How to use heat shrink tubing?

Heat shrink tubing is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways. It saves the wires from chemical, abrasion, weather while color coding them. It is also great for bundling the wires. Being a do it yourself activity, everyone can do it. Here is a simple guide, to help you with the heat shrink tubing.

Process of using Heat Shrink Tubing

Correct size of tubing

The first thing that you should do is select the right kind of heat shrink tubing. There are two things that you should remember while selecting the tubing: the diameter after shrinking and the pre-shrinkage diameter. It is important that the after shrinkage diameter is smaller than the diameter of area you are insulating. This ensures that there is proper insulation.

Cutting to the size

Next step is to cut the tubing. While cutting be sure that you allow the minimum of 1/4" overlap over any existing connectors. As the heat shrink tubing also shrinks lengthwise, be sure that you cut right. You can cut the tubing easily with the normal scissors.

Placing Heat Shrink Tubing

While using the tubing for the wire, slide the heat shrink tubing over the center of the spliced wired and overlap the tubing on both sides. Make sure the spliced area is entirely covered.

Temp check!

Every heat shrink tubing has different specifications. Make sure you check the temperature specification beforehand so that the tubing does not burn. You can use heat shrink oven or a commercial heat gun to shrink the tubing. Uncontrolled heat can cause uneven shrinkage. Do not use open fire or flame to shrink the tubing. It can result in burning of tubing and insulation failure.

Heating

To shrink the tubing, apply the heat evenly over the surface. Make sure the heat is applied to the diameter of the tubing. Continue applying the heat until the tubing is uniformly shrunken. It should conform to the shape of the splice or thing that it is covering. As soon as it takes the shape, remove the heat. Before using or applying stress, make sure you let the tubing cool.

Want to know more? Contact KC Electronics. They are the leading electronic company with years of experience and an extensive inventory of electronic products.

Things You Should Know About Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is one of the most valued additions in a toolbox. Ask any individual who works with wiring, he/she will tell you that the heat shrink tubing is a blessing straight from the god. Whether you want to clean up the wiring circuit, add a grip to your tools, differentiate the set of keys or just want to repair your laces, the tubing works everywhere. Despite the huge list of uses (creative and otherwise), people know very little about the tubing. Here is everything you need to know about heat shrink tubing.

                                             

What is heat shrink tubing?

It is simply a tube fashioned out of the cross-linking polymer that contracts to its original shape when heat is applied. The shrinking happens because the polymer is exposed to radiation that changes the bonds between the atoms of the polymer. In simple words, it is a plastic tube that shrinks with heat.

Benefits of the tubing

The main benefits of the tubing are its ability to insulate the wires. With the heat shrink tubing, you can protect the wires and circuits from the elements of environmental damage such as water, heat, oils, and more. The top benefits of the tubing also include its creative uses.

Traditional insulation vs heat shrink tubing

The tubing offers heat resistance and durability that traditional insulation cannot provide. Basically, the heat shrink tubing outperforms the traditional insulation. While the majority of tubing can be installed manually, a few need heavy machinery to do so. 

How to select right heat shrink tubing?

• While buying the tubing keep these three things in your mind:
• Know the maximum diameter of the cable. This will help you select the right size of tubing.
• Know about the temperature range of the environment you are planning to put the tubing in.
• Know about the wall thickness as it will affect the durability and rigidity of the tubing
• Know about the resistance you want in the tubing

Want to know more? Contact KC Electronics. They are the leading electronic company with years of experience and an extensive inventory of electronic products.