Heat shrink tubing: Difference between revisions

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m (Rob Kam moved page Heat Shrink Tubing to Heat shrink tubing without leaving a redirect)
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[[File:Schrumpfschlauch animated modified.gif|thumb|Animation of heat shrink tube before and after heating. The 4 core screened wire's screen has been separated and sleeved.]]'''Heat Shrinkshrink Tubingtubing''' is useful for electrical insulation, color coding, cable bundling and mechanical protection. For electronics 1mm (1/16") fits component leads and will shrink to a skin tight fit. Otherwise the 1/8" and 1/4" diameter sizes are often useful.<ref name="jr">[http://www.justradios.com/heatshrinktubing.html '''Heat Shrink Tubing'''], JustRadios.com</ref> It is also available with adhesive inside.
 
==Uses==
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==Shrink ratio==
The shrink ratio is the approximate maximum amount the heat shrink tubing will fully shrink compared to its unshrunk diameter. For example, a 3/4" piece with a 3:1 shrink ratio will shrink down to a maximum diameter of approximately 1/4”. Tubing with a larger shrink ratio is more forgiving in fitting, and has a bit thicker wall thickness and slightly less flexibility when shrunk than a lower ratio product.<ref>[http://www.techflex.com/howtos/heatshrink.pdf How to work with heatshrink tubing...], Techflex How-Guide</ref>
 
==Useful sizes==
To provide a degree of mechanical support for connections, e.g. to switches and jacks, a 1cm length of 2.4mm heat-shrink will be fine for the the majority of wiring connections. For larger cables like power leads, use 6.4mm. Otherwise a small kit with short lengths of different diameter should cover.
 
==References==