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  • Rachael Mitas

What Is Paxolin (SRBP) and its uses

What is Paxolin? This is a question that many people ask, but not many people know the answer. Paxolin is a type of insulation that is made from paper laminate and has been used in construction for many years.  Here we’ll look at what its properties are and what you can use it for. Keep reading to find out more!

 

What Is Paxolin and Where Does It Come From?

Paxolin is a type of insulation that is a phenolic resin bonded paper laminate. Paxolin is a fireproof laminate sheet that is made of several layers of paper that are impregnated with a synthetic resin. The finished product is strong and rigid, making it an ideal material for a variety of applications.

It is often used as a lining in electrical cabinets and as a base for printed circuit boards. It is also used in the construction of aircraft, thanks to its light weight and high strength.

Paxolin is manufactured by several companies around the world, and it is typically sold in sheets in a variety of thicknesses. Thanks to its many uses, paxolin plays an important role in a wide range of industries.

 

What Are The Different Types of Paxolin?

When it comes to choosing the right grade of paxolin, it's important to understand the difference between P1 and P3. P1 Paxolin conforms to BS EN 60893 3-4-PFCP201 and is made for low voltage and isn’t suitable for any contact with water.

P3 Paxolin, on the other hand, conforms to BS EN 60893 3-4-PFCP206 and is ideal for high voltage and contact with water.

So if you need a material that can withstand high voltage and exposure to moisture, P3 is the way to go. But if you're looking for a low-voltage solution for an indoor application, P1 should be your first choice.




P1 Paxolin

SRBP P1 is a type of electrical insulating material that offers several advantages in terms of cost, machinability, and mechanical strength. Made from a combination of paper and phenolic resin, P1 provides excellent insulation for low voltage applications.

In addition, it can be easily machined to meet the specific requirements of your project. When compared to other insulating materials, P1 offers a good balance of cost and performance. It is an ideal choice for projects where moderate electrical requirements are needed.

SRBP P1 is a popular industrial laminate that is known for its good machinability, mechanical and impact strength. As a result, it can be used for a wide range of engineering components, including electrical insulation components, spacers, base plates, side plates, simple jigs and fixtures.

In addition, SRBP P1 is often used in the construction of electrical cabinets and enclosures. Because it is easy to work with and provides good resistance to wear and tear, SRBP P1 is an ideal material for a variety of applications.

 

P3 Paxolin

When it comes to electrical insulation, SRBP P3 is the clear choice for moist environments. This material can withstand contact with water, making it ideal for applications where moisture is a concern.

Additionally, P3 exhibits good machinability and mechanical strength. This makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications where electrical insulation is required. Whether you're looking for a material that can stand up to wet conditions or you need something that is easy to work with, SRBP P3 should be your go-to choice.

SRBP P3 is a polyester film-backed sheet product made of synthetic resin. It is a dielectric material with good heat resistance, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength.

SRBP P3 is used in a wide variety of applications that require electrical insulation, such as terminal boards, tag strips, insulated enclosures, mounting panels, and busbar supports. It can also be used to create insulating sleeves and bushes, spacers, and coil formers.

SRBP P3 is available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses to meet the demands of different applications. Thanks to its many benefits, SRBP P3 has become one of the most popular materials for electrical insulation.

 

Paxolin FAQs

 

How Is Paxolin Used?

Paxolin is often used in control cabinets to mount busbars and for backing consumer power distribution units and fuse boards in both commercial workplaces and homes . It is also used in ductwork and piping to prevent heat loss. Paxolin is an effective insulation material because it does not absorb moisture, so it will not promote the growth of mould.

 

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using Paxolin? 

Paxolin is a safe insulation material that does not pose any health risks. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing paxolin to avoid damaging the material.

  • Rachael Mitas

What Is Kapton™ Tape and Its Uses?

Kapton™ tape is a material used in industry and electronics that has unique thermal, physical, and electrical properties. It is often used as an insulator for high-temperature applications or in situations where electrical insulation is needed.

Kapton™ tape can also be very helpful in protecting delicate surfaces during manufacturing or shipping. Here we'll take a closer look at what Kapton™ tape is and some of its key uses.

 

What Is Kapton Tape?

Kapton tape is a type of polyimide film that is used in a variety of applications. It is made by heating the polyimide resin to form a thin film.

Kapton™ tape has many benefits, including its high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation properties. It is also flexible and can be die-cut into various shapes.

 

Properties of Kapton

Kapton™ tape is a versatile product with a variety of uses. It is most commonly used in electrical applications because it is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.

Kapton™ tape can withstand temperatures up to 260°C (500°F) and resists solvents, oils, and acids. This makes it an ideal material for use in high-temperature environments or for applications where solvent resistance is required.

In addition, Kapton™ tape is also flexible and has a low coefficient of friction. This makes it great for use in applications where bearings or other moving parts are present. Overall, Kapton™ tape is a versatile product with a variety of uses that make it an essential part of many industries.

Kapton™ tape is highly flexible, allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces. As a result, it is often used in applications where a tight seal is required, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. Kapton™ tape is also UL recognized, meaning that it meets flammability standards.

This makes it a perfect choice for use in applications where there is a risk of fire. Overall, Kapton™ tape offers an excellent combination of properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Some of the key properties of Kapton™ tape are:

  • High temperature resistance - Withstands temperatures up to 260°C (500°F)
  • Chemical resistant - Resists solvents, oils, and acids
  • Dielectric strength - Excellent electrical insulator
  • Flexible - Can be bent or conform to irregular surfaces
  • UL recognized - Meets flammability standards

 

Where Can Kapton™ Tape Be Used?

Kapton™ tape is a versatile product that can be used for a variety of purposes. Electrical insulation is one of the most common uses for Kapton™ tape. It is also frequently used as a solder mask or heat protector.

In addition, Kapton™ tape can be used to mask off areas during painting or plating. The tape's unique properties make it suited for many different applications. Kapton™ tape is strong and durable, yet it is also thin and lightweight.

It can withstand high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for use in high-heat environments. Kapton™ tape is also flexible and adaptable, making it easy to work with in a variety of settings. Whether you need to insulate electrical wires or protect painted surfaces, Kapton™ tape is up to the task.

It is often used in the electronics industry for splicing together flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs). The tape provides an electrically insulating barrier between the two boards, allowing for a safe and reliable connection.

Kapton™ tape can also be used for packaging delicate items such as semiconductors. The tape protects the item from damage during shipping and handling, ensuring that it arrives at its destination in perfect condition.

Kapton™ tape is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Electrical insulation - Kapton™ tape is commonly used to insulate electrical wires and components. It can also be used as a solder mask or heat protector.
  • Masking - Kapton™ tape is often used to mask off areas during painting or plating.
  • Splicing - Kapton™ tape can be used to splice together flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs).
  • Packaging - Kapton™ tape can be used for packaging delicate items such as semiconductors.

 

Benefits of Using Kapton Tape

Some benefits of using Kapton™ tape include its high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, and dielectric strength

 

Who Manufactures Kapton Tape?

Kapton™ tape is a polyimide film that was discovered in the 1960s by DuPont chemist Dr. Stephanie Kwolek. Since then, it has become an essential part of many industries, from aerospace to electronics.  Thanks to its unique properties, Kapton™ tape plays a vital role in a wide range of industries, and it is likely to continue to be an essential part of our world for many years to come.

  • Rachael Mitas

How to Apply Heat Shrink Tubing Properly

Heat shrink tubing is a versatile applicant that helps with insulating wires along with strain relief and colour coding cables. There are specific types of heat shrinks available by which you can even solder and waterproof your materials.

In this article, we will walk you through how to use the heat shrink tubing properly by picking the right size and material of the tubing for your project.

 

What Is Heat Shrink Tubing?

First things first, we need to understand what heat shrink tubing is, which is also known as heat shrink sleeving. As the name suggests, the heat shrink tube shrinks when exposed to heat. It is a tubing that is fitted around the components that require protection. It is available in various materials such as PVC, PTFE and Polyolefin amongst many others. Each material  providing its own unique properties and features that will benefit the type of project you’re working on. The sleeving is shrinkable once exposed to heat and is used in several useful applications in electrical projects throughout a wide range of industries. 

Regardless of the component size that it will be covering, the environmental demands or the required ratio for shrinkage, there is a heat shrink tube available for the purposes you need.

 

Why Is Heat Shrink Tube Used?

Heat shrink is versatile and can be used for many different purposes, from electrical insulation to strengthening of cables. The majority of the uses are related to wires and cables. The following are the most common out of the many applications:

 

·   Electrical Insulation: One of the most common applications of heat shrinks is for insulating electrical wires, solder splices, terminals, and joints. Since heat shrinks are non-conductive, they form a protective layer from short circuits when applied to electrical cables.

·   Strain Relief: Strain reliefs reduce mechanical stress on the cables. Fragile wires can break easily without applying strain reliefs. Therefore, adding a small heat shrink tube around the bending part of the wires is the easiest way to add strain relief to the cables.

·   Bundling wires: If your project has a lot of cables, you might want to have them neatly organised. Hence, heat shrink is an excellent tool to bind loose wires, giving you a cleaner result than cable ties.

 

How To Apply Heat Shrink Tubing In A Proper Way?

The following tips will help you understand how to apply your heat shrink tube properly to your cables to get the best coverage.

 

Choose the right size.

The primary use of the heat shrink tubing is to secure and tightly fit around the cable. Therefore, make sure that the tubing size is smaller than the diameter of the object you are splicing or insulating after heat shrinking.

 

Do not pull or stretch the tubing.

If you do not choose the correct size of your heat shrink tubing, it may tear apart while you are applying heat to it. Therefore, avoid stretching or pulling the tubing over the object.

 

Factoring the length change.

You must remember to factor the shrink, especially in smaller objects, as your tubing will change its size during its recovery mode. The more the heat shrink tube is heated, the more the length change occurs.

 

Make sure you have the correct size.

It is recommended to use the specified ID dimension to determine the tubing's correct size. Heat shrinks are supplied at minimum expanded diameters, thus remaining consistent.

 

Not all heat shrink tubings are the same.

You must not forget that heat shrink tubings are available in different types and sizes. Therefore, they do not shrink to similar full-recovered dimensions when heated to shrink. Before heating, you should always check the measurements of the recovered internal diameter of the heat shrink.

 

Be careful with the sharp or jagged edges.

If you are working with materials with sharp or jagged edges, make sure that they do not cause a cut or a puncture in the tubing, which can result in cracking or splitting the tubing when heated.

 

Always verify the temperature guidelines.

Before you start with the heating process, ensure that you have verified the correct temperature of the heat gun, as you may encounter problems if the tubing is not heated at an appropriate temperature. If you expose it to too much heat, the tubing may burn or split. In contrast, if the heat is not enough for the tubing, it may not fully recover.

 

Remember to heat the tubing uniformly.

While heating the tubing with the heat gun, make sure that the heat is distributed uniformly among the heat shrink. If not, you might notice wrinkles, also known as chill marks.

 

Always adhere to the guidelines.

For recommended recovery of the heat shrink tubing, adhere to the guidelines that will assist you in the full recovery of the tubing while making it come to room temperature.

 

Quick FAQs

 

How much does heat shrink reduce in size after heating?

Depending on their shrink ratios, different types of tubings shrink to different sizes. For instance, tubing with a 5mm diameter would shrink to 2.5 mm, with a shrink ratio of 2:1, when properly heated. Most heat shrinks also reduce along with their length upon heating. This reduction in size is typically 5 to 15% of the total length of the tubing.

 

What happens if the heat shrink is cut?

Cutting heat shrink tubings into smaller pieces usually does not cause any problem. In fact, cutting heat shrinks according to your needs is an essential step in your project.

 

What is the correct temperature to heat shrink the tubing?

The appropriate temperature to heat shrink the tubings usually depends on the heat shrink's size and material type. However, the most suitable temperature to shrink the Polyolefin tubing is around 90°C, while the tubings made of PVC require a slightly higher temperature, which is approximately 100°C to 110°C.

 

Is there any alternative to using heat shrinks?

The most common and appropriate alternative to heat shrink is electrical tape. However, you can also use expandable sleeves or self-amalgamating tape for lower voltages projects.