Technical Information

See below to learn more about our heat shrink tubing and its unique features and characteristics.

Size Capabilities

Diameters: 0.006 - 0.020 inches (standard tolerance ±0.001 inches, typical)
0.021 - 1.250 inches (standard tolerance ±5%, typical)
Wall Thickness: 0.0001 - 0.0005 inches (standard tolerance ±0.0001 inches, typical)
0.0006 - 0.004 inches (standard tolerance ±20%, typical)
Standard Length: 50 inches (127 cm) minimum
Custom Cutting: from 0.020 inches to 8 feet or more

Colors

Standard Colors: Optically clear, black, white, yellow, blue (transparent), blue (opaque), gray, dark green, green (opaque), orange (transparent), orange (opaque), purple (transparent), purple (opaque), and copper.

Custom colors also available.

Temperature Range

Cryogenic -196°C (-320.8°F) to 135°C (275°F); Short-term up to 200°C (392°F); Melting Point 235°C (455°F)

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 heat 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.

Tube Drawing

Tube Drawing

Whenever very high radial shrinkage (up to 50% or more) is required, the Drawing Process can be used. This simply requires axial tension and stretching of the tube while it is being heated. Over 50% diameter reduction can be achieved at temperatures below 100°C (212°F). Higher diameter reductions can be achieved at higher temperatures, up to about 190°C (374°F).

Electrical Properties (Clear-uncoated @ 60Hz)

Advanced Polymers' polyester tubing has one of the highest dielectric strengths of any thermoplastic material.

Dielectric Strength: >4,000 V/mil
Dielectric Constant: 3.3
Dissipation Factor: 0.0025
Volume Resistivity: 1018 Ohm-cm
Surface Resistivity: 1014 Ohm/square

Other Properties

Tensile Strength

Advanced Polymers' polyester heat shrink tubing has the highest tensile strength of any known unreinforced heat shrink tubing.

Burst Pressure

Due to it's ultra high tensile strength, Advanced Polymers polyester heat shrink tubing has the highest burst pressure of any known unreinforced tubing.

Miscellaneous

Thermal Conductivity of PET: 6.5 x 10-4 (CAL/CM)°C x S
Moisture Absorption: less than 0.8% (Immersion for 24 hrs @ 23°C)
Specific Gravity1: 1.37
Refractive Index1: 1.63
Permeability1
Carbon Dioxide @ 25°C: 16cc/(100in2)(24hrs)(atm/mil)
Hydrogen @ 25°C: 100cc/(100 in2)(24hrs)(atm/mil)
Nitrogen @ 25°C: 1cc/(100 in2)(24hrs)(atm/mil)
Oxygen @ 25°C: 6cc/(100 in2)(24hrs)(atm/mil)
Water @ 37.8°C (100% R.H.): 2.0g/(100 in2)(24hrs)/mil
Notes:
1 After shrinkage at 150°C

Sterilization

Tubing may be sterilized using Ethylene Oxide, Gamma Radiation, or Autoclaving. (Note: Repeat autoclaving is not recommended.)

Custom Marketing and Printing

Custom Marketing and Printing

Advanced Polymers' polyester heat shrink tubing can be printed using many conventional techniques. For custom printing applications please visit CI, Inc.

Biocompatibility

Advanced Polymers' polyester heat-shrink tubing meets all requirements for short-term biocompatibility, including ISO 10993 and USP Class VI requirements.

Test Results
ISO 10993-5 Cytotoxicity Passed
ISO 10993-10 SensitizationPassed
ISO 10993-10 Irritation/Intracutaneous ReactivityPassed
ISO 10993-11 Systemic ToxicityPassed
ISO 10993-11 Rabbit PyrogenPassed
ISO 10993-3 GenotoxicityPassed
ISO 10993-4 HemocompatabilityPassed
ISO 10993-6 ImplantationPassed
USP Class VI (including implant)Passed

For a copy of the full biocompatibility test report, click the appropriate link below. Please note that a password is required.