Heat-Shrink & Cold-Shrink Sleeves
Heat shrink tubing is a type of extruded plastic tube that reduces in size when heated to a pre-determined shrink ratio to fit a specific application. A sleeve should be selected in a size larger than required to cover both the wire and components it is to be used with, before being shrunk to fit. Once fitted, the sleeve provides long lasting durability. For help selecting the right size heat shrink tubing, please see our heat shrink guide.
Materials and Types
Heat shrink is available in various different materials, colours, sizes and shrink ratios to suit the application required. Some are available with an adhesive lining that helps to bond the tubing with the cables and components. Polyolefin is the most common material as it is highly durable and can withstand high temperatures without a restricted shelf life. They are also manufactured from PVC, fluoropolymer, neoprene and elastomeric materials. The material is often cross linked to assist with the tubing shrinking back to its original dimensions. The pre-determined shrink ratio, for example, 2:1 or 3:1, is the measurement of how small the sleeve goes in comparison to its expanded size. When the number is higher in the shrink ratio the greater the shrinkage. It allows a precise, secure fit that does not come off easily.
Applications
Heat shrink tubing is versatile and easy to use therefore it can be applied in an assortment of applications, the most common uses being: • Electrical insulation – covering joints and repairs • Strain relief – relieving pressure from the cable • Wire bundling – in harness building and cable organisation • Environmental and mechanical protection – preventing damage from abrasion, moisture, dust and chemicals • Identification – the wide range of colours the tubing is manufactured in allows it to be used for colour coding and component ID
Installation
When selecting the right size tubing, you should consider the maximum and minimum diameter of what you are covering. Use this information to check against the recovered diameter (the diameter after shrinking) and expanded diameter (the pre-shrinkage diameter) of the sleeve. You can cut most tubing to a suitable length using standard scissors. The unshrunk tubing can be slid over the area or objects it is to cover. Then with a hand held heat gun or heat shrink oven, the sleeve is shrunk tightly. To prevent uneven shrinkage or overheating, check the recommended heating temperature beforehand.
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3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 12mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4.5:1 Ratio, MDT-A Series
VND180,962.96 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 12mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4:1 Ratio, HDT-A Series
VND294,982.98 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 19mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4.5:1 Ratio, MDT-A Series
VND335,716.34 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 19mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4:1 Ratio, HDT-A Series
VND335,883.28 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 27mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4.5:1 Ratio, MDT-A Series
VND352,911.16 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 32mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4.5:1 Ratio, MDT-A Series
VND340,557.60 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 38mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4.5:1 Ratio, MDT-A Series
VND434,878.70 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 38mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4:1 Ratio, HDT-A Series
VND555,075.50 -
3M Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 50mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 4.5:1 Ratio, MDT-A Series
VND655,239.50 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 20.9mm Sleeve Dia. x 203.2mm Length
VND297,320.14 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 20.9mm Sleeve Dia. x 203mm Length, 8420 Series
VND531,870.84 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 30.1mm Sleeve Dia. x 229mm Length, 8420 Series
VND768,758.70 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 30.1mm Sleeve Dia. x 279mm Length
VND412,508.74 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 35mm Sleeve Dia. x 305mm Length, 8420 Series
VND1,183,437.66 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 49.3mm Sleeve Dia. x 152mm Length, 8420 Series
VND607,828.54 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 49.3mm Sleeve Dia. x 305mm Length, 8420 Series
VND1,582,591.20 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 49.3mm Sleeve Dia. x 457mm Length, 8420 Series
VND1,430,508.86 -
3M Cold Shrink Cable Sleeve, Black 67.8mm Sleeve Dia. x 152mm Length
VND562,253.92 -
3M Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 1.5mm Sleeve Dia. x 12m Length 3:1 Ratio, HSR 3000 Series
VND951,391.06Box (1 Box of 12 Metres) -
3M Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 18mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 3:1 Ratio, GTI-3000 Series
VND142,900.64 -
3M Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 18mm Sleeve Dia. x 5m Length 3:1 Ratio, HSR 3000 Series
VND727,524.52Box (1 Box of 5 Metres) -
3M Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 24mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 3:1 Ratio, GTI-3000 Series
VND149,411.30 -
3M Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 24mm Sleeve Dia. x 5m Length 3:1 Ratio, HSR 3000 Series
VND968,919.76Box (1 Box of 5 Metres) -
3M Heat Shrink Tubing, Black 39mm Sleeve Dia. x 1m Length 3:1 Ratio, GTI-3000 Series
VND213,850.14