HEAT SHRINK TUBE

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What is heat shrink tubing for cable marking and what is its purpose?

Heat shrink tubing is thin, flexible material that contracts and secures firmly to the wire or cable when heated. Heat shrink cable marking tube is used primarily for marking electrical wire and cable and, in some instances, may provide a level of durability or insulation needed for the project. This type of marking is growing in popularity due in part to the simplicity of new on-demand labeling systems, such as the P-touch EDGE® PT-E300 and PT-E500 Series industrial handheld labeling tools. After printing and cutting, the heat shrink tube slides easily over the cable and can be shrunk snugly against the cable using a heat gun. The finished effect is smooth, permanent and very professional looking.

Why use heat shrink tubing for labeling?

There are several reasons why a contractor might elect to use labeled heat shrink tubing in professional installations. For example:

• Insulation: Heat shrink labels are resistant to heat, abrasion, and weather conditions. The tubing also helps to seal water and dust out of cable splices, provides a barrier between cables and moisture ingress, and protects cables from damage by any corrosive chemicals to which they may be exposed.

• Aesthetics: The heat shrink tube provides a very smooth and neat termination for ends of braided sleeving and improves the look of cables in an installation. It can even be used in wire harnesses or cable assemblies designed for use in custom cars and motorcycles.

• Bundle and organize cable: Heat shrink tube can be a practical and cost-effective option for marking small gauge wire and fiber optic cable strands that can be hard to wrap using conventional label materials.

A POPULAR CHOICE FOR TODAY’S CABLE MARKINGHeat shrink tube has become a popular option in cable marking in electrical, data center, security and audio visual installations. As a result, some leading industrial handheld labeling tools, such as the Brother P-touch EDGE® PT-E300 and PT-E500 Series, have evolved and now do double duty as thermal and heat shrink labelers to greatly simplify the process for contractors. On demand, with the change of a cartridge, installers can now produce clean, legible, permanent heat shrink labels, as well as durable thermal cable flag, cable wrap or faceplate labels, with a single tool.

With the advent of new labeling standards (ANSI/TIA 606-B.1) and increased demand for clean, professionally marked installations, heat shrink tubing gives contractors added flexibility. Newer, more advanced labeling tools make using heat shrink fast, easy and economical.

For more information, call 1-800-543-6144, or visit www.edgelabeling.com

BROTHER MOBILE SOLUTIONS, INC.

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Brother™ is a trademark or registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. in the United States. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.

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How do I determine the right size tube?

Selecting the right heat shrink tubing size will depend on the outer diameter of the wire, cable or bundle you plan to enclose. For example, in addition to a full line of traditional labeling tapes, Brother Mobile Solutions offers HSe tube, a printable heat shrink tubing designed exclusively for the P-touch EDGE® PT-E300 and PT-E500 Series handheld labeling tools. The HSe tubing is available in five sizes, each of which shrinks to one-half the size after heat is applied. This is referred to as a 2:1 ratio.

• Strength: A heat shrink tube label finish can be great for bundling cables and can also provide effective strain relief. The heat tubes can prevent flexing or bending crimps at the wire-to-termination point. In addition, they are perceived to be a more permanent and durable labeling solution for network patch cords, as well as other cable identifiers.

Do I need special equipment for heat shrink tube labeling?

The only items needed for applying heat shrink tube labeling is the right industrial labeling system and a commercial heat gun. Advancements in labeling technology have resulted in faster, double-duty labelers capable of meeting a whole range of cable and component marking requirements, including heat shrink tube marking. The P-touch EDGE® PT-E300 and PT-E500 Series thermal transfer label printers mentioned previously are priced for the entire work crew and use easy drop-in cartridges that are interchangeable between thermal labels and HSe tubing.

What is the right way to heat the tubing?

First, be sure to check the tube specification for recommended temperature. Slide the tubing over the cable or bundle. Any commercial heat gun can be used. Do not use open flame as this can cause uneven shrinkage and damage. To avoid overheating, rotate as you apply heat until the tube shrinks and adheres firmly to the cable or cable bundles.

Technology Spotlight: Creating heat shrink tube labels should be fast and easy. Look for a high quality, double-duty labeling tool that prints clearly and legibly directly on heat shrink tube media – and also holds drop-in thermal label cartridges for cable flag, cable wrap, faceplate applications, and more!

PT-E300 PT-E500 PT-E550W