Buy Heat Shrink Tubing Online in Australia
Heat Shrink Tubing for Electrical and Cable Protection
Heat shrink tubing provides reliable insulation, strain relief, and environmental protection for electrical cables, wire joints, connectors, and terminal crimps. When heated with a heat gun or torch, the tubing contracts firmly around the substrate to form a snug protective sleeve that resists moisture, dust, and abrasion. AIMS stocks heat shrink tubing in a comprehensive range of diameters, shrink ratios, wall types, and colours to suit electrical, electronics, automotive, marine, and industrial applications.
Types of Heat Shrink Tubing
Standard polyolefin heat shrink offers a 2:1 shrink ratio and suits general-purpose insulation, colour coding, and mechanical protection. Heavy-wall heat shrink with adhesive lining provides a waterproof seal with 3:1 or 4:1 shrink ratios, making it ideal for outdoor wiring, underground cable joints, and harsh environment installations where moisture ingress must be prevented. Dual-wall adhesive-lined tubing is the preferred choice for sealing cable harness ends, protecting connector backshells, and applications requiring a positive mechanical moisture barrier. Specialised variants including metallic heat shrink for EMI shielding and clear tubing for label protection are also available.
Selecting the Correct Size
Heat shrink tubing is specified by its pre-shrink internal diameter and the shrink ratio. The pre-shrink diameter must comfortably slide over the connector or cable at ambient temperature, while the recovered diameter must contract tightly around the substrate. As a general rule, select a size where the pre-shrink bore is approximately 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the substrate. For colour coding and cable identification, AIMS stocks standard polyolefin in a full colour range including red, black, blue, yellow, green, orange, and clear. Assorted size kits are also available for workshops needing a variety of sizes on hand.
Application Tips
Apply heat evenly around the circumference of the tubing for uniform shrinkage. A heat gun set to the appropriate temperature for the material — typically between 90°C and 120°C for standard polyolefin — gives the best results. Start at one end and work progressively along the tubing to avoid trapping air bubbles. Avoid concentrating heat in one spot, which causes uneven contraction and can damage the tubing or the underlying cable insulation. For dual-wall adhesive-lined products, ensure the adhesive has flowed evenly from both ends before the tubing cools to confirm a complete seal.
For technical specifications, bulk pricing, or help selecting the right product for your application, contact our team.
AIMS stocks heat shrink tubing in standard cut lengths and continuous reel formats. Reel supply is the most economical option for high-volume electrical assembly and harness manufacturing operations. Contact us for reel lengths and pricing.