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The World's Thinnest, Strongest, and Smallest Heat Shrink Tubing Custom and Stock Medical Balloons Serving the Medical Device Industry since 1989 ISO 13485:2003 Registered
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Heat Shrink Tubing
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Technical Information
Datasheet
Size Capabilities
Colors
Temperature Range
Shrinkage
Tube Drawing
Electrical Properties
Other Properties
Sterilization
Custom Marking and Printing

Heat Shrink Tubing - Technical Information - Shrinkage


Shrinkage is a function of temperature: the higher the temperature, the higher the shrinkage. Shrinking temperature ranges from approximately 85°C (185°F) to 190°C (374°F), with a typical shrinking temperature of 150°C (302°F) recommended for most applications. Unrestricted, the tubing will shrink both radially and axially. In most cases, the best overall performance is achieved with minimal shrinkage (less than 15-20%) except when the Drawing Process is used as described below, or unless axial shrinkage is restricted. Restricting axial shrinkage is accomplished by holding the ends of the shrink tube during the heating process to prevent the tube from shrinking in length. This will result in radial shrinkage up to 50% or more depending on temperature. See our catalog or call us for proper sizing.