Installation Tools
Heat Gun Selection for Heat Shrink — Temperature & Airflow Guide
Heat gun selection guide for heat shrink tubing applications. Temperature control, airflow, nozzle types, and safety features for industrial and field use.
Overview
Heat guns for heat shrink tubing must deliver controlled temperature and airflow to achieve proper shrinkage without damaging the tubing or nearby components. This guide covers selection criteria for professional heat shrink applications.
Selection Process
Determine Temperature Requirement
Polyolefin: 120-150C. Dual-wall: 150-175C (adhesive activation). PVDF: 175-200C. PTFE: 300-350C. Select a gun with adjustable temperature and at least 50C headroom above your requirement.
Select Airflow
Low airflow (150-250 L/min): precision work, small tubing, electronics. Medium (250-400 L/min): general heat shrink. High (400-600+ L/min): large tubing, cable joints, production speed.
Choose Nozzle Type
Reflector hook: wraps heat around tubing for even shrinkage. Concentrator: focused heat for spot work. Flat nozzle: wide heat for large surfaces. Deflector: protects adjacent components from heat.
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