Under heat, the molecules are restructured to cause a biaxial strain on the film that applies the positive pressure to the underlying structure. When wrapped around an object and heated, Shrink Tite Tape will shrink until fully restrained by the object. Once fully restrained, the remaining shrink force maintains tension in the tape, which is then felt as compression force by the underlying object. This compression force is then maintained without relaxation during any baking and cooling periods.
Two layers of tape will exert twice the compression force as one layer; three layers, three times, and so forth. Shrink Tite Tape is unaffected by oils, most solvents, resins, varnishes and has high resistance to acids and alkalies. Its minimal corrosion on copper and the high dielectric strength offers good electrical insulation.
Shrink Tite Tape, being a polyester, has excellent release characteristics from a wide range of materials. However, with any new application, tests should be run to determine the specific release characteristics of the tape from the compound or substance to be wrapped. If the tape will not release from the part, it may be necessary to use either Shrink Tite Tape with release coating or to apply an appropriate release agent. The tape will shrink by 20% at 150C. Minimum temperature to activate shrinkage is 80C.
