3M Heat Shrink Tubing SFTW-203
3:1 Very Flexible Polyolefin
Data Sheet February 2019
Description
3M Tubing SFTW-203 is a 3:1 shrink ratio tubing that offers an excellent balance of
electrical, physical and chemical properties for a wide variety of industrial and military
applications. 3M SFTW-203 tubing is made of very flexible, heat-shrinkable polyolefin
which is mechanically tough, chemically resistant, and can be easily surface printed. 3M
SFTW-203 tubing has been engineered to offer a low shrink temperature of 100C
(212F). This allows the tubing to shrink rapidly, and minimizes heat exposure and
possible damage to temperature sensitive substrates. It is rated for continuous
operation from -55C (-67F) to 135C (275F), and withstands elevated temperatures
of 300C (572F) for brief periods.
Agency Approvals &
Meets requirements of:
Self Certifications
UL Recognized, File E-48398
CSA Certified, CSA LR38227
For RoHS and REACH information, please contact 3M
Typical Applications
The extra flexibility and low shrink temperature of 3M SFTW-203 tubing make it ideal
for shrink-fit jacketing and insulation of flexible wire bundles and temperature sensitive
components. The 3:1 shrink ratio makes 3M SFTW-203 tubing the insulation of choice
for end terminations where the connector body is larger than the cable and for repair
applications where the tubing must be slid over a connector. 3M SFTW-203 tubing can
also be used to insulate an oversized component in line to the wiring.
Shrink Ratio
3M SFTW-203 tubing has a 3:1 shrink ratio. When freely recovered, the tubing will
shrink to 33% of its as-supplied internal diameter. The recovered wall thickness of the
tubing is proportional to the degree of recovery.
Standard Colors
Black
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Standard Sizes
Recovered Wall
and Dimensions Expanded I.D. Recovered I.D.
Thickness
Ordering Size (Minimum) (Maximum)
(Nominal)
In. (mm) In. (mm)
In. (mm)
1/16 .059 (1,5) .020 (0,5) .018 (0,45)
1/8 .118 (3,0) .039 (1,0) .022 (0,55)
1/4 .236 (6,0) .079 (2,0) .026 (0,65)
3/8 .354 (9,0) .118 (3,0) .030 (0,75)
1/2 .472 (12,0) .157 (4,0) .030 (0,75)
3/4 .709 (18,0) .236 (6,0) .030 (0,75)
1 .945 (24,0) .315 (8,0) .039 (1,00)
1-1/2 1.535 (39,0) .512 (13,0) .045 (1,15)
Note: Dimensions in inches are approximate.
Typical Properties
Technical information provided consists of typical product data and should not be
used for specification purposes. Unless otherwise noted, all tests are performed at
room temperature.
Typical Value
Physical Property
US units (metric)
Tensile Strength 2600 PSI
Ultimate Elongation 400%
Longitudinal Change 5%
Secant Modulus
(2% elong.) 8700 PSI
Specific Gravity 1.29
Heat Shock No cracking, flowing or
4 hrs @ 250C dripping
Water Absorption 0.2%
Heat Aging Elongation
168 hrs @ 158C 350%
Low Temperature Flexibility
4 hrs @ -55C No cracking
Flammability Self-extinguish
Typical Value
Electrical Property
US units (metric)
Dielectric Strength 700 V/mil
15
Volume Resistivity 10 ohm/cm
Typical Value
Chemical Property
US units (metric)
Corrosion Resistance Non-corrosive
Solvent Resistance
Tensile Strength 1100 PSI
Dielectric Strength 400 V/mil
Fungus Resistance Inert
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