Shrink ratio

The shrink ratio indicates how much shrink tubing shrinks when it is heated. This is important when choosing heat shrink tubing in the right size.

Heat shrink tubing is available in six different shrink ratios:

• 1,5:1
• 2:1
• 2,5:1
• 3:1
• 4:1
• 6:1

To determine the shrink ratio you need, it is important to first measure the diameter of the object on which the heat shrink tubing will be used. Then, choose heat shrink tubing with an after shrink size that is slightly smaller than the diameter that you measured earlier. An example:

When you have a cable with a diameter of 0,5 millimetres, choose heat shrink tubing with an after shrink diameter of 0,4 millimetres. When the tube has a shrink ratio of 3:1, then you need heat shrink tubing with a pre-shrink diameter of 1,2 millimetres (0,4 * 3).

Do you need help in choosing the right shrink ratio? Please contact one of our advisors for tailored advice.