The difference of heat shrink wrap tape and cold applied tape

Customers often ask about the price of polyethylene winding tape, but cannot distinguish whether it is cold winding tape or heat shrink winding tape. After reading this article, we can answer your questions.

Materials

The heat shrink tape substrate is processed by radiation cross-linking irradiation and special hot melt adhesive, which has a certain degree of shrinkage performance.

Cold-Applied Polymeric Tape (Innerwrap Tape,Outerwrap Tape) is made of polyethylene substrate composite with butyl rubber and has no shrinkage propert.

Thickness range

The thickness of the heat shrink tape is between 1.8-2.5mm,

Cold winding tape is 0.3-1.8mm thick,

The anti-corrosion effect of heat shrink tape is better than that of cold wound tape in terms of service life.

Cold wound tape construction is simple and does not require heating, while heat shrink tape requires heating with fire.

Operation method: 

Heat shrink tape needs to be heated for contraction, while cold wrap tape is directly wrapped for use.

Lifetime: 

The lifespan of heat shrink tapes can reach 30 years, while the lifespan of cold applied tapes is generally 8-10 years.

Usage: 

Heat shrink tape is relatively expensive, so it is generally used for winding elbows, tees, and high-end needs. Most construction customers do not use it for whole pipe winding; Cold appliedtape is cheaper, so it is more commonly used for whole pipe winding.

 Application Process:

- Cold applied tape: This type of tape is applied at ambient temperature without the need for any external heat source. It usually comes in a roll or sheet form and is applied by simply wrapping it around the object or surface to be protected. Cold applied tape often requires pressure or adhesive activation to ensure proper adhesion.

- Heat shrink wrap tape: As the name suggests, this tape requires the application of heat to shrink and conform to the object or surface. It is typically made of a polymer material that contracts when heated. Heat is applied using a heat gun or other heat sources, causing the tape to shrink tightly around the object.

Characteristics:
- Cold applied tape: This type of tape is often made of materials like polyethylene or polypropylene. It provides a protective barrier against moisture, corrosion, and mechanical damage. Cold applied tape is flexible and easy to handle, making it suitable for irregular surfaces and complex geometries. However, it may not provide as tight of a seal as heat shrink wrap tape.
- Heat shrink wrap tape: This tape is usually made of materials like polyolefin or PVC. When heated, it shrinks tightly around the object, providing a secure and waterproof seal. Heat shrink wrap tape offers excellent protection against moisture, corrosion, and UV radiation. It is commonly used for electrical insulation, cable bundling, and pipe coating applications. However, it requires careful application and the use of heat sources, which may not be suitable for all situations.