Heat shrink tubing model
Heat shrink tubing is available in different wall thicknesses, each with its own properties and applications.
What heat shrink tubing wall thicknesses are available?
- Thin-wall – heat shrink tubing with a wall thickness after shrinking between 0.4 to 0.8 millimeters
- Medium-wall – heat shrink tubing with a wall thickness after shrinking between 1.6 to 3 millimeters
- Heavy-wall – heat shrink tubing with a wall thickness after shrinking between 3.2 and 4.7 millimeters
Differences between thin-wall, medium-wall, and heavy-wall heat shrink tubing
Different wall thicknesses mean different properties and therefore different applications.
Thin-wall heat shrink tubing
Thin-wall heat shrink tubing has a wall thickness of 0.4 to 0.8 millimeters after shrinking. Because of this thin wall, the cable to which the tubing is applied remains flexible. On the downside, the cable is less protected against wear compared to medium-wall or heavy-wall tubing.
Most types of heat shrink tubing are thin-wall. We offer 21 types of thin-wall heat shrink tubing.
Applications of thin-wall heat shrink tubing
Thin-wall heat shrink tubing is used for electrical insulation of cables, in addition to its protective properties. It is also used for cable marking—two types of thin-wall tubing can be printed for this purpose. Furthermore, heat shrink tubing can be used to repair light damage to cables.
Medium-wall heat shrink tubing
Heat shrink tubing is considered medium-wall when it has a wall thickness after shrinking between 1.6 and 3 millimeters. Medium-wall can also mean that the tubing contains an adhesive layer, which gives the tubing a slightly thicker wall. This is sometimes also referred to as dual-wall. The adhesive melts when the tubing is heated, allowing for a better seal.
Applications of medium-wall heat shrink tubing
Medium-wall tubing, particularly variants with adhesive, is used to provide waterproof protection for cables. The adhesive layer in some medium-wall tubing guarantees a watertight seal.
Medium-wall heat shrink tubing is less common than thin-wall—we offer 5 variants of medium-wall tubing.
Heavy-wall heat shrink tubing
Heavy-wall tubing refers to tubing with a wall thickness after shrinking of between 3.2 and 4.7 millimeters. This means the wall is at least four times thicker than that of thin-wall tubing.
Applications of heavy-wall heat shrink tubing
Heavy-wall tubing is mainly used to protect cables from mechanical damage, such as abrasion, impact, or other external influences. For this reason, heavy-wall tubing is especially used in environments where cables need strong protection from outside factors.
Our range includes six types of heavy-wall heat shrink tubing.
Personal advice
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