PVC vs PET Heat Shrink Tubing — A Comprehensive Comparison
When selecting heat shrink tubing for electronic component insulation, the two most common materials are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Each has distinct advantages depending on your application. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
Material Properties Overview
| Property | PET Heat Shrink Tube | PVC Heat Shrink Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 130/150°C | -40°C to 105°C |
| Shrink Temperature | 150°C and above | 90–110°C |
| Typical Shrink Ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 (up to 3:1 available) |
| Wall Thickness Range | 0.08–0.15mm (thin wall) | 0.10–0.25mm (medium wall) |
| Dielectric Strength | >15 kV/mm | >10 kV/mm |
| Flame Retardancy | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 or V-1 |
| Tensile Strength | Higher (40+ MPa) | Moderate (25+ MPa) |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| UV Resistance | Good | Moderate |
| Environmental Compliance | RoHS, REACH compliant | RoHS, REACH compliant (phthalate-free) |
| Cost | Slightly higher | More economical |
When to Choose PET Heat Shrink Tubing
- High-temperature environments — PET withstands continuous exposure up to 130°C, ideal for capacitors operating at elevated temperatures
- Thin-wall insulation — PET achieves excellent dielectric properties at 0.08mm wall thickness, critical for miniaturized components
- Premium battery packs — Cylindrical battery applications (18650, 21700) benefit from PET thermal stability
- Automotive-grade requirements — PET meets stricter automotive insulation standards
When to Choose PVC Heat Shrink Tubing
- Cost-sensitive production — PVC offers reliable insulation at lower material cost
- Lower shrink temperatures — PVC 90–110°C range is gentler on sensitive components
- Standard capacitor insulation — PVC UL recognized tubing is the traditional choice
- Higher shrink ratio needs — PVC available in 3:1 shrink ratios
Conclusion
Both PET and PVC have their place. The key is matching material properties to your application. At Haosheng, we manufacture both to UL, IECQ, and RoHS standards.