To the novice eye, all heat shrink tubing looks the same. But to professionals, the difference between single wall, dual wall, and heavy duty/self-sealing heat shrink is key to safe and effective applications.
Heat shrink tubing is a thermoplastic cylinder-shaped tubing that provides protection, insulation, and organization for wires, cables, and electrical components. Heat shrink tubing is available in various colors and can be custom printed for easy identification of the underlying parts.
Types of Heat Shrink Tubing
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Single Wall:
Single wall heat shrink provides a protective covering for wires and cables. Available in various colors, lengths, diameter, and shrink ratio, buying heat shrinkable tubing can not only protect delicate wirings but can be used to promote a company’s service.
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Dual Wall:
Double wall or dual wall heat shrink has two layers of protection for strain relief, insulation, and impact resistance. The inner adhesive flows along the tubing when heated to form a tight seal and prevent water, chemicals, and other fluids from damaging the covered wiring and cables.
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Heavy Duty/Self-Sealing:
Heavy duty heat shrink tubing is ideal for applications that require superior sturdiness such as cable joints, terminations, and electrical connections. The thicker wall provides enhanced protection and insulation for high-voltage uses.
Key Differences Between the Types of Heat Shrink Tubing
|
Feature |
Single Wall |
Dual Wall |
Heavy Duty/Self Sealing |
|
Wall Thickness |
Thinnest |
Medium |
Thick |
|
Protection Level |
High |
High |
High |
|
Seal Capability |
Good |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Inner Layer |
No adhesive |
Hot melt adhesive |
Adhesive |
|
Shrink Ratio |
Typically 2:1 or 3:1 |
Typically 2:1 or 3:1 |
Typically 2:1 or 3:1 |
|
Durability |
Good |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Flexibility |
Most Flexible |
More flexible |
Less flexible |
|
Applications |
General purpose for indoor environments |
General purpose for outdoor environments |
Extreme environments |
|
Typical Use |
Electrical and mechanical protection, thermal insulation, noise reduction, strain relief |
Wire bundling, cable breakouts, and connectors |
Marine, chemical plants, and engine compartment applications |
|
Key Benefits |
Flexible, ultraviolet light and chemical-resistant, long-lasting |
Protection, ease of use, and affordable |
Highest level of protection and self-sealing |
|
Cost |
Least expensive |
Moderate |
Expensive |
Choosing the Best Option: Factors to Consider
As heat shrink tubing is used for various applications across all industries, choosing between single wall, dual wall, and heavy duty/self-sealing options depends on several factors:
- Level of protection needed
- Flexibility requirements
- Environmental exposure
- Application type
- Heat source availability
Visit ShrinkShop for High-Quality Heat Shrink Tubing Solutions
Shop ShrinkShop for all your heat shrink products! We are the leading online provider of heat shrink tubing and accessories across North America. Our top-quality products are available in a range of sizes, colors, and shrink ratios and can be custom cut and printed to meet your tubing needs. Contact us today for more information!