- Time：2025/6/23 posted：Kehong Enterprises Co.,Ltd.
- The birth of heat shrink tubing is quite legendary. After World War II, it was discovered that radiation could alter the molecular structure of certain plastics and induce cross-linking. In the late 1950s, chemical engineer Paul Cook developed heat shrink tubing using "radiation chemistry". During the crosslinking process, covalent bonds are formed between polymer atoms, endowing them with plastic memory and allowing them to shrink back to their original size upon heating. Initially, heat shrink tubing was mainly used in the military and aerospace fields because it could protect wires and cables in extreme environments. With the advancement of technology and the reduction of costs, it has gradually entered the civilian field.
The application of heat shrink tubing is extremely extensive. In the electronics and electrical industry, it is an indispensable 'protector'. At the joints of wires and cables, after heating and shrinking with heat shrink tubing, it can provide good insulation and waterproofing, effectively prevent leakage and short circuits, and ensure the stable operation of the electrical system. The insulation packaging of electronic components also relies on it, which extends the service life of the components. Heat shrink tubing also plays a significant role in automobile manufacturing and maintenance. The automotive wiring harness is intricate and complex, and heat shrink tubing can protect the wiring harness, avoiding wear and corrosion, and improving the reliability of the automotive electrical system. It can also be used for temporary repairs during car maintenance, which is convenient and efficient. In the chemical and petroleum industries, pipeline joints and valves that transport corrosive media are prone to corrosion. The anti-corrosion properties of heat shrink tubing can protect these parts, extend the service life of pipelines, and reduce maintenance costs. In addition, heat shrink tubing with bright colors or printed markings can also be used as identification tools to help workers quickly identify and distinguish different lines and components in large equipment or complex circuits, improving work efficiency.
Nowadays, heat shrink tubing is still constantly developing, with new materials and processes improving its performance and expanding its application areas, providing protection for our lives and production in more scenarios.