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Fits Like a Glove: Buying the Right Size Heat Shrink Tubing
May 15, 2018 by Chris W
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Imagine if buying a heat shrink tubing was as simple as buying a coat. You measure the object you want to cover and then buy a heat shrink to fit.
Unfortunately, it’s not.
Buying a right size heat shrink is much more complex than buying a right size coat. Because the tubing shrinks, when heated, does not retain the same dimensions it originally has pre-heating.
As such, it’s common for buyers (especially, first time buyers) to make sizing mistakes when buying a heat shrink tubing, ending up with a purchase that just won’t fit into their application.
This piece will guide you on how to avoid sizing mistakes and buy a right sized heat shrink tubing for your application.
First things first…
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to measure a heat shrink when purchasing one, it’s worth noting that heat shrink tubing is first made to the diameter it will be when it’s shrunk. After that, it is expanded and packaged for sale.
So when you buy a heat shrink tubing, its shrunk dimensions are already known; they’re stated on the specification sheet.
Having this explained, we can now move on to the actual measuring step.
Dimensions and Dimension Facts—You Should Know About!
When measuring a heat shrink tubing, there’re basically two types of dimensions you’ll be working with: i) Recovered dimensions and, ii) Expanded dimensions.
Recovered dimensions are the shrunken dimensions and expanded dimensions are the dimensions of the tubing in the stretched form.
On a typical heat shrink datasheet, you’ll find the following dimensions listed:
- Recovered internal diameter
- Recovered wall thickness
- Expanded internal diameter
Let’s say you want to buy a heat shrink to cover a cable which has an outer diameter of 7 mm.
The heat shrink that you buy must have:
- An expanded internal diameter greater than 7 mm
- A recovered internal diameter of just under 7 mm
Please note that you won’t find the exact dimensions listed on a heat shrink tubing’s datasheet. They will always have some tolerance range which will be mentioned on the sheet. So make sure you keep that in mind.
What about the wall thickness?
It depends on the application in which you want to use the heat shrink. If wall thickness is really important for your application (for e.g. If you’re looking to insulate a piece of wire), we would recommend that you purchase a heat shrink tubing with the maximum recovered wall thickness.
Let’s take a look at another example.
Let’s say you want to buy a heat shrink tubing to insulate a cable wiring. The cable has a diameter of 7 mm. It has bare wires running through it which are 4 mm in diameter. Plus, the cable has a connector at each of its end, which has a diameter of 15 mm.
The heat shrink that you buy must have:
- An expanded internal diameter greater than 15 mm
- A recovered internal diameter of just under 4 mm
For wall thickness the rule is same as discussed above.
One more thing you should keep in mind…
A heat shrink tubing not only shrinks in diameter when heated, but it also shrinks in length. Although the change in length is minimal, usually 10% of the original expanded length. So if you need a heat shrink tubing to cover an object of length 2 meters, you should buy a heat shrink which is at least 2.2 meters long. You can later cut off the tailing end if you wish to.
And that is how you can buy the right size shrink tubing for your application that will fit like a glove.
A BONUS read: The Chemistry Behind the Working of Heat Shrink
All You Need To Know About Heat Shrinkable Probe Covers
October 30, 2017 by Chris W
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Regardless of whether you are an engineer or an electrician, you must already be familiar with the term “heat shrink tubing” and ” Probe Covers “. In fact, there is also a high possibility that you’ve come in contact with them and know how they work.
Initially, heat shrinkable tubes were used to safeguard electrical wires only. But, over time, their efficacy extended to a wide spectrum of industrial and commercial applications. A number of industries now rely on PFA tubing to prevent fire and lessen energy dissipation, and in the process, cut their manufacturing costs.
Read on if you are interested in getting to know more about the benefits of heat shrink tubing.
1. They can resist high temperatures.
Heat shrink tubes can withstand extreme temperatures and hence, can work under harsh chemical conditions which can melt other lesser materials. With a melting point as high 320°C and a freezing point as low as –268.15°C, these tubes are able towithstandall freezing cold and blistering hot chemical environments.
2. They can withstand abrasion.
Fortunately, heat shrink tubes are added to industrial products so as to enhance their resistance to accidental damages and physical abuse.
3. Their end caps protect the product.
Assuming that you are connected to the field of science in one way or another, it’s understood that cutting a wire to resize or rework its shape according to the “electrical need” is something you’ve done time and time again.
This goes without saying that if you fail to insulate the wire properly, the cut can cause trouble.
Thankfully, with encapsulating heat shrink tubes, you need no longer worry about overheating or shorting of circuits. Considering safety is your topmost priority, heat shrink tubing offers high performance with utmost protection.
Heat Shrinkable FEP & PFA Probe Covers
Probe covers serve as an end cap plug for the expensive glass or metallic probes used in high-temperature or corrosive processes.
Since these parts are placed in hard-to-access positions in a circuit, and reside in a gas or liquid stream, encapsulating them with heat-shrinkable FEP or PFA covers increases their longevity.
This is mainly because of the chemical inertness and excellent lubricating, and high electrical and thermal resistance properties that these fluoropolymer tubes have to offer.
The FEP and PFA probe covers engineered at Tef-Cap Industries act as protective shields for a number of industrial products such as probes, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermometers and assorted sensors. In corrosive environments, these probe covers create an impenetrable barrier between the caustic chemicals and expensive sensing devices.
Interested in getting your instruments encapsulated by Tef-Cap’s heat shrinkable probe covers? Get in touch with us now: 610-692-2576.
Here Are 6 Common Myths about Teflon
March 6, 2017 by
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Teflon, a brand name for polymer PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), was discovered by a young researcher named Dr. Roy Plunkett at the DuPont research laboratories in the April of 1938.
The discovery was an accidental one as Plunkett was experimenting with tetrafluoroethylene to produce CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons). He found that the cylinder that initially had 1,000 grams of the gas had 10 grams missing when it was released. He finally discovered that the molecules of the gas strings with carbon atoms attached to fluorine atoms formed a unique polymer.
From food processing to industrial coatings, Teflon has been used for a variety of purposes since its discovery. However, there have been some myths about the polymer. Let’s have a look:
Myth #1: Using Nonstick Teflon Coating Is Not Safe
Truth: There have been various concerns regarding the safety of using polymer coated non-stick pans. The truth is that cooking food in these products is absolutely safe. Not only that, it can also contribute towards a healthy heart by letting people cook with little or no fat.
Myth #2: Nonstick Coatings Tend to Wear Off Easily
Truth: This misconception has absolutely no factual basis. In fact, modern PTFE coated frying pans are designed to last a lifetime.
From resisting chipping to preventing flaking, these products have outstanding durability features.
Myth #3: Teflon and PFOA Are the Same
Truth: PFOA, or Perfluorooctanoic, is often confused with Teflon.
Teflon is a brand for nonstick coatings for cookware and bakeware items. PFOA is a man-made chemical used in the manufacturing of Teflon, but is burned off in the process. However, the production of these nonstick pan items does not include PFOA.
Myth #4: All Nonstick Coatings Perform Similarly
Truth: When users hear the term nonstick, they generally think that these products are same. However, there is a vast difference. Teflon easily outperforms its counterparts, such as ceramic pans and green pans, in virtually all aspects.
Myth #5: Scratching Means End of Life for Teflon
Truth: With Teflon nonstick cookware, scratching does not seem to make much of a difference. As long as the coating is intact, anything can be cooked without worries.
Myth #6: High Levels of Heat Will Have Negative Effects on Teflon
Truth: Teflon frying pans have been specifically designed to stand massive levels of heat. There will be no damage to the finishing of the cookware for heat levels up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
With over 50 years of experience in the field, we at Tef-Cap specialize in heat shrinkable Teflon tubes. We also produce FEP tubing, Polyolefin heat shrink tubing and heat shrink caps among others.
Outstanding benefits of PFA tubing
December 5, 2016 by
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When it comes to transporting viscous liquids from one part of a facility to another, there isn’t a better option than PFA tubing. PFA is a lot similar to PTFE tubing in terms of characteristics and properties.
But what’s the difference? And why do some laboratories and industrial facilities prefer PFA tubing over other options? Here are some of the exceptional benefits of PFA tubing that make it the first choice for many industries:
Exceptional Pressure Resistance
When it comes to identifying the usability of tubing, pressure remains to be one of the most important concerns.
Pressure also helps realize the degree of safety that needs to be practiced when handling chemically active or hazardous liquids. PFA tubing guarantees ensures exceptional resistance even under large amounts of pressure. Even with this property, PFA tubing can be melted and reshaped for added convenience.
Reliable Temperature Stability
Working with chemicals or liquids also means that temperature comes into play. While one test may call for temperature to be set as high as 150 degree Celsius, another test could require taking that down to below freezing temperatures. However, most materials begin to deform, crystallize, or corrode under such extreme conditions.
Fortunately, PFA tubing resists extreme temperatures with ease. It can retain its shape and characteristics anywhere between -70 and 260 degree Celsius.
Relatively Lower Coefficient Of Friction
At times, even negligible amounts of impurities in tubing can lead to dramatic rises in friction, inevitably leading to errors and complications. However, this isn’t the case with PFA tubing. The formula used to manufacture PFA tubing ensures the lowest amount of friction. The surface of PFA tubing is barely porous, meaning that only small amounts of materials will be absorbed in the materials.
Useful Electric Qualities
Apart from handling hazardous and active liquids, PFA tubing can also be used as covering for electrical wires due to its unparalleled resistance to heat and low absorption characteristics. From valve linings to cable coatings, PFA tubing proves to be the perfect option for a number of different applications. With the right application, any insecurities over melting, damage or leakages can be eliminated.
PFA tubing also costs much less than many other options, making it the perfect combination of efficiency and affordability. Whether you are looking forward to large scale industrial application or to use it in laboratories, make sure you purchase PFA tubing from a reliable source.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our PTFE and PFA tubing products.
Here’s What You Should Know About Fluoropolymer Tubing
September 2, 2016 by
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Fluoropolymers are materials renowned for their exceptional heat resistance and chemically inert capabilities.
They are synthetic polymer made from carbon and fluorine molecules and are primarily characterized by their exceptional resistance to bases, acids and a wide variety of other solvents.
Fluoropolymers are used in the form of coatings and tubing to facilitate transportation of materials, making them resistant to extreme conditions in various industrial operations.
The Background
Fluoropolymers have been used across different applications for decades. PTFE is among the very first Fluoropolymers that gained recognition due to their properties. Since then, with extensive research in this domain, a wide number of variants were introduced, each with their own unique benefits. Some of the most common ones include:
- PVDF
- ETFE
- PFA
- PTFE
- FEP
- Heat shrink tubing
Exceptional Resistance To Heat and Harsh Chemicals
Most Fluoropolymers are widely recognized for two things: their chemical inertness and heat resistance. These characteristics are highly beneficial across different industrial applications that involve transportation of liquids, gases, and harsh chemicals. These Fluoropolymers retain its shape and integrity while not bleeding into the products being transported.
At the same time, some chemicals like PTFE can withstand extreme temperature conditions up to 680 degree Fahrenheit. However, PTFE’s mechanical properties remain stable until 500 degree Fahrenheit, which is still a lot. Moreover, Fluoropolymer tubing can also be designed to withstand freezing temperatures as low as -320 degrees. All these features make Fluoropolymers perfect for a wide variety of industrial applications.
Versatility
Fluoropolymer tubing can be found in all sorts of industries. Ranging from automobile manufacturing that involves usage of durable fuel lines, engine pipes and chambers, to aerospace applications that require durable, yet lightweight materials, Fluoropolymers are highly preferred.
On the other hand, Fluoropolymer tubing is also used for general industry applications where expensive equipment needs high performing, chemically inert material coatings to handle or transport corrosive chemicals.
The exceptional capabilities of these materials also make them a low maintenance solution. This means they can be used in oil fields, space stations and remote locations without the need to be regularly inspected. The possibilities are practically endless.
Are you looking for Fluoropolymers to complement your specific application? At Tef Cap, we offer a wide variety of PTFE beading, PFA tubing, flexible Teflon tubing, heat shrink tubing and a lot more. We also offer custom Fluoropolymer solutions for all your industrial needs. Get in touch with us to learn more today!
The Exceptional Benefits Of Fluoropolymer Coatings
June 30, 2016 by
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Although many people have heard of fluoropolymers or fluoropolymer coatings, not many know what they are.
Some commonly used fluoropolymers include PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
Most fluoropolymers are considered as super plastics due to their exceptional durability and versatility. A large number of industries benefit from fluoropolymers as their characteristics make them perfect for a wide variety of applications.
In this blog post, we explore the various benefits of fluoropolymer coatings across different industries:
- Different insulation within airplanes pose fire hazards. However, fluoropolymers help minimize the chances of damage. With exceptional resistance to fire, these coatings help create fireproof insulation. Tubing is Self Extinguishing and Non-Flammable. With flame rating : UL 94 VOEmployees who work in factories that involve usage of harsh chemicals need to put on safety gear at all times. Most of the safety gear is coated with fluoropolymers as they are resistant to the corrosive properties of mild acids and harsh commercial cleaning solutions. Especially when handling these materials, fluoropolymer coated safety gear keeps individuals safe.
- Firefighters need fireproof gear. This is where fluoropolymer coatings come in. The fabric used to make firefighting clothes is typically coated with fluoropolymers to provide safety against fire.
At the same time, coated gear also provides ample protection against abrasion and water damage.
- Wiring across commercial facilities poses a fire hazard. However, fluoropolymer coatings help ensure that the wires are appropriately insulated. The same types of coatings are used extensively across phone cables and for other products. The best part is that the coating doesn’t interfere with the signals being transmitted through these cables.
- Underwater cables need to be exceptionally strong to resist abrasion and damage. They are mostly coated with fluoropolymers to maintain effective flow of transmissions without disturbances.
This shows that our daily lives are greatly affected by fluoropolymer coatings; yet, we barely realize it. Today, if you are designing any sort of product, you will ultimately need to utilize fluoropolymer coating at some stage of the production process.
When considering suppliers for fluoropolymer coating products, it is imperative that you choose one with the most experience.
While some companies are suppliers, others are able to provide coatings for your products. It is preferable that you work with a company that offers handing and as well application of the coating.
Check out our collections of PTFE and PFA tubing and get in touch with us for more information.
Common Industrial Applications Of PFA Tubing
May 27, 2016 by
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Perfluoroalkoxy tubing or PFA tubing is a fluoropolymer that is the perfect combination of the pros of FEP and PTFE tubing. PFA tubing allows users to benefit from the qualities of both these fluoropolymers.
PFA tubing was initially introduced as an improved version of traditional types of fluoropolymer tubing, which is also the reason why a large number of companies prefer them for projects that involve extreme temperatures and inertness of chemicals.
Along with a number of other benefits, PFA tubing has gradually become a viable alternative for stainless steel tubes. Although it can be relatively expensive, it certainly gives a good return on investment in the long run.
Here are a few common industrial uses of PFA tubing:
Biotechnology Sector
PFA tubing is used extensively across a number of biotechnology laboratories, specifically in procedures where fermentation is involved. The nonreactive nature of PFA tubing makes it perfect to transport materials between fermentation containers and storage tanks.
In addition to this, the transparent form of this tubing also allows for proactive monitoring of the flow, material deposits and other issues.
Pharmaceuticals
As the most important factor in the pharmaceutical industry is quality control, this makes reliable tubing that can preserve the efficacy of materials even more significant. PFA tubing’s qualities like chemical inertness make it the best choice to transport materials like ultra purified water.
On the other hand, the chemical inactiveness also comes in handy when transporting corrosive materials like sulfuric acid or nitric acid.
Microelectronic Devices
Many microelectronic device manufacturers as well semiconductor manufacturers rely on PFA tubing for the same qualities that pharmaceuticals do – its ability to preserve liquids. These manufacturers use highly pure solvents for procedures and PFA tubing’s chemical inertness helps ensure that it wouldn’t affect the results.
Food And Beverages
PFA’s significantly high purity levels also make it a practical solution for beverage and food processing companies. The tubing maintains the taste, smell and consistency of food materials being transported through.
Furthermore, PFA tubing’s ability to retain its structural integrity at temperatures up to 500 degree Fahrenheit makes it a logical solution for transportation of foods and drinks.
These are merely a few industrial applications of our PFA tubing products. Are you looking for reliable Teflon PFA tubing? Check out our collection of products and feel free to get in touch for more information. We offer a wide variety of products to suit your needs.
