Heat shrinkable sleeve is widely used in automobiles and can be classified into wiring systems, piping systems, and other systems based on its characteristics. What are the specific applications? Let's take a look.
Let's first talk about wiring systems. These are typically divided into spliced harnesses, terminal harnesses, cable joints, battery wires, and connector harnesses, which connect important functions such as air conditioning, ABS brakes, signal lights, etc. The requirements for insulation and sealing are very high. Generally, dual-wall heat shrinkable sleeve is used to wrap the wires and cables to prevent moisture, dust, oil, etc., from entering and to ensure the normal operation of the wires and cables. Additionally, the dual-wall heat shrinkable sleeve varies depending on the temperature resistance level and bonding performance required for different harnesses. For example:
Spliced harnesses: During processing, the inner layer of the dual-wall heat shrinkable sleeve needs to allow the hot-melt adhesive to flow adequately into the gaps between multiple wires, achieving sealing after cooling and shaping. Thus, heat shrinkable sleeve with excellent hot-melt adhesive flow and a high shrinkage ratio should be selected. This ensures effective wrapping, and the large clamping force facilitates the hot-melt adhesive filling the harness gaps. Additionally, with the rise of new energy vehicles, the Y-type sleeves used at the branch points of high-voltage cables in new energy vehicles provide insulation and sealing protection, while also being easy to install and providing long-lasting and reliable insulation and sealing.
Terminal harnesses: Usually, the wire side of the harness assembly is relatively simple, making it easy to seal with heat shrinkable sleeve, while the metal joints have larger gaps that are hard to seal. It is recommended to use heat shrinkable sleeve with sufficient adhesive and good hot-melt adhesive flow, making it easier to fill the front gaps during the heating process.
Cable joints: For cable joints, it is suitable to choose dual-wall heat shrinkable sleeve with low flowability, making it less likely to slide during the heating process.
Battery cables: Battery cables are best sealed with dual-wall heat shrinkable sleeve with low flowability and good adhesion to metal.
In the piping system, heat shrinkable sleeve is commonly used in brake lines, air conditioning lines, high-pressure water pipes, and cooling water pipes. In most cases, single-wall heat shrinkable sleeve is chosen for coverage, providing mechanical protection, isolation, and abrasion resistance. In specific cases, dual-wall heat shrinkable sleeve might be used.
Air conditioning pipes: The heat shrinkable sleeve must adhere well to the air conditioning line and should not wrinkle when bent into shape. It also serves as shock absorption and noise reduction between the parts.
Automotive brake and fuel lines: Heat shrinkable sleeve with characteristics such as vibration resistance, wear resistance, oil resistance, corrosion resistance, and low-temperature resistance is needed to protect automotive brake and fuel lines from mechanical damage and moisture-induced corrosion.
Cooling water pipes: Regular heat shrinkable sleeve produced by the heat shrinkable sleeve factory can easily develop blisters or wrinkles due to air entrapment during production. Specially designed heat shrinkable sleeve is required to provide environmental and mechanical protection for automotive rubber cooling water pipes.
