Heat Shrink Tubing Kits

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
Q2-F-RK1-3/32-01-6IN-32 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRNK KIT RFL 3/32" BLK 32PC	464
Q2-F-RK4-1-11-6IN-10 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRINK KIT RFL 1" COLOR 10PC	3949
Q2-F-RK4-1/8-11-6IN-31 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 1/8" COLOR 31PC	4871166
Q2-F-RK4-3/8-11-6IN-19 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 3/8" COLOR 19PC	239237
Q2-Z-QK2-01-6IN-82 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRINK KIT 6" 5/16"-1" 82PC	37
Q2-F-QK4-11-6IN-141 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRINK KIT Q2F 141 PCCOLOR	398
Q2-F-RK4-1/16-11-6IN-39 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 1/16" COLR 39PC	270
Q2-Z-QK1-01-6IN-180 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRNK KIT 6" 3/64-1/4" 180PC	700
Q2-Z-RK1-1/16-01-6IN-36 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 1/16" BLK 36 PC	265
Q2-F3X-QK1-01-6IN-106 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRINK KIT 106 PC BLACK	308
Q2-Z-RK1-3/16-01-6IN-24 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 3/16" BLK 24 PC	204
Q2-Z-RK1-1/4-01-6IN-20 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 1/4" BLK 20 PC	258
Q2-F-RK2-3/4-01-6IN-12 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHINK KIT RFL 3/4" BLK 12PC	27
Q2-Z-RK1-3/32-01-6IN-32 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 3/32" BLK 32 PC	582
Q2-F-RK1-1/8-01-6IN-28 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRINK KIT RFL 1/8" BLK 28PC	144
Q2-F-QK1-01-6IN-180 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT SMALL SZE BLK 180PC	179209
Q2-F-RK2-1/2-01-6IN-14 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHINK KIT RFL 1/2" BLK 14PC	62
Q2-Z-RK1-1/8-01-6IN-28 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRK KIT RFL 1/8" BLK 28 PC	28
Q2-F-RK1-1/4-01-6IN-20 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRINK KIT RFL 1/4" BLK 20PC	27
Q2-F-RK1-3/16-01-6IN-24 Qualtek Electronics Corp.	HEATSHRNK KIT RFL 3/16" BLK 24PC	32

Heat Shrink Tubing Kits

1. Overview

Heat shrink tubing kits consist of pre-cut, multi-sized thermoplastic tubes designed to protect, insulate, and seal electrical connections, wires, and components. When heated, the material shrinks radially to conform tightly to the underlying substrate. These kits play a critical role in modern electronics, automotive systems, aerospace engineering, and industrial equipment by ensuring mechanical durability, environmental sealing, and electrical insulation. Their adaptability to complex geometries and rapid installation makes them indispensable in cable management and component protection.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Polyolefin Heat Shrink	General-purpose, flame-retardant, moisture-resistant	Wire insulation, connector sealing in automotive systems
FEP/PTFE Heat Shrink	High-temperature resistance (up to 200 C), chemical inertness	Aerospace wiring, semiconductor manufacturing equipment
PVC Heat Shrink	Low-cost, flexible, UV-resistant variants	Consumer electronics, lighting fixtures
Adhesive-Lined Heat Shrink	Integral sealant for waterproofing, vibration damping	Underground cable splices, marine electronics
High-Ratio Shrink Tubing	4:1 to 6:1 shrink ratio for irregular shapes	Splice closures, connector boots

3. Structure and Composition

Typical products feature a cross-linked polymer matrix with radial orientation. Common structures include:

Single-Layer: Homogeneous polyolefin or PVC for basic insulation
Multi-Layer: Dual-wall construction with adhesive inner layer for sealing
Specialty Coatings: Flame-retardant additives, conductive carbon black for EMI shielding

Manufacturing involves irradiation cross-linking followed by expansion at elevated temperatures.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Shrink Ratio	Diameter reduction capacity (2:1 to 6:1)	Determines coverage of connectors and irregular shapes
Recovery Temperature	Activation range (80-200 C)	Dictates compatibility with heat-sensitive components
Dielectric Strength	Up to 50kV/mm	Ensures electrical insulation reliability
Operating Temperature	-55 C to +155 C standard	Defines service life in extreme environments
Tensile Strength	15-35 MPa	Prevents mechanical failure under stress

5. Application Fields

Automotive: Engine wiring harnesses, sensor insulation
Aerospace: Avionics cabling, fuel system sealing
Telecommunications: Fiber optic cable protection, 5G base station connectors
Consumer Electronics: USB port strain relief, battery pack insulation
Industrial: Motor terminal protection, corrosion-resistant cable glands

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
3M	850-3500 Series	UL 224 VW-1 rated, 125 C operating temperature
TE Connectivity	Raychem SCL-2	Adhesive-lined, IP68 sealing capability
Sumitomo Electric	Heatuna Series	Halogen-free, RoHS compliant
Alpha Wire	8900 Series	135 C rating, aerospace specification approved

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include:

Environmental conditions (chemical exposure, UV, vibration)
Required shrink ratio vs. target component geometry
Electrical insulation requirements (voltage level, dielectric strength)
Compliance with industry standards (UL, MIL-SPEC, ISO 6722)
Color coding requirements for wire identification

Example: Automotive engine bay applications require 150 C-rated adhesive-lined tubing with fuel resistance.

8. Industry Trends

Current developments include:

Biodegradable heat shrink materials for eco-friendly disposal
Nano-coated variants for enhanced thermal conductivity
Integrated RFID tags for smart cable identification
Low-shrink-temperature options (<80 C) for sensitive electronics
4:1 ratio thin-wall tubing for compact medical devices