Heat shrink tubing from Hilpress

Discover the Hilpress variety of our heat shrink tubing range and find the right heat shrink tubing for your requirements.

What is heat-shrink tubing?

Heat-shrink tubing is thermoplastic tubing that contracts when exposed to heat, forming a tight, protective sleeve around cables, wires, or electrical connections. It is primarily made from radiation-crosslinked polyolefin and is available in different wall thicknesses, shrink ratios, and colors. Heat-shrink tubing is used in almost all areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial installation technology.

How does heat-shrink tubing work?

When heated with hot air, the tubing contracts evenly and conforms to the shape of the underlying material. This targeted shrinkage creates an insulating, mechanically stable, and sealed enclosure. The typical shrink temperature varies between 212°F and 302°F (100°C–150°C), depending on the material. Even heating prevents air pockets and ensures a clean, uniform seal.

What is heat-shrink tubing used for?

Heat-shrink tubing provides electrical insulation, mechanical protection, and sealing against moisture, dust, or chemicals. It is also used to bundle cables, mark or label wiring, and reinforce damaged insulation. In repair and maintenance work, heat-shrink tubing offers an easy, reliable way to restore and protect cable integrity.

How is heat-shrink tubing applied?

To use, cut the tubing to the desired length and slide it over the section to be protected. Then heat it evenly with a heat gun or hot-air blower, keeping a distance of about 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) from the tubing. The heat causes the material to shrink and form a permanent, snug fit. Allow the tubing to cool before further handling.

Types of heat-shrink tubing

Heat-shrink tubing is available in different types to meet various technical requirements. Each version offers specific advantages for particular uses — from fine electronics to outdoor and industrial installations:

Thin-walled heat-shrink tubing

Thin-walled heat-shrink tubing is very flexible and ideal for insulation, bundling, and identification of wires. It is easy to handle, space-saving, and available in shrink ratios of 2:1 or 3:1.

Medium-wall heat-shrink tubing

Medium-wall heat-shrink tubing provides increased wall thickness for improved mechanical protection. It is commonly used in electrical systems, vehicle wiring, or outdoor settings and is often lined with adhesive for extra sealing performance.

Thick-walled heat-shrink tubing

Thick-walled heat-shrink tubing delivers maximum protection against harsh conditions. It is designed for long-term outdoor or underground use and offers excellent resistance to moisture, dirt, mechanical stress, and corrosion.

Transparent heat-shrink tubing

Transparent heat-shrink tubing allows clear visibility of markings or labels beneath the tubing, making it ideal for identification purposes in wiring and electrical assemblies.

Heat-shrink tubing with adhesive

Heat-shrink tubing with internal adhesive provides a durable, watertight seal. The adhesive melts upon heating, bonding securely with the conductor surface to prevent moisture or contamination.

Custom cut heat-shrink sections

Our custom heat-shrink sections are designed for customer-specific requirements. They offer tailored lengths, materials, and colors for project-based applications such as series production, control cabinet wiring, or cable identification. These pre-cut sections allow efficient, clean, and repeatable installation in industrial environments.

Materials and properties

Most heat-shrink tubing is made of radiation-crosslinked polyolefin, known for its high resistance to temperature, chemicals, and abrasion. For specialized conditions, materials such as PVDF, PTFE, or FEP are used. Many types are halogen-free and self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0 compliant), meeting stringent safety standards for electrical and industrial use.

Advantages of heat-shrink tubing

  • Reliable electrical and mechanical insulation
  • Protection against moisture, corrosion, and abrasion
  • Easy installation using simple heat application
  • Wide selection of materials, colors, and shrink ratios
  • Optional adhesive lining for long-term sealing
  • Custom pre-cut options for industrial production

Typical applications

Heat-shrink tubing is widely used in electrical engineering, mechanical assembly, automotive wiring, and control systems. It is also a trusted solution for maintenance, repair, and installation tasks. Common uses include insulation, identification, sealing, and protection of electrical connections.