Copper Wire Prices

Tubing with a two to one shrink ratio is the basic and probably the most common size of tubing. The two to one ratio means that if you start with tubing that has a one inch diameter, once it’s heated it will shrink down to a half inch diameter. This two to one heat shrink tubing can be made out of a lot of different materials but the most common are polyolefin, adhesive lined, and PVC.

Polyolefin

This is the most basic form of heat shrink tubing. It is also the least expensive form. This kind of tubing is still all purpose and can satisfy a variety or demanding needs and different applications. The polyolefin tubing won’t burn or support flames. The tubing is thermally stable and can be used as a multi-purpose insulator. And the tubing is resistant to chemicals as well as solvents. Meaning that not only can this tubing help to fix breaks in a wire or cable but it also can increase the protection of the wire.

Adhesive Lined

This tubing has a thin layer of glue on the inside. So now when the tubing is heated to shrink the glue also melts. Once it is dry it has formed an even more solid bond between the tubing and the wire or cable it has been shrunk around. The adhesive also helps to create a corrosion resistant seal. The adhesive lined tubing is still flexible so it won’t interfere with the wire or cables flexibility. It is also offers the wire more moisture protection. Because of the added protection and the adhesive lining this variation of the tubing is going to be more expensive. It is however worth the money for the added protection and the better hold it will have on the wires.

PVC

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. This tubing is slightly more expensive. That is because it has a more glossy feeling to it that the other kinds of tubing. This version of tubing has a lower shrinking temperature than the others do. It also has superior strength to it once it has been shrunk down to size. The PVC tubing is also highly flame resistant. And in addition to being resistant to chemicals and moisture, they are also resistant to oils, sunlight and fungus. The PVC tubing pretty much has the same characteristics as PVC coated wire.

Tubing can be very helpful. They all come in a variety of colors so that each wire can easily be identified. They are great for organizing as well as fixing broken wires. The tubing no matter what kind you get can also be great for bundling multiple wires together. Each material that the heat shrink tubing can be made out of each has its own set of unique characteristics. As a customer you should look at each kind of tubing to see which one will best fit your needs.

Written by: WesBell Electronics, Inc.