FEP, PTFE, and PFA are all types of fluoroplastics commonly used to manufacture heat shrink tubing. But what sets them apart? Continue reading to discover why fluoroplastics are ideal for heat shrink applications and which type of fluoroplastic heat shrink tubing best suits your needs.
Why Fluoroplastics Are Perfect for Heat Shrink Tubing
Fluoroplastics are a unique group of plastics known for their chemical inertness, stability at both high and low temperatures, and low coefficient of friction, making them non-stick. These properties make them highly desirable in industries such as mechanical, electrical, and medical for creating specialized equipment and products.
Their resistance to heat and chemicals makes fluoroplastics ideal for insulating wires, providing abrasion resistance, and offering environmental protection for wire joints, conductors, connectors, and terminals in electrical work. Heat shrink tubing made from fluoroplastics offers a range of characteristics and performance levels depending on the type of fluoropolymer used.
To help you choose the right material, we’ve outlined the different types of fluoroplastic heat shrink tubing below.
Different heat shrink tube specifications
Best for: Encapsulating sensitive electrical components and instrumentation.
FEP heat shrink tubing is exceptionally durable and offers all the unique properties of fluoroplastics. It can be safely applied to temperature-sensitive materials without causing damage. With complete chemical and UV resistance, FEP tubing operates within a broad temperature range, from -200°C to +200°C, remaining flexible even at cryogenic temperatures.
Applications: Cable jackets, non-stick rollers, sensor and probe covers, hose protection, and electrical terminal insulation.
Best for: Complex profiles requiring a high shrink ratio and protection against chemicals and high temperatures.
PTFE heat shrink tubing stands out with its remarkable continuous working temperature of up to 260°C, higher than any other heat shrink polymer. Like FEP, PTFE is resistant to nearly all chemicals, making it ideal for electrical insulation and protecting electronic components. Available in 2:1 and 4:1 shrink ratios, PTFE is particularly suited for covering complex shapes and terminals.
Applications: Terminal insulation on heating elements and jet engines, UV lamps, and external aircraft fittings.
PFA Heat Shrink Tubing
Best for: Temperature-sensitive applications requiring a very high working temperature.
PFA heat shrink tubing has a low shrink temperature of 110°C and a maximum working temperature of up to 260°C, making it suitable for temperature-sensitive and chemically resistant applications. It can be thermoformed to create closed-end covers and can be applied to sensitive materials without causing damage.
Applications: Chemical processing, fluid handling, and protective covers for temperature-sensitive components.
Best for: Completely encapsulating components requiring high working temperatures, non-stick surfaces, and high electrical and chemical resistance.
This dual-wall tubing combines PTFE and FEP, with an outer sleeve of PTFE and an inner layer of FEP. When heated, the PTFE shrinks, and the FEP melts and flows over the component underneath, creating a fully encapsulated protective layer.
Applications: Wire and cable harnesses, connectors exposed to moisture, or corrosive environments.
Polyolefin General Purpose Heat Shrink Tubing
Best for: Less technical applications in electrical insulation and cable termination.
Polyolefin heat shrink tubing is a cost-effective alternative for general-purpose use. Manufactured with modified radiation cross-linked polyolefin, this tubing is flexible and able to shrink at temperatures as low as 70°C, with a working temperature range of -55° to +125°C.
Applications: Electrical insulation, cable termination, and general-purpose sealing.
At Yozonetech, we specialize in providing innovative fluoropolymer solutions tailored to your technical applications. Explore more about our Heat Shrink Tubing and Sleeving.
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