Introducing HS-SR-101 Polyolefin Heat Shrink
The HS-101-SR product provides improved abrasion resistance and strain relief properties in wire harness applications. The added rigidity also eases assembly over stiff substrates such as rods and cables. Pexco’s HS-101-SR product is also halogen free, making it ideal for applications where smoke toxicity is a concern.
In addition to our Insultab Heat Shrink Polyolefin Tubing products, Pexco also offers Insultab Heat Shrink PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) tubing, specialty heat shrinkable tubing made from Kynar®, Neoprene ®, and Viton®, and medical and food grade heat shrink tubing.
In the realm of electrical insulation and wire management, polyolefin heat shrink tubing has become a staple material across numerous industries. Known for its exceptional durability, versatility, and performance, polyolefin tubing provides a reliable solution for protecting wires, cables, and other components from environmental and mechanical damage.
In this blog, we’ll explore what polyolefin heat shrink tubing is, its key features, diverse applications, and the numerous benefits it offers in both industrial and commercial settings.
What Is Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat shrink tubing is a type of extruded plastic tube that shrinks in diameter when exposed to heat. Polyolefin is the most commonly used material for manufacturing heat shrink tubing due to its flexibility, resilience, and high resistance to environmental stress.
When heated, the tubing shrinks snugly around the mandrel it is covering—typically wires, terminals, or cables. This creates a protective layer that provides electrical insultation and strain relief, prevents moisture ingress, and aids in identification.
Key Features of Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing
- High Shrink Ratio: Polyolefin tubing is available in various shrink ratios, commonly 2:1, 3:1, and even 4:1. This means the tubing can shrink to half, one-third, or one-fourth of its original diameter, allowing it to cover irregularly shaped objects or components of varying sizes.
- Excellent Thermal Resistance: It performs reliably across a wide temperature range, typically from -55°C to 135°C, and some specialized variants can withstand even higher temperatures. Excellent Thermal Resistance
- Superior Electrical Insulation: The tubing provides high dielectric strength, making it ideal for insulating wires and electrical components. It helps prevent electrical shorts and improves safety in sensitive applications.
- Flame Retardant : Most polyolefin heat shrink tubing is flame retardant, meaning it won’t propagate fire, making it a safer option for electrical installations
- Chemical and Abrasion Resistance: Polyolefin is resistant to chemicals, oils, and solvents, as well as abrasion, ensuring long-lasting protection in harsh environments.
- Flexible and Lightweight: Despite its strength, polyolefin tubing remains flexible and lightweight, allowing it to conform tightly to components and not add unnecessary bulk or weight.
- UV Resistance: UV-stabilized versions are available, making polyolefin tubing suitable for outdoor applications where sunlight exposure is a concern.
Common Uses and Applications
Polyolefin heat shrink tubing serves a wide array of functions across different industries. Here are some of the most common applications:
- Wire and Cable – Used to insulate wires and prevent short circuits, especially in automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment.
- Environmental Sealing – Seals out moisture, dust, and other contaminants in harsh environments—ideal for outdoor and marine applications.
- Strain Relief – Protects connectors and terminations from mechanical stress and vibration, extending their lifespan.
- Color-Coding & Identification – Available in multiple colors for easy circuit identification, phase marking, or safety tagging in electrical system.
- Bundling & Organizing Cables – Neatly organizes and secures wire harnesses, reducing clutter and improving the aesthetic and functionality of installations.
- Component Protection – Shields sensors, capacitors, and other electronic components from abrasion and environmental damage
- Repairing Insulation – Can be used to repair damaged insulation on cables and wires, offering a cost-effective alternative to complete replacements.
Benefits of Using Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing
Using polyolefin heat shrink tubing provides a host of practical benefits that contribute to improved safety, performance, and efficiency
- Enhanced Safety – With excellent insulation and flame-retardant properties, polyolefin tubing reduces the risk of electrical fires and electrocution.
- Increased Equipment Longevity – By protecting cables and connectors from wear and tear, it prolongs the service life of electrical systems and reduces maintenance needs.
- Cost Effective – Though slightly more expensive than other materials initially, polyolefin’s durability and reliability result in lower replacement and repair costs over time.
- Easy Installation – Heat shrink tubing is easy to install with just a heat gun, offering a quick solution for repairs or installations without special tools.
- Environmentally Friendly Options – Many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly versions with RoHS compliance, which restricts the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment.
Industry Specific Applications
Let’s look at how polyolefin heat shrink tubing is utilized in various industries:
Automotive
- Protects wiring harnesses from engine heat, oil, and mechanical stress.
Aerospace & Defense
- Meets stringent requirements for reliability and weight.
- Used in mission-critical components where failure is not an option. By protecting cables and connectors from wear and tear, it prolongs the service life of electrical systems and reduces maintenance needs.
Electronics & Consumer Devices
- Insulates components in compact electronics, improving safety and minimizing space usage.
Telecommunications
- Ensures environmental sealing and color coding of fiber optic cables and telecom wiring
Renewable Energy
- Protects cables in solar, wind, and hydroelectric installations from UV exposure and harsh outdoor elements.
Choosing the Right Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing
When selecting the right tubing for your needs, consider the following:
- Shrink Ratio: Choose a higher ratio for covering irregular shapes.
- Wall Thickness: Thin-wall for tight spaces; medium or heavy-wall for added durability.
- Operating Temperature: Ensure it matches your application’s thermal environment.
- Color and Marking Options: For identification or safety labeling.
- Adhesive-Lined vs. Non-Adhesive: Adhesive-lined (dual wall) versions provide waterproof sealing, ideal for outdoor or submerged applications.
Polyolefin heat shrink tubing stands out as a versatile and reliable solution for protecting and managing electrical components. With excellent thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance, it enhances safety, improves durability, and simplifies installation across various industries.
Whether you’re organizing a wire bundle in a consumer product or protecting critical systems in an aerospace application, polyolefin heat shrink tubing delivers performance and peace of mind. For more information on Pexco’s Insultab Heat Shrink Polyolefin Tubing products, please visit our website at www.pexco.com/contact-us.