Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo; President: Yasuhiko Saitoh) has developed the industry’s first heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing, ST-OR Type, specifically designed for busbar insulation.
Busbars, typically made of copper or aluminum, are conductive metallic strips used for power distribution and connection. They are increasingly in demand for applications in switchboards, control panels, and more recently, in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), where they must withstand high currents and voltages. To ensure safety and reliability, busbars are insulated with protective materials like tape or tubing.
Shin-Etsu Chemical’s new ST-OR Type tubing addresses the unique insulation requirements for busbars, particularly in EVs and HEVs, where higher voltages and currents necessitate advanced insulation solutions. Key features of the product include:
- Excellent electrical insulation properties inherent to silicone, with a dielectric strength of 28 kV/mm.
- Exceptional heat and cold resistance, providing stable performance in extreme temperatures (operating range: −40°C to +200°C).
- Bright orange exterior, making it suitable for high-voltage busbar insulation, offering an alternative to traditional high-voltage cables.
- Retains the flexibility of silicone rubber even after heat shrinking.
- Availability of ST-TC-1 Type, which features both thermal conductivity (1.0 W/m·K) and electrical insulation, ideal for thermal interface applications.
The heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing can be easily applied by heating, providing robust insulation and heat resistance for busbars. This new product improves the reliability of power distribution systems while reducing labor and production time in busbar manufacturing.
Shin-Etsu Chemical continues to innovate and deliver high-value silicone products, leveraging its technological expertise to solve customer challenges and contribute to a sustainable society.
