The Complete Guide to Peelable Heat Shrink Tubing for Medical Device Manufacturers
Everything medical device engineers need to know about peelable heat shrink tubing — how it works, catheter applications, size selection, and how it compares to skiving.
What Is Peelable Heat Shrink Tubing?
Peelable heat shrink tubing — also called peel away tubes — is fluoropolymer heat shrink tubing that behaves identically to standard FEP heat shrink during the reflow process, but can be removed by hand peeling rather than blade skiving.
The key innovation is in the material's molecular structure. Through proprietary manufacturing techniques, the tubing is formulated so that after heat processing it retains full bonding and laminating performance, yet separates cleanly along its wall when a peel force is applied. No tools required. No blade near your catheter shaft.
Who developed this?
The concept was pioneered by Junkosha, a Daikin Group company, which continues to manufacture the product under the Junflon® brand. The ITP-01 series — distributed in Israel exclusively by Koto Electronics — is the market-leading product in this category.
Removing Junkosha ITP-01 Peelable HST from a guidewire — single slit, hand peel, zero blade contact.
Why Does Removal Method Matter?
In catheter manufacturing, heat shrink tubing plays a critical role: it applies radial pressure during the reflow step, laminating jacket materials to the braid or coil reinforcement beneath. The problem comes at the end of the reflow oven.
Traditional FEP Skiving
- 30–90 seconds per catheter
- Highly operator skill-dependent
- Blade slips → catheter damage
- Damage may be invisible until final inspection
Peelable HST (ITP-01)
- 5–10 seconds per catheter
- Low skill — any technician can do it
- Zero blade contact with the device
- Full bonding performance preserved
Medical Device Applications
Peelable heat shrink tubing is used wherever standard FEP heat shrink is used in device manufacturing — with zero compromise on processing performance.
Catheter Manufacturing
- Jacket reflow over braid/coil
- Tip forming & bonding
- Balloon bonding
- Torque layer lamination
Guidewire Manufacturing
- Polymer jacket lamination
- Tip coating processes
- Hydrophilic coating application
Endoscope & Delivery Systems
- Multi-layer shaft construction
- Transition zone lamination
- Handle bonding
How to Select the Right Peelable Heat Shrink Tubing
| Family | Shrink Ratio | French Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFPX | 2.0:1 | 1.3 – 5.7 Fr | Highest shrink ratio, small O.D. |
| NFPR | 1.8:1 | 1.6 – 11.1 Fr | Widest standard coverage, 10 sizes |
| NFPM | 1.6:1 | 0.9 – 1.3 Fr | Ultra-small, guidewires & micro-catheter |
| NFPS/NFPSC | 1.6:1 | 1.6 – 18.0 Fr | Widest size range, transparent/translucent |
| NFP | 1.5:1 | 15.7 – 34.3 Fr | Extra-large, TAVI & delivery systems |
4-Step Selection Process
- 1Determine your catheter O.D. range
- 2Match shrink ratio to your tolerance stack
- 3Choose transparency (NFPSC = transparent for visual inspection)
- 4Choose length format (standard / cut-to-length / pre-slit)
Key Specifications
- Processing Temperature200°C / 392°F
- SterilizationEtO + Steam
- BiocompatibilityUSP Class VI
- Size Range0.9 – 34.3 Fr
Available in Israel
Junkosha ITP-01 — Junflon® Peelable HST
6 product families, 43+ standard part numbers, 0.9–34.3 Fr. Free samples available through Koto Electronics.
Request Free SamplesReady to validate on your actual build?
ITP-01 samples are available at no cost. Submit a request on the product page and we'll respond within 24 hours with a quote or sample pack.
ITP-01 Product Page →