Did you know that heat shrink tubing is a fantastic tool that can be used in a variety of industries? Working as an insulator, moisture barrier, and protective shell, heat shrink tubing is a thermoplastic tube that forms a tight seal around objects. With the use of heat, the tube shrinks snuggly around wires, cables, and other products to protect the items from environmental conditions, wear and tear, and abrasion.
From adding insulation to tools to adding an extra layer of protection to exposed wires, heat shrink tubing offers a wide range of benefits. Below we list some of the most uncommon uses for heat shrink tubing across a variety of industries.
Managing Audio and Visual Cables
Wiring for audio and visual cables can often be repaired or protected with the use of heat shrink tubing. Constant use of wired headphones, stereo speakers, and audio equipment can result in strain or even damage over time, especially if the equipment needs to be loaded and unloaded, then set up and taken down at each job. That’s why businesses that offer event management or provide entertainment and/or audiovisual solutions can benefit from custom-printed heat shrink tubing.
Adding Grip to Hand Tools
Due to the fact that heat shrink is often made from polyolefin, it can be used in tool manufacturing to provide an added grip for a variety hand tools. Anything from cooking utensils, power tools, paint brushes, hammers, and screwdrivers can be designed with heat shrink on the handles to provide users with better control when working with hand tools. Heat shrink can also be used to label various wood tools and add the manufactures logo or name.
Insulating Tools
In addition to being used as grip for hand tools, heat shrink is also designed to be an insulator. By having heat shrink tightly surrounding the shaft of various metal hand tools such as screwdrivers or plyers, it may help to prevent electrocution while working with live wires.
Repairing Damaged Phone Charger Cords
Wear and tear can wreak havoc on phone charger cords, especially on ones that are hard to find or replace. Cellphone repair stores can use heat shrink to repair or reinforce flimsy or cheaply manufactured cords. Not only will heat shrink help prolong the lifespan of the cord but it can also protect users from being exposed to live wires in damaged cords.
Manufacturing Sport Equipment
Similar to how tool manufacturers can use heat shrink for added grip on tools, sports equipment manufacturers also use heat shrink to provide a textured grip on anything from tennis rackets and baseball bats to golf clubs and hockey sticks. Heat shrink is durable and long-lasting, so it can withstand the wear and tear associated with high-performance sports.
Insulating Electric Vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles are designed with a multitude of cables and wires, and they contain high voltage components. While electric vehicle manufacturers have specific standards for their own types of vehicles, using orange heat shrink on delicate parts is a universal sign for high voltage. This can help to reduce the risk of personnel injury and accidents by emergency personnel, mechanics, and towing operators.
Building Circuit Boards
Electronics manufacturers rely heavily on heat shrink when building circuit boards. Heat shrink can be used for organizing and grouping wires, soldering concealment, and protecting components placed under crocodile clips. Heat shrink can also be used for repairs and in strengthening various electronic boards.
Manufacturing Furniture
Due to its flexibility and ruggedness, furniture manufacturers often use heat shrink on the legs of furniture to protect floors from scratches and markings. It can be used on anything from couches, tables, and chairs, to beds, dressers, and desks to ensure no scuff marks are present. Heat shrink can also be used for moisture protection on outdoor patio furniture to prevent rust and metal corrosion.
Repairing Boats and Fishing Equipment
Preventing water damage is one reason recreational and commercial fishermen used heat shrink to repair their equipment and vessels. If wires and cables get frayed, they could pose a huge safety issue for anyone onboard the vessel, especially if they become exposed to water. Heat shrink can be used to repair electrical wiring on boats, as well as to repair fishing lines, ropes, and equipment. It can also prevent air leaks or water leaks on fishing vessels.
Managing Wires and Cables
Heat shrink can be used as a wire and cable management solution for a variety of industries. It’s an easy and efficient way of bundling cables to avoid accidents caused by tripping or even electrocution. Wires and cables can be color-coded and bundled together based on their use, which helps technicians and repair personnel to better handle the cabling and identify live wires correctly.
Manufacturing Shoelaces
Lastly, shoe manufacturers, specifically those that design and manufacture shoelaces, use heat shrink on the ends of laces to prevent fraying and wear and tear. Also known as aglets, these tiny plastic encasings at the end of the laces keeps the laces intact and makes them easier to thread through the eyelets on the shoes. Once they are broken, the end of the lace begins to separate. Instead of investing in new shoelaces, shoe repair companies can use heat shrink to repair the laces and stop the material from fraying further.
Get Custom-Printed Heat Shrink Tubing Today!
ShrinkShop is a one-stop-shop for all your regular and custom-printed heat shrink tubing! As a leading online provider of Thermafix Heat Shrinkable Tubing and Thermafix Plus Heat Shrinkable Tubing, we provide top-quality products. We offer supplies and accessories to meet your industrial and commercial heat shrink needs. Contact us today to discuss your heat shrink tubing needs!