Heat Shrink Wrap

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	QSW-60-100 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 60MMX100MM	0
	QSW-100-100 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 100MMX100MM	0
	QSW-100-300 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 100MMX300MM	0
	QSW-100-200 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 100MMX200MM	0
	QSW-60-300 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 60MMX300MM	0
	QSW-60-400 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 60MMX400MM	0
	QSW-60-200 TE Connectivity Raychem Cable Protection	QUICK SHRINK WRAP 60MMX200MM	0

Heat Shrink Wrap

1. Overview

Heat shrink wrap (or heat shrink tubing) is a thermoplastic tube that contracts radially when heated, creating a tight, protective seal around cables, wires, and components. This technology is critical in modern electronics, automotive, and industrial applications for insulation, mechanical protection, and environmental sealing. Its ability to conform to irregular shapes while maintaining structural integrity under thermal stress makes it indispensable in harsh operating conditions.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Polyolefin Heat Shrink	High flexibility, UV resistance, standard wall thickness	General wire insulation, automotive harnesses
PVC Heat Shrink	Low cost, flame retardant, limited chemical resistance	Consumer electronics, low-voltage wiring
Fluoropolymer Heat Shrink	Extreme temperature resistance (-65 C to 200 C), chemical inertness	Aerospace connectors, semiconductor equipment
Adhesive-Lined Heat Shrink	Integral melt adhesive for watertight seals, high sealing strength	Underwater cable splices, military equipment
High-Temperature Heat Shrink	Continuous operation up to 260 C, halogen-free options	Engine compartment wiring, industrial ovens

3. Structure and Composition

Typical heat shrink tubing consists of three layers:

Outer Layer: Cross-linked polymer matrix (e.g., polyolefin) providing mechanical strength and abrasion resistance
Adhesive Layer: Thermoplastic adhesive (optional) for sealing and bonding
Inner Layer: Specialized coating for specific properties (e.g., flame retardancy, lubricity)

The material undergoes electron beam irradiation to create cross-linked molecular structures, enabling shape memory characteristics. Recovery ratios range from 2:1 to 6:1 depending on manufacturing processes.

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical Range	Significance
Shrink Temperature	80-350 C	Determines compatibility with temperature-sensitive components
Recovery Ratio	2:1 to 6:1	Indicates dimensional adaptability to different cable diameters
Wall Thickness	0.5-6.0 mm	Impacts mechanical protection level and flexibility
Dielectric Strength	15-50 kV/mm	Crucial for high-voltage insulation applications
Operating Temperature	-65 C to 200 C	Defines environmental suitability and thermal stability
Flame Retardancy	UL94 V-0 to V-2	Required for safety-critical installations

5. Application Fields

Primary industries utilizing heat shrink tubing include:

Electronics: PCB component insulation, strain relief for USB connectors
Automotive: Engine wiring harness protection, sensor cable sealing
Aerospace: Avionic cable bundling, EMI shielding covers
Telecommunications: Fiber optic splice protection, coaxial cable repair
Marine: Corrosion-resistant seals for underwater connectors

Typical equipment includes cable termination kits, military-grade communication devices, and industrial control panels.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Key Product Series	Special Features
3M	ECI-3000 Series	Radome-compatible materials for aerospace applications
HellermannTyton	HS700 Series	Self-extinguishing, 135 C operating temperature
Alpha Wire	HeatShrink 250	Halogen-free, REACH compliant materials
TE Connectivity	Raychem SCL Series	10,000-hour lifespan at 150 C continuous operation
Sumitomo Electric	Heaton Z-FIT	Nano-composite formulation for improved thermal cycling performance

7. Selection Recommendations

Key selection criteria include:

Environmental factors: Chemical exposure, UV radiation, and temperature extremes
Dimensional requirements: Wall thickness must accommodate connector strain relief
Electrical needs: Dielectric strength for voltages above 1kV applications
Compliance standards: UL, MIL-SPEC, or ISO certifications depending on application
Installation conditions: Match shrink temperature to available heating equipment

Example: Automotive under-hood applications require 150 C continuous rating with fuel resistance, while medical devices need gamma sterilization compatibility.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Development of bio-based polymers for sustainable heat shrink materials
Smart heat shrink with embedded sensors for condition monitoring
Nanocoatings for EMI/RFI shielding functionality integration
Automated shrink tunnel systems for high-volume production
Low-halogen formulations meeting stricter fire safety regulations

The global market is projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR through 2030, driven by EV battery pack insulation demands and 5G infrastructure expansion.