FEP Lay-Flat Heat Shrink Tubing
FEP Lay-Flat heat shrink tubing is the replacement of choice for processes that currently use thin FEP film or seamed tape in the layup and cure of unique shapes for composite structures. Virgin FEP is an approved resin for contact with composite fabrication for various industries such as aerospace, automotive, wind, and space. With long continuous lengths, the LayFlat Heat Shrinkable tubing offers superior finishing results for composite fabrication and can be customized for various applications that require thin walls as compared to film.
Key Properties
FEP Lay-Flat heat shrink tubing can be used in composite applications from 10ºC to 260ºC (melting temperature). As the tubing is expanded, it can have +/- 10% longitudinal change, but percent shrink varies by temperature and exposure time. Expansion ratios are ~ 1.3:1 to 1.6:1 and customized for each application.
Zeus Capabilities
FEP Lay-Flat heat shrink tubing is provided in a range of diameters from ¼” to 3 ½” OD in long continuous lengths. The tubing is “Lay-Flat” in order to accommodate ease of shipment as it is placed on spools for shipping and compressed or flattened. Wall thickness can range from .002” to .020” and can be customized to suit application needs. Catalog FEP Roll Covers also are commonly utilized and can be made to fit mandrels up to 12” with .020” - .030” wall thickness. Other resins in heat shrinkable form are available upon request.
Applications
In aerospace and space as well as high end automotive and wind power applications, this product eliminates the labor intensive methods of film wrapping, tape wrapping or sealing agents commonly applied to mandrels to fabricate composite parts. FEP Lay-Flat heat shrink tubing easily slides over a mandrel as a sleeve. Then the product can be heated with an oven to give a “glove like fit” that is seamless, protecting the mandrel during cure. The tubing is naturally lubricious, so removing the product after the cure cycle is easy and also more efficient than past film manufacturing practices.
Zeus Tubing and other Products
Need More Information?
Contact us now for more information or to evaluate samples of our FEP Lay-Flat heat shrink tubing. To speak with a technical account manager, please call us at 1.800.526.3842 or 1.803.268.9500.
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