Heat shrinkable insulation tape, also known as heat shrink tape, is a type of shrinkable sleeve product used to insulate and protect wires, cables, hoses, pipes and other items.
Heat shrinkable insulation tape is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester film with an adhesive sealant that is activated by heat. When heat is applied, the tape shrinks tightly around the object and the adhesive melts to form a waterproof seal. Heat shrink tape comes in rolls and is cut to the required length for the application. It shrinks up to 50% of its diameter when heated to around 175-225°C or 350-435°F depending on the grade.
Heat shrinkable insulation tape is often used where heat shrink tubing will not fit, offering insulation, abrasion resistance, moisture protection and environmental sealing for applications like wiring harnesses, cable splices, hose assemblies, plumbing fittings, tool handles, etc. Two main types are adhesive-lined (has a layer of hot melt adhesive inside) which forms a strong, durable seal, and non-adhesive for applications not needing an aggressive bond. The adhesive-lined option typically provides superior insulation and protection.
To apply, wrap the tape fully around the object to be covered, overlapping the edges. Then use a heat gun to shrink the tape until it conforms tightly. The adhesive-lined option will seal around the entire circumference. Let cool completely. Heat shrink tape comes in a range of widths from 1/2 inch up to 6 inches wide to suit different applications. The correct width is chosen based on the size of area needing coverage.
Heat shrinkable insulation tape provides a quick, easy-to-use method for insulation that does not require as precise sizing as tubing. However, it may not have the durability or chemical resistance of some types of heat shrink tubing for harsh environments. Additional benefits include its light weight, ability to be pre-slit, and lower cost compared to most heat shrink tubing. But it has limited shrinkage compared to some high-ratio tubing.
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