Heatshrink tape of somesort? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 04:56:54 am
content: I know that heatshrink tubes are the standard, and they seem to work well.But, for the cases where you may not want to cut a wire to add some insulation, is there some kind of heatshrink tape we can apply over a cable part, stick to itself, and then heat up?

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 05:17:50 am
content: What you're probably after isself-amalgamating tape. Once you wrap it around on itself, it cures into a single mass. Most electronic and hardware stores sell it. You can buy it in 'generic' brands otherwise 3M also make it if you're after the good stuff.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 05:20:40 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on July 13, 2017, 05:17:50 amThanks, that definitely sounds useful to have!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 05:32:47 am
content: ^^^I've not used it personally, and I'm not sure how strong it actually is. (Like, if it cold-welds together, then does it creep or sag over time, too? It has a strength rating, but over what time scale is that valid -- a quick pull test, or under tension forever?) For just wrapping connections, it seems like it should at least be better than vinyl electrical tape.Also, there's the paint-on insulating rubber stuff, which might be handy too.Tim

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 05:46:03 am
content: I'd imagine once it's fully cured, its rated specs are valid from that point onwards. I haven't used a lot of the stuff, but it's common in some cars and marine applications, so it's probably designed for long-term stability. Of course, there will probably be a notable difference between something like 3M stuff and cheaper brands over time.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 05:49:53 am
content: Rubber self amalgamating tape comes with a plastic backing tape that you need peel off as you apply it. It should be applied with some considerable stretch to obtain good adhesion between layers.In the weather it can last for many years and if covered again with Denso tape, many decades.The Denso tape just protects the self amalgamating tape from the elements.I've cut open joints of old copper power lines that still look perfect inside.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 06:36:55 am
content: However the usual type of self-amalgamating tape is *NOT* resistant to common oils, fuels and other organic solvents. You can get a premium silicone self-amalgamating tape that is oil and fuel resistant and generally has much better chemical resistance.Heatshrink tape, very similar to adhesive lined heatshrink tubing but with an initially tacky adhesive layer so it stays in place while you wrap and shrink is readily available online from specialist suppliers. Google is your friend!

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 06:39:21 am
content: Sugru is an interesting, albeit expensive idea.

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 07:01:26 am
content: Self amalgamating tape is also a pain in the proverbial to remove cleanly for servicing but does work very well.

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 08:36:07 am
content: I looked for the same product a while ago, Raychem RT-555 seems to be it;http://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=4-1773463-7_hightemptape&DocType=DS&DocLang=ENHaven't ordered some yet, so no "review".