Welding for the Retiree

Heat shrink FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) tubes have a lot of applications, such as protecting wires, cables, and lighting. If you want to have nothing but success using these tubes around various materials, take the following precautions.

Identify Specific Application First

In order to choose FEP heat shrink tubes that have the right qualities, you need to figure out how they're being used around materials. Make this assessment first before looking for heat shrink tubes made out of FEP. 

Some of the more common applications include insulation, material identification, chemical protection, and reinforcement. Once you identify one or a couple of applications, you'll know what properties the FEP heat shrink tubes need to have. You'll also have an easier time shopping because you can just tell a heat shrink tubing manufacturer the properties you're looking to get and they'll show you compatible options.

Keep Your Heating Even

In order to get FEP heat shrink tubing to go down in diameter size, you need to apply heat to it. Just remember to keep your heating as even as possible, as that's going to help you get a uniform diameter size across the entire tubing that you're trying to shrink down. Even heating also will prevent the FEP heat shrink tubing from damaging.

You'll have an easier time applying heat to this tubing in an even manner when you rotate it along its axis. There are special tools that can help you accomplish this so that you don't have to worry about getting inconsistent heating results. Heating ovens are also available if you want to make sure your heating remains even.

Find Out the Temperature Range for Optimal Shrinking

Regardless of what type of FEP heat shrink variety you go with for a project, it will have a temperature range at which it shrinks. You need to find out this exact temperature range, not just to use the right heating device, but to get optimal shrinking results around materials that need extra protection or support. 

These temperature ranges will be shown by the manufacturer. All you have to do is get a heating device that can support this range safely and then shrinking will take place in a predictable way. 

Whether you're using FEP heat shrink tubing over wires or lighting, you want to follow certain protocols when working with it. That's the best way to get consistent shrinking results that support a particular project without any issues. 

For more information, contact a company like Tef-Cap Industries.