Hi-Shrink tape perforated 1" + 2.5"/ 91.4 m

The shrink tape is a robust, flexible, heat-shrinkable polyester film. It has been perforated with punched holes on 1/4" staggered centers. Perforated Hi-Shrink tape retains all of the features of the standard Hi-Shrink tape, but the added perforations enhance the excess resin to be removed. When wrapped around an object and heated, the Hi-Shrink tape starts to shrink and applies pressure to the underlying laminate. Ideally suited for making composite tubes (with the aid of appropriate mandrels).

Product benefits

• A simple way to apply compaction for debulking, consolidating, and forming
• Enables evacuation of excess resin (as well as of volatile compounds)
• Gives your part a high gloss and resin-rich surface finish
• High-performance release coating (non-silicone)
• Enables multiple methods for adjusting compressive force on the part

Technical data:
Holes: 600-micron hot needle holes, 30 holes/sq inch with Staggered Rows
Thickness: 0.05 mm (0.002 inches)
Width: 25.4 mm or 63,5 mm / 1 inch or 2.5 inch
Length of roll: 91.4 m (100 yds)
Start of shrinking: 65 °C (150 °F)
Usage temperatures: up to 165 °C (329 °F)
Shrink percentages: 0-20 %
Max. shrink force: 8.59 pounds/inch ¹⁾

Important:
Only the outside of the tape is treated with release agent (PTFE-coated) and is therefore self-releasing. If the inside is used, it must be treated with a release agent beforehand.

Processing:
Hi-Shrink Tape may be applied directly to the composite part or over clamping forms. If the part is a tube, rod, or cylinder shape, apply directly over the prepreg and uniform pressure will be applied. (Fig. 1)

When wrapping your part, be sure the release-coated surface is in contact with the prepreg.

If the part has a rectangular section, taping directly over the prepreg will exert compressive force mainly on the corners. You may wish to apply the tape over simple clamping forms instead so that compressive forces will be applied to the flat sections (Fig.2).

¹⁾ To test the shrinkage strength of the tape, our US manufacturer places a 1.00" wide (= 25.4 mm) sample in a tensile test frame.
The sample is heated in an annealing oven. As the tape shrinks in the linear (machine) direction, it exerts a force of 8.59 lbs (=1.5 N/mm) on the load cell.