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Common specifications of Polyolefin heat shrink tubing in industrial applications

Jul 28, 2025

Why Polyolefin Tubing Can Achieve Heat Shrinkage Performance


Polyolefin tubing is a heat-shrinkable plastic tubing with excellent resistance to fuel, oil, abrasion, solvents, acids, and alkalis.


Polyolefin tubing that has been treated with crosslinking technology can undergo a heat shrink reaction, which is essentially a shape memory effect of polymer materials.


After heat shrink occurs, the diameter of the Polyolefin tubing shrinks by 50%, tightly conforming to the surface of the object.


This enhances the mechanical protection and insulation of the object, including abrasion and bend resistance, as well as waterproofing, dustproofing, and corrosion protection.


Common specifications of Polyolefin heat shrink tubing in industrial applications


The common size specifications of Polyolefin heat shrink tubing are shown in the table below.


Size(inches)
Size(Millimeters)
Brief Description of Features
1/16″1.59 mmExtremely small size, suitable for fine cables and wires.
3/32″2.38 mmSmall size, tightly wraps cables.
1/8″3.18 mmSuitable for small to medium cables, waterproof protection.
3/16″4.76 mmBalance of flexibility and protection.
1/4″6.35 mmProtection for medium cables.
3/8″9.53 mmSuitable for thicker cable bundles, industrial and automotive applications.
1/2″12.7 mmSuitable for larger cables, durable and long-lasting.
3/4″19.05 mmSuitable for large harnesses or connectors, heavy-duty applications.
1″25.4 mmLargest size, suitable for thick cables in industrial environments.



What is Crosslinking Technology?


In the heat shrink characteristics of polyolefin heat shrink tubing, crosslinking technology enables the material to form a three-dimensional network structure. This structure allows the tubing to shrink uniformly when heated without melting, thereby achieving its heat shrink function.


In terms of flame retardancy, after adding flame retardants, the crosslinked tubing structure helps the flame retardant to distribute more stably and function effectively.


Therefore, whether for heat shrinkability or flame retardancy, the application of crosslinking technology is essential in polyolefin heat shrink tubing.What is crosslinking technology?



Definition of Crosslinking Technology


Cross-linking refers to the process of creating chemical or physical bonds between polymer molecular chains through chemical or physical methods, forming a three-dimensional network structure. This structure prevents the material from melting and flowing like conventional plastics when heated. Instead, it enables the material to "remember" its original shape and return to it, thereby achieving the heat shrink effect.



Common Crosslinking Methods


  • Radiation Crosslinking: Uses electron beams or gamma rays to induce crosslinking between polymer chains.


  • Chemical Crosslinking: Involves adding crosslinking agents that promote crosslinking reactions under heat treatment conditions.


  • Silane Crosslinking: Achieves crosslinking through silane chemical reactions in a humid and warm environment.


Crosslinking technology can be applied to various types of tubing—including rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible—enabling them all to possess heat shrinkability.



Role of Crosslinking Technology in Heat Shrink Tubing


  • Heat Shrink Memory: Crosslinked tubing can shrink back to its preset size when heated, ensuring a tight and secure fit around the covered object.


  • Enhanced Heat Resistance: The crosslinked structure allows the material to remain stable at high temperatures, making it less prone to melting or deformation.


  • Improved Mechanical Properties: Crosslinking increases the toughness of the tubing, enhancing its tensile strength and abrasion resistance.


  • Increased Chemical Stability: Crosslinked materials offer greater resistance to solvents, oils, acids, and alkalis.


  • Environmental Aging Resistance: Crosslinked tubing is more resistant to environmental factors such as UV radiation and ozone, resulting in a longer service life.


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