Chloe Zhang
Heat-shrink plastic, also known as heat-shrink tubing, is a material that shrinks when heat is applied to it. It is commonly used as an overwrap for packaging and to insulate wires. Heat-shrink plastic is typically made from polyolefin, a type of polymer plastic film, but can also be made from PVC, polyethylene, or polypropylene. The process of heat-shrinking involves stretching the plastic when it is warm and then cooling it, causing it to set until it is reheated and returns to its original size. Heat-shrink plastic is a versatile material used in a wide range of applications, from packaging to electrical insulation, and can be found in various thicknesses, strengths, and shrink ratios.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrink wrap, shrink film, heat shrink, heatshrink |
| Material | Polymer plastic film |
| Types | PVC, Polyolefin, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), Kynar, PTFE, Silicone rubber, etc. |
| Properties | Thickness, clarity, strength, shrink ratio, unidirectional or bidirectional shrinking, sealability, optics, toughness, slip, onset temperature, free shrink, shrink force, shrink temperature range, memory, package appearance |
| Uses | Packaging, insulation, abrasion resistance, environmental protection, wire bundling, cable entry seals, repairs, arts and crafts, etc. |
| Application methods | Heat gun, heat tunnel, oven, toaster oven, soldering iron, hot air gun, hair dryer, heat sealing, impulse sealer, L-Bar sealer, lap seal, etc. |
| Precautions | Proper ventilation, controlled heat to avoid damage, avoid using with cling film |
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What You'll Learn
Heat-shrink tubing
The most popular material used for heat-shrink tubing is polyolefin, known for its temperature and chemical resistance. It is commonly used for cable management when bundling and insulating wires. Other materials used for heat-shrink tubing include PVC, polyethylene, kynar, and neoprene. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is seen in rigid applications such as blister and clamshell packaging, as well as flexible applications like shrink wrap and bagging. Polyethylene is another common material used for heat-shrink tubing, offering superior stretch and puncture resistance.
When choosing heat-shrink tubing, it is important to consider the shrink ratio, which determines how much the sleeve will shrink around the object. A higher shrink ratio allows the sleeve to fit over larger objects, such as connectors. However, it is generally recommended not to use a higher ratio than necessary for the application. The colour of the heat-shrink tubing can also be considered for identification purposes.
To install heat-shrink tubing, the cable or hose is fed inside the opening of the heat shrink by hand or using an electrical wire fish rod. Once the heat shrink fully encloses the wire or hose, high heat is applied using heat tools, causing the tubing to shrink and conform to the object. This process ensures a snug fit and internal insulation for the cable or hose.
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Polyolefin shrink wrap
Polyolefin is a polymer plastic film that is used as shrink wrap. It is a thermoplastic material that contracts when heated and is known for its low odour during the shrinking process. This makes it ideal for food packaging and sensitive products. It is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Polyolefin heat-shrink tubing is also used for electrical wiring insulation, repair and protection. It can also be used to bundle wires together and create cable entry seals. This type of polyolefin tubing typically shrinks 2:1 diametrically, but high-grade polyolefin can also achieve a 3:1 ratio.
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PVC shrink wrap
Heat shrink wrap is any material that shrinks when heat is applied to it. Stretch film is a material that is commonly mistaken for shrink wrap. Stretch film is the material stretched around pallet loads of products to secure loads during transport.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a commonly used shrink wrap. It is ideal for manual operations and is often the preferred shrink wrap for many applications. PVC shrink film has been used for years to wrap everything from CDs to paint trays. Clear PVC shrink wrap is the most common, but coloured shrink wrap is used in various industries to help products stand out on shelves. PVC shrink film is commonly found in centre-folded rolls of 500 ft., 1500 ft., 2000 ft. lengths, and a wide variety of widths. PVC shrink film has been a common polymer used for years in the packaging industry and many other sectors.
PVC is the most used shrink wrap due to its light weight and inexpensive capabilities. However, polyolefin is quickly overtaking PVC as the most commonly used shrink film for retail packaging. Polyolefin shrink film is more shelf-stable than PVC shrink wrap. It also offers better seals and less residue after seals are made on high-speed machines. One of the major benefits of polyolefin shrink film is FDA approval for direct food contact. Polyolefin heat-shrink tubing typically shrinks 2:1 diametrically, but high-grade polyolefin heat-shrink is also available with a 3:1 ratio.
Shrink wrap can be supplied in several forms. Flat rollstock can be wrapped around a product, often with heat sealing to tack the film together. Centre-folded film is supplied on a roll with the plastic pre-folded in half, the product is placed in the centre portion, the remaining three edges are sealed to form a bag, and the package is then heated which causes the bag to shrink and conform to the product.
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Stretch film
When compared to heat shrink wraps, stretch film offers the advantage of not requiring heat for application, making it a quicker and more accessible option for packaging. Additionally, stretch film can be easily cut and removed without the need for unwrapping, providing convenience during the unpacking process.
Overall, stretch film is a versatile and user-friendly packaging solution, especially for businesses looking for an affordable and effective way to protect their goods during transportation.
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Industrial applications
Heat-shrink plastic, also known as heat-shrink tubing, is a versatile material with a wide range of industrial applications. Its unique properties make it invaluable in various sectors, including aerospace, defence, telecommunications, automotive, and chemical industries. Here are some key industrial applications of heat-shrink plastic:
Electrical Insulation and Cable Protection
Heat-shrink tubing is commonly used to insulate and protect wires, cables, electrical connections, and joints. It provides abrasion resistance, chemical protection, and environmental sealing, ensuring electrical safety and longevity. This application is particularly crucial in aerospace, defence, and military equipment, where reliability and durability are critical.
Splice and Termination Insulation
Heat-shrink plastic is ideal for insulating splices and terminations in electrical systems. It offers a secure and durable solution, preventing short circuits and corrosion. This application helps maintain the integrity and performance of sensitive components and systems.
Mechanical Protection and Strain Relief
Heat-shrink materials provide strain relief for cables and connectors, reducing the risk of mechanical damage. This application helps extend the lifespan of electrical components, especially in harsh environments.
Chemical and Corrosion Resistance
Heat-shrink plastics are resistant to chemicals and corrosion, making them ideal for use in chemical plants and industrial environments with exposure to harsh substances. This property ensures the protection and longevity of critical components.
Identification and Marking: Color-Coding
Heat-shrink tubing is available in various colours, allowing for easy colour-coding of wires and cables. This colour-coding simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting, especially in complex industrial systems.
Repair and Maintenance: Cable Repair
Heat-shrink plastic can be used to repair damaged insulation on wires and cables. It restores functionality and safety without the need for complete replacement. This application helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Protective Coatings
Heat-shrink materials can be applied as an extra layer of protection for existing cables and components. This enhances their durability and resistance to environmental factors, ensuring they can withstand extreme conditions.
Environmental Sealing
In addition to electrical insulation, heat-shrink tubing is used for environmental sealing. It protects connectors and components from harsh conditions, ensuring their integrity and performance.
Telecommunications: Cable Jointing
In the telecommunications industry, heat-shrink tubing is employed to protect and insulate cable joints. This application helps maintain the performance and reliability of communication networks.
Fibre Optic Protection
Heat-shrink plastic is used to protect fibre optic splices and connections, providing mechanical and environmental protection for sensitive fibre optic components.
The industrial applications of heat-shrink plastic showcase its versatility, durability, and protective capabilities. Its ability to contract when heated, forming a tight seal, makes it a valuable material in numerous sectors, contributing to safety, efficiency, and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Heat shrink plastic is commonly referred to as heat shrink wrap, shrink wrap, or heat-shrink tubing.
Heat shrink wrap is made of polymer plastic film, typically polyolefin, but it can also be made from PVC, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
Heat shrink wrap is stretched when warm to orient the molecules, and then cooled to set its characteristics. When heat is reapplied, it shrinks back toward its initial dimensions, tightly conforming to the covered object.
Heat shrink wrap is commonly used for packaging and protecting items during shipping and storage. It can also be used for insulation, environmental containment, and sealing electric wiring.
Yes, heat shrink wrap can be used outdoors. For outdoor use, it often has a UV stabilizer added to protect against sun exposure. It is commonly used to wrap boats, rockets, and scaffolding.
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