As a electronics end user or DIY fans, when you need to protect your cable or wires with heat shrink tubing, especially for a newer, you will always have a question, that is how to size heat shrink tubing? On this blog, we’ll tell you something for it, we want you understand what to look for to help you choose the right size heat shrink tubing.
1, Heat Shrink Tubing Diameters
ID-Inner Diameter: It’s the length of the heat shrink tubing from one side to another, measured in inches(in.) or millimeters(mm).
FD-Fold Diameter: It’s the flattened size of heat shrink tubing.
OD-Outside Diameter: the outer length of the tubing from on to another side,It’s the sum of the inner diameter and wall thickness.
Usually, before using heat shrink tubing, you need to know the outer diameter of your cable or wires, and then choose the corresponding heat shrink tubing size based on the outer diameter.
2, How to Select the Right Size of Heat Shrink Tubing
1) Determine the outer diameter of the quilt cover
According the OD of the cover choose the available size of the tubing, please kindly note select the tubing that is 20%-30% larger then the quilt cover.
2) Determine the shrink ratio of the heat shrink tubing
Heat shrink tubing comes in various shrink ratios, typically ranging from 2:1 to
4:1. The shrink ratio indicates how much the tubing will shrink concerning its originally size when heated.Choose a shrink ratio that will allow the tubing to snugly fit over your measured objected after shrinking.
For example:
2:1 shrink ratio 25.4mm(1 inch) will cover to 12.7mm(0.5 inch)--50% shrinkage
4:1 shrink ratio 50.8mm(1 inch) will cover to 12.7mm(0.5 inch)--75% shrinkage
3) Determine the wall thickness of the heat shrink tubing
Different heat shrink tubes have different wall thicknesses. For example, the wall thickness of heavy-wall and medium-wall heat shrink tubes is thicker than that of normal heat shrink tubes. Please choose the corresponding wall thickness according to the quilt cover and the applications.
4) Determine the length of the heat shrink tubing
Cut the tubing to the desired length: Before heating, make sure to cut the tubeto the desired length, leaving
extra room for any overlapping connections or wire ends.
3, Check the heat shrink tubing after recovery is properly tightened and fit on the quilt cover
After shrinking, inspect the fit. It should be tight and secure, with no gaps or loose sections.
Proper sizing of heat shrink tubing is critical to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of electrical and mechanical projects. By following the step-by-step process detailed in this guide, you'll be able to select the right size pipe and create a secure seal that protects against a variety of environmental factors. Remember to consider factors such as diameter, shrinkage, and temperature range to make an informed choice. With these skills and practices, you can confidently incorporate heat shrink tubing into your projects and enjoy the benefits of enhanced insulation, sealing, and wire management.
