PTFE (Teflon) Heat Shrink Tubing
SUKO provides PTFE heat shrink tubing for electrical insulation and protective covering of metal parts, wires, connections and industrial components. The product range includes nominal 1.7:1 and 4:1 shrink ratios, with standard and thick-wall options to accommodate different installation and recovery requirements.
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, combines high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, low friction and excellent electrical insulation. These properties make PTFE heat shrink tubing a useful option for components exposed to demanding operating conditions.
We support specification selection and custom covering requirements based on component drawings, samples and application details.
Product Features
High-temperature performance
The listed operating temperature range is −65°C to +260°C, supporting applications where the covering must withstand elevated or low service temperatures.
Electrical insulation
The tubing provides an insulating layer for selected conductive components. The datasheet lists a voltage rating of 600 V and dielectric strength of ≥34 kV/mm.
Chemical resistance
PTFE offers resistance to many oils, solvents and chemical reagents. Compatibility should be checked against the specific medium, concentration, temperature and exposure duration.
Low-friction surface
PTFE’s low-friction characteristics can benefit selected sleeves and components involving sliding contact.
Multiple recovery and wall options
Nominal 1.7:1 and 4:1 shrink-ratio series are available, with dimensional and wall-thickness options for different component geometries.
How to Select the Shrink Ratio
The shrink ratio describes the relationship between the expanded inside diameter and the fully recovered inside diameter under specified heating conditions, without a component restricting recovery.
Shrink ratio = Expanded inside diameter ÷ Fully recovered inside diameter
A larger shrink ratio provides a greater potential reduction in diameter. This can be useful when tubing must pass over a larger feature before recovering onto a smaller section.
However, a higher shrink ratio does not automatically provide better insulation or a better fit. Selection requires checking three dimensions together:
- Expanded inside diameter: The tubing must fit over the component with sufficient installation clearance.
- Fully recovered inside diameter: The tubing must have sufficient recovery capability for the section being covered.
- Recovered wall thickness: The selected specification must support the required dimensions, insulation and protection.
Once the tubing contacts the component, the component restricts further contraction. Installed dimensions and wall thickness therefore differ from unrestricted recovery values.
For flat parts, such as nickel sheets, selection must consider width, thickness and edge shape. The width alone should not be treated as the diameter of an equivalent round component.
Product Specifications
| Property | Datasheet Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | PTFE — polytetrafluoroethylene |
| Construction | Semi-rigid |
| Nominal shrink ratios | 1.7:1 and 4:1 |
| Operating temperature range | −65°C to +260°C |
| Listed shrink temperature | 350°C |
| Voltage rating | 600 V |
| Standard color | Transparent |
| Wall options | Standard and thick wall |
| Environmental compliance | RoHS, as stated in the product datasheet |
| Referenced product specification | SAE-AMS-DTL-23053/12 |
The shrink temperature is a processing parameter. Actual heating temperature and dwell time should be established for the selected tubing, component geometry and assembly materials.
Technical Performance
| Test Property | Datasheet Value | Test Method / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥17.3 MPa | ASTM D2671 |
| Elongation at break | ≥200% | ASTM D2671 |
| Specific gravity | 2.30 | ASTM D792 |
| Heat shock | No cracking or dripping | ASTM D2671; 400°C for 4 hours |
| Low-temperature brittleness | No cracking | ASTM D2671; −65°C for 4 hours |
| Flammability | Self-extinguishing | ASTM D2671 |
| Volume resistivity | ≥1018 Ω·cm | ASTM D2671 |
| Dielectric strength | ≥34 kV/mm | ASTM D2671 |
| Copper corrosion | Pass | UL224 |
| Solvent corrosion resistance | Excellent | SAE-AMS-DTL-23053/12 |
| Water absorption | ≤0.1% | ASTM D570 |
These values describe the tubing according to the product datasheet. They do not replace verification of the finished covered component.
Size Range and Wall Options
| Specification | 1.7:1 Series | 4:1 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Listed nominal sizes | Φ0.5–Φ10 | Φ2.0, Φ2.5, Φ3.0, Φ3.5, Φ4.0, Φ4.5, Φ5.0 and Φ6.0 |
| Expanded ID across listed sizes | 0.5–11.0 mm | 2.0–6.5 mm |
| Fully recovered ID across listed sizes | 0.25–5.53 mm | 0.33–1.50 mm |
| Expanded wall specifications | Separate standard and thick-wall values | Average wall values listed by size |
| Recovered wall options | Standard and thick wall | Standard and thick wall |
These ranges summarize each series. Expanded ID, recovered ID and wall thickness must be taken from the same selected specification.
These ranges summarize each series. They are not interchangeable ordering dimensions. Expanded ID, recovered ID and wall thickness must be taken from the same selected specification.
The series names follow the product datasheet. Use the actual dimensional limits when selecting a size rather than calculating an ordering dimension from the nominal shrink ratio alone.
Typical Applications
Metal Part Covering
PTFE heat shrink tubing can cover metal components where electrical isolation or external protection is required. Component edges, covering length and final dimensions should be considered during selection.
Wires, Terminals and Connections
The tubing can provide an insulating sleeve around selected wires, terminals and connection areas. Suitability depends on the assembly’s electrical, thermal and dimensional requirements.
Instrument and Equipment Components
PTFE sleeves can provide insulation or a low-friction external surface for selected instrument parts. Fit and durability should be assessed under the intended operating conditions.
Chemically Demanding Environments
For components exposed to compatible chemicals, PTFE heat shrink tubing can provide an external protective covering. Actual suitability depends on both the exposure conditions and the assembly design.
Automotive, Electrical and Aerospace Assemblies
PTFE heat shrink tubing may be considered where temperature resistance, electrical insulation and chemical resistance are required together, subject to the applicable project qualification requirements.
Custom Specification and Processing Support
SUKO reviews tubing requirements against the component and its intended function. Useful information includes:
- Component drawings, dimensions or samples.
- Maximum dimensions the tubing must pass over during installation.
- Dimensions of the section to be covered.
- Required covering length and final dimensional limits.
- Wall thickness and electrical insulation requirements.
- Operating temperature and chemical exposure.
- Required quantity and any inspection requirements.
Where component covering is required, the heating process must also account for the thermal tolerance of the part and any attached materials. Representative samples help establish suitable installation and recovery conditions.
After cooling, the finished component should be checked for coverage, surface defects and dimensional conformity. Electrical testing should be performed where required by the application.
Application Case: Nickel Sheet Covering for a Medical Company
SUKO previously completed a nickel sheet covering project for a medical-sector customer.
We fitted heat shrink tubing over the nickel sheets and heated the assemblies in an oven. As the tubing recovered, it formed a covering around the metal components and completed the operation.
This application illustrates the importance of matching tubing dimensions to a flat cross-section. Sheet width, thickness and edge geometry all influence installation and recovery, so a tube selected only by nominal diameter may not provide the required fit.
The project demonstrates our practical experience in component covering for a medical-sector customer. Suitability for a particular medical device or patient-contact application requires separate confirmation of the material and validation requirements.
Request Specifications or Discuss Your Application
For a PTFE heat shrink tubing inquiry, send SUKO your component drawing or sample details, required dimensions, covering length, quantity and operating conditions.
Our team can review the available specifications and discuss tubing selection or custom covering requirements.
contact
Phone/WhatsApp: +8619975113419
email: info@sukoptfe.com
contact: https://www.sukoptfe.com/contact/
