What Is FEP Heat Shrink Tubing? Properties, Manufacturing Process, and Industrial Applications

FEP heat shrink tubing has become one of the most important protective materials across electronics, medical devices, and industrial equipment. But many buyers still ask: What exactly is FEP heat shrink tubing, and how does it work? If you are new to this product, heat shrink tubing suppliers guide gives you a complete and technical explanation—from its material science to its performance characteristics and uses. Let’s get started.

What Is FEP Heat Shrink Tubing?

FEP—short for Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene—is a melt-processable fluoropolymer known for:

• High transparency (≥95% light transmission)
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Low friction coefficient (~0.10–0.20)
• High continuous working temperature (-200°C to +200°C)

FEP heat shrink tubing is a pre-expanded tube that shrinks tightly around an object when heated to 110–200°C, depending on the shrink ratio.

Comparison with Similar Fluoropolymers

Property	FEP	PTFE	PFA
Transparency	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆	★★★★☆
Melting Point	260°C	Does not melt	305°C
Shrink Temp	110-200°C	300-400°C	150-240°C
Flexibility	Medium	Low	Medium
Cost	Moderate	High	High

Differences between FEP, PFA and PTFE heat shrink tube – Yozonetech

FEP is often chosen when customers need clarity + chemical resistance + smooth surface finish.

How FEP Heat Shrink Tubing Is Made

The manufacturing of FEP heat shrink tube involves three major steps:

1. Extrusion of Base Tube

Using melt extrusion, FEP resin is heated to 280–310°C, then pushed through a die to form:

• Inner Diameter (ID)
• Wall Thickness
• Length

Standard tolerances after extrusion:

Specification Tolerance ID: ±0.05–0.1 mm

Wall Thickness: ±0.02–0.05 mm

Ovality: < 5%

2. Expansion

The tubing is reheated and stretched to a larger diameter.

• Expansion ratio = Expanded ID / Recovered ID
• Typical ratios: 1.3:1, 1.6:1, 2:1

Example:

Shrink Ratio Recovered ID Expanded ID 1.3:1 6.0 mm 7.8 mm 1.6:1 6.0 mm 9.6 mm 2.0:1 6.0 mm 12.0 mm

3. Cooling and Final Processing

After expansion, the tubing is rapidly cooled to “lock in” the expanded size. The product is then:

• Cut to length
• Cleaned
• Packaged with traceable batch numbers

Quality inspection includes:

• Wall thickness uniformity test
• 2–3% maximum shrink distortion tolerance
• Optical clarity test (ASTM D1003)

Common Methods and Technical Options

1. Shrink Ratios

Choose based on how tight the final fitting must be

Shrink Ratio	Recovered ID	Expanded ID
1.3:1	6.0 mm	7.8 mm
1.6:1	6.0 mm	9.6 mm
2.0:1	6.0 mm	12.0 mm

FEP Heat Shrink Tube Ratio – Yozonetech

2. Wall Thickness Options

Available in:

• 0.1 mm
• 0.2 mm
• 0.3 mm
• 0.5 mm
• Custom

Final wall thickness after shrinking increases by ~20–35%.

3. Heat Shrink Methods

• Hot air gun
• Convection oven
• IR heating system

Recommended heating:

Step Temperature Notes Preheat 80–100°C Remove moisture Shrink 150–200°C Use slow, even heat Cool Room temp Ensures clarity

Applications of FEP Heat Shrink Tubing

FEP heat shrink is used in sectors requiring extreme cleanliness, chemical stability, and transparency.

1. Medical

• Catheters
• Endoscope covering
• Sampling tubes

Its USP Class VI compliance makes it suitable for biological environments.

2. Electronics

• Sensor encapsulation
• Wire insulation
• Thermistor and probe protection

Because FEP has a dielectric strength of 20–28 kV/mm.

3. Industrial

• Roller coating
• Shaft protection
• Chemical hose covering

Its non-stick surface reduces abrasion and residue buildup.

Conclusion

FEP heat shrink tubing is a high-performance protective material designed for harsh environments. Because of its exceptional chemical resistance, optical clarity, and heat stability, it is widely used across medical, electronic, and industrial sectors. When choosing high temp heat shrink tubing, always consider shrink ratio, working temperature, and wall thickness to ensure best fit.

If you want customized sizes, tolerances, or OEM packaging, feel free to request specifications anytime.