical insulation and sealing, heat-shrinkable tubing is a crucial component. In particular, heat-shrinkable tubing made of special materials has established itself as an indispensable solution for highly demanding applications. Following is an explanation and analysis of the remarkable properties and applications of GREMCO’s heat shrink tubing made from specialty materials such as Kynar®, Viton®, Teflon®, and Elastomer.

Standard shrink tubing is made from radiation-crosslinked polyolefin. Polyolefins are polymers made from alkenes such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, or isobutene by chain polymerization. Polyolefins are saturated hydrocarbons, which make up the largest group of plastics in terms of volume. For particularly challenging applications, however, special materials are recommended, which are introduced in the following:

Kynar®: Robust heat-shrinkable tubing for extreme conditions

Kynar® heat shrink tubing has proven to be the ideal choice for applications in extreme conditions. Kynar®, also known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), features exceptional resistance to chemicals, UV radiation, and high temperatures (up to 175°C). For short periods, our Kynar® heat shrink tubing can withstand temperatures of up to 300°C. Thus, they are ideally suited for applications in areas such as the chemical industry, the oil and gas industry, and the aerospace industry.

Viton®: High-performance sealing with durability

Viton® heat-shrinkable tubing is known for its exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures (up to 220°C). These sleeves are widely utilized in applications requiring reliable sealing and resistance. Applications in the automotive industry, medical equipment, and food processing benefit from the excellent properties of Viton® tubing.

Teflon®: Discerning Insulation

Heat-shrinkable tubing manufactured from Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE) offers a unique combination of properties, including low friction, resistance to chemicals, and exceptional electrical insulation. These hoses are widely used in applications where high temperatures (up to over 300°C) and demanding environments are encountered, such as electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, and the food industry. The melting temperature of these highly heat-resistant products is 327°C.

Elastomer: Versatile and flexible heat-shrinkable tubing

Providing excellent elasticity and flexibility, elastomer heat-shrinkable tubing is ideal for solutions in applications involving movement or vibration. These tubings are available in versions with diverse elastomer materials, including silicone, neoprene, and fluoro silicone. In industries such as engineering, electronics, and medical, applications benefit from the dampening and protective properties of elastomeric heat-shrink tubing, which help reduce mechanical stress and protect components from external influences.”

Conclusion

Heat-shrinkable tubing made from specialized materials such as Kynar®, Viton®, Teflon®, and elastomer provides customized solutions for a variety of demanding applications. Their unique properties enable protection and insulation in environments experiencing high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, or other demanding conditions. From the chemical industry to electronics manufacturing, heat-shrinkable tubing made from special materials contributes significantly to improving performance and safety in a wide range of industries.