What is the process of shrink sleeves?

Shrinkable plastic tube used to insulate wires

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Animation of heat-shrink tubing, before and after shrinking

Heat-shrink tubing (or, commonly, heat shrink or heatshrink) is a shrinkable plastic tube used to insulate wires, providing abrasion resistance and environmental protection for stranded and solid wire conductors, connections, joints and terminals in electrical wiring. It can also be used to repair the insulation on wires or to bundle them together, to protect wires or small parts from minor abrasion, and to create cable entry seals, offering environmental sealing protection. Heat-shrink tubing is ordinarily made of a polyolefin, which shrinks radially (but not longitudinally) when heated, to between one-half and one-sixth of its diameter.

Heat-shrink tubing is manufactured in a multitude of varieties and chemical makeups with the exact composition of each type being dependent on the intended application.[1] From near microscopically-thin-wall tubing to rigid, heavy-wall tubing, each type has precise design and chemical additives that make it suitable for meeting any of a wide variety of environmental demands. Heat-shrink tubing is rated by its expansion ratio, a comparison of the differences in expansion and recovery rate.

Use

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The unshrunk tubing is fitted on the wire before making the connection, then slid down to cover the joint after it is made. If the fit is tight, silicone lubricant can be applied without compromising the heat-shrink material.[2] The tubing is then shrunk to wrap tightly around the joint by heating in an oven or with a hot air gun or other source of hot gas flow. Convenient but less consistent methods for shrinking the tube include a soldering iron held close to but not touching the tube, or the heat from a lighter. Uncontrolled heat can cause uneven shrinkage, physical damage and insulation failure, and these methods are not recommended by heatshrink suppliers.[2] If overheated, heat-shrink tubing can melt, scorch or catch fire like any other plastic. Heating causes the tubing to contract to between half and one sixth of its original diameter, depending on the material used, providing a snug fit over irregularly shaped joints. There is also longitudinal shrinking, usually unwanted and to a lesser extent than narrowing, of typically around 6%.[2] The tubing provides good electrical insulation, protection from dust, solvents and other foreign materials, and mechanical strain relief, and is mechanically held in place (unless incorrectly oversized or not properly shrunk) by its tight fit.

Video of adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing shrinking

Some types of heat-shrink contain a layer of thermoplastic adhesive on the inside to help provide a good seal and better adhesion, while others rely on friction between the closely conforming materials. Heating non-adhesive shrink tube to very near the melting point may allow it to fuse to the underlying material as well[citation needed].

Heatshrink tubing is sometimes sold in pre-cut lengths, with a solder blob at the center of the length, as this configuration was specified by Daimler-Benz for automotive electrical repairs.[3]

One application that has used heatshrink in large quantities since the early s is the covering of fibreglass helical antennas, used extensively for 27 MHz CB radio. Many millions of these antennas have been coated this way.[citation needed]

Manufacture

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Heat-shrink tubing was invented by Raychem Corporation[4] in .[5] It is manufactured from a thermoplastic material such as polyolefin, fluoropolymer (such as FEP, PTFE or Kynar), PVC, neoprene, silicone elastomer or Viton.

The process for making heat-shrink tubing is as follows: First the material is chosen based on its properties. The material is often compounded with other additives (such as colorants, stabilizers, etc.) depending on the application. A starting tube is extruded from the raw material. Next, the tube is taken to a separate process where it is cross-linked, usually through radiation. The cross-linking creates a memory in the tube. Then the tube is heated to just above the polymer's crystalline melting point and expanded in diameter, often by placing it in a vacuum chamber. While in the expanded state it is rapidly cooled. Later, when heated (above the crystalline melting point of the material) by the end user, the tubing shrinks back to its original extruded size.

The material is often cross-linked through the use of electron beams,[6] peroxides, or moisture. This cross-linking creates the memory in the tubing so that it is able to shrink back to its original extruded dimensions upon heating, producing a material called heat-shrink tubing. For outdoor use, heat-shrink tubing often has a UV stabiliser added.

Materials

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Different applications require different materials:

Other special materials exist, offering qualities such as resistance to diesel and aviation fuels, and there is also woven fabric, providing increased abrasion resistance in harsh environments.

Types

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Heat-shrink tubing is available in a variety of colors for color-coding of wires and connections. In the early twenty-first century heat-shrink tubing started to be used for PC modding to tidy up the interior of computers and provide an appearance considered pleasing[citation needed]. In response to this opening market[citation needed], manufacturers started producing heat-shrink tubing in luminous and UV reactive varieties.

Although usually used for insulation, heat-shrink tubing with a conductive lining is also available, for use on joints which are not soldered.

Specialty heat-shrink tubing, known as "solder sleeves", have a tube of solder inside of the heat-shrink tubing, allowing the heat source to electrically join the two wires by melting the solder and simultaneously insulate the junction with the tubing. Solder sleeves also commonly contain a ring of heat-activated sealant on the inside of each end of the tubing, allowing the connection to also be made waterproof.[11]

Heat-shrink end caps, closed at one end, are used to insulate the exposed cut ends of insulated wires.

See also

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of pet shrink sleeves. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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Main standards and certificates

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UL224-[12]

SAE AS[13]

ASTM D [14]

ASTM D[15]

VW-1[16]

References

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Looking for a versatile and cost-effective labeling option for your product? Since its first introduction in the s, shrink sleeve labels have become an increasingly popular labeling choice across a wide range of industries. Today, companies such as Inovar, are leading the nation in using innovative technology to create top-quality shrink sleeve labels.

Even if you've never heard of shrink sleeves, there's a very good chance you've come across them in your everyday life. Learn more about this type of label, their potential applications, and the advantages this type of labeling has to offer. From there, you can get a better feel for whether this product label may be right for your product.

What Are Shrink Sleeves?

Shrink sleeves are a specific type of product label that is essentially heat-wrapped around an entire product, such as a bottle or can. These labels completely and seamlessly conform to the shape of the product or container. Most often, shrink sleeve labels are made of a polyester or plastic film material.

Types of Shrink Sleeves

At Inovar, we're proud to offer a wide range of shrink sleeve label options to suit your needs. Some examples include:

• Full-body shrink sleeves ' the label wraps around the full product, which may or may not include the cap (depending on client specifications).
• Neck-band sleeves (also known as tamper-evident sleeves) ' perforated neck-bands go over the lid of a product for added protection.
• Partial-body sleeves (also known as belly bands) ' the label wraps around a portion of the product, but not the entire thing.
• Multi-pack sleeves ' body- or belly-band sleeves that wrap around more than one product to group them for sale.

How Shrink Sleeves Are Applied

Special machines are used to apply shrink sleeves to a wide range of products. This typically entails placing the sleeve over the product and then using a heat-shrinking process and steam tunnels to conform the label smoothly to the product itself.

At Inovar, we have access to state-of-the-art distortion software that allows us to design and apply shrink sleeves to any container shape, regardless of how complex it may be.

Common Uses for Shrink Sleeves

While the applications for shrink sleeves are essentially endless, there are a few industries where we tend to see the heaviest use of this type of labeling.

Food and Beverage

From condiments and snacks to beverages and more, many food and beverage distributors are now using shrink sleeve labels on their products. They enjoy the ability to implement a 360-degree design while also enjoying the tamper-resistant functionality of these labels.

Pet Care

The pet care industry is also embracing the use of shrink sleeves; you'll often see this type of labeling used on pet products like food containers, snack packages, and pet shampoos/conditioners. Pet care companies enjoy that shrink sleeve labels provide tamper-resistance and easy branding while also conforming to the shape of any bottle or container.

Nutraceutical

More nutraceutical companies are also using shrink sleeve label technology to create eye-catching package designs on things like vitamin/supplement packages, protein powder containers, and the like.

Home and Personal Care

Shrink sleeve labels are frequently used on home and personal care products, including cosmetics that need to be sealed with a tamper-evident label while retaining an eye-catching and appealing aesthetic. On some cosmetic products, such as pressed powders, shrink sleeve labels can also help to reduce unwanted movement or shifting of the product itself.

Automotive

Auto fuel additives, cleaners, and sealants can all benefit from tamper-evident packaging and a 360-degree label design. This type of labeling also allows for measurement windows to be easily accommodated, which is an important feature in the packaging of many automotive products.

Benefits of Using Shrink Sleeves

Is shrink sleeve labeling right for your product? Consider a few of the key advantages of using this type of label.

360-Degree Coverage

Because shrink sleeves can wrap around an entire product, this gives you the opportunity to expand your labeling real estate and implement a truly eye-catching package design that can increase sales.

Tamper-Evident Sealing

Perforated neck-band sleeves and other shrink sleeve labeling can provide your product with tamper-evident protection, which gives your customers added confidence and peace of mind with their purchase.

Excellent Durability

Shrink sleeve labels are made of durable materials like polyester and plastic film, which can easily stand up to temperature extremes, high humidity, and other harsh conditions without affecting the appearance of your product. And because graphics are typically printed on the inside of the sleeve itself, there's no worry about abrasion or ink run.

Recyclable

Because no adhesive is used to apply a shrink sleeve label, these labels can be easily removed and recycled by your customers. This makes it easier for your organization to do its part in cutting down on waste.

Choose a Shrink Sleeve Label Specialist

Our team at Inovar has already helped many brands incorporate shrink sleeve labeling into their product design and packaging. Contact us today at (800) 285- to find out more about what we have to offer'or to request a quote for our shrink sleeve services. From design to application, we can handle every aspect of the process while working with you every step of the way!

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