Raychem HFT5000 Heat Shrink

Raychem HFT5000 is a heat-shrinkable woven fabric tubing from TE Connectivity — not a conventional heat shrink tube. The weave combines polyethylene (PE) and polyester (PET): the PE component provides shrink force while the PET weave delivers abrasion resistance. It is halogen-free, black, and recovers at a low 80°C minimum — well below DR-25 (175°C) — making it safe to apply over finished wiring without damaging the wire insulation.

HFT5000 is an abrasion protection product, not a sealing product. The woven construction is intentionally porous and does not seal against fluids. Use it where mechanical abrasion or chafing is the primary risk.

Specifications

Property	Value
Material	PE/PET heat-shrinkable woven fabric
Shrink ratio	2:1
Colour	Black
Halogen-free	Yes
Operating temperature	−40°C to +125°C (continuous, 3,000 h)
Operating temperature	−40°C to +150°C (intermittent, 1,000 h)
Minimum recovery temperature	80°C
Full recovery temperature	110°C
Recommended recovery temperature	140–190°C
Longitudinal shrinkage	~10%
Maximum storage temperature	+60°C
Shelf life	12 years
Fluid sealing	None — woven construction is porous

Sizes stocked

Size	Supplied ID	Recovered ID
6/3 mm	6 mm	3 mm
12/6 mm	12 mm	6 mm
20/10 mm	20 mm	10 mm

Choose a size where the bundle OD falls between the recovered and supplied diameters — the tubing must slide over the bundle before heating and grip firmly after recovery.

When to use HFT5000

Situation	Correct approach
High-abrasion routing — gearbox tunnel, floor runs, bracket pass-throughs	HFT5000 over finished DR-25 jacketed harness
Dry zone mechanical protection only	HFT5000 standalone — no DR-25 required
Fluid-exposed routing (wet bay, near injectors or fuel lines)	DR-25 as primary sealed jacket, then HFT5000 over top
Exhaust-adjacent or high-heat zones	DR-25 only — HFT5000 is not rated for flame-exposed routing

Application

Recovery requires 80°C minimum at the tubing surface; 140–190°C is recommended for complete recovery. A standard heat gun is sufficient — move it continuously to avoid local overheating of the wires underneath.

HFT5000 shrinks approximately 10% in length during recovery. Pre-cut lengths longer than the finished section before applying heat.

Per metre: Each metre ordered is one continuous cut length — not separate pieces. Hand-wound loose, not on a spool.

FAQ

Is HFT5000 the same material as DR-25?

No. DR-25 is a solid-wall cross-linked polyolefin tube — it seals against fluids and is flame retardant. HFT5000 is a woven PE/PET fabric — it provides abrasion resistance but is porous and not rated for flame-exposed routing. The two products are complementary: DR-25 seals the harness, HFT5000 protects the outside in abrasive environments.

Does HFT5000 provide fluid or environmental sealing?

No. The woven construction is porous by design — it does not seal against fuel, oil, coolant, or moisture. For harness runs through fluid-exposed zones, use DR-25 as the primary sealed jacket first and HFT5000 over the top for abrasion protection.

Can I use HFT5000 without DR-25 underneath?

Yes, in dry zones where abrasion is the only risk — such as routing through a gravel shield bracket or along a bare chassis rail. In wet bays and areas with fluid spray, DR-25 underneath is required to maintain the harness seal.

What size HFT5000 do I need?

Measure the outside diameter of your bundle or DR-25 jacketed loom. The supplied (pre-shrink) ID must slide over the bundle; the recovered ID must be at or below the bundle OD to grip firmly. For bundles up to 5 mm OD: use 6/3 mm. For bundles up to 11 mm OD: use 12/6 mm. For bundles up to 19 mm OD: use 20/10 mm.