RT-218-3/4-9-SP (5451354004) - Tyco Electronics

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Tyco Electronics Corporation

300 Constitutional Drive

Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA

Specification

This Issue:

Date:

Replaces:

RT-218

Issue 4

July 3, 1997

Issue 3

THERMOFIT® RT-218 TUBING

Modified Polyvinylidene Fluoride,

Low Outgassing, Heat-Shrinkable

1. SCOPE

This specification covers the requirements for one type of flexible electrical insulating, extruded tubing

whose diameter will reduce to a predetermined size upon the application of heat in excess of 175ºC (347ºF).

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

This specification takes precedence over documents referenced herein. Unless otherwise specified, the latest

issue of reference documents applies. The following documents form a part of this specification to the extent

specified herein.

2.1 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED DOCUMENTS

Military

MIL-H-5606 Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base, Aircraft, Missile and Ordnance

MIL-T-5624 Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Grades JP-4 and JP-5

MIL-L-7808 Lubricating Oil, Aircraft Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base

MIL-A-8243 Anti-icing and Deicing - Defrosting Fluid

2.2 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

D-149 Tests for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Electrical Insulating

Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies

D-257 Standard Methods of Test for D-C Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials

D-638 Standard Method of Test for Tensile Properties of Plastics

D-792 Standard Method of Test for Specific Gravity and Density of Plastics

D-876 Testing Non-rigid Vinyl Chloride Polymer Tubing

D-2671 Standard Methods of Testing Heat Shrinkable Tubing

G 21 Standard Recommended Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric

Materials to Fungi

(Copies of ASTM publications may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916

Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.)

Underwriters Laboratories

UL 224 Standard for Extruded Insulating Tubing

(Copies of UL publications may be obtained from Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 1285 Walt Whitman Road,

Melville, Long Island, New York 11746.)

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3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 MATERIALS

The tubing shall be fabricated from thermally stabilized, modified polyvinylidene fluoride and shall be

crosslinked by irradiation. It shall be homogeneous and essentially free from flaws, defects, pinholes,

bubbles, seams, cracks, and inclusions.

3.2 COLOR

The tubing shall be white, unless otherwise specified

3.3 PROPERTIES

The tubing shall meet the requirements of Table 3.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

4.1 CLASSIFICATION OF TESTS

4.1.1 Qualification Tests

Qualification tests are those performed on tubing submitted for qualification as a satisfactory product and

shall consist of all tests listed in this specification.

4.1.2 Acceptance Tests

Acceptance tests are those performed on tubing submitted for acceptance under contract. Acceptance tests

shall consist of the following: dimensions, longitudinal change, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, heat

shock and flammability.

4.2 SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS

4.2.1 Qualification Test Samples

Qualification test samples shall consist of 50 feet (15 m) of tubing. Qualification of any size within each size

range specified below shall qualify all sizes within that size range.

Range of Sizes

3/64 through 1/4

3/8 through 2

For Fungus Resistance test, any size shall qualify all sizes.

4.2.2 Acceptance Test Samples

Acceptance test samples shall consist of not less than 16 feet (5 m) of tubing selected at random from each

lot. A lot shall consist of all tubing of the same size from the same production run and offered for inspection

at the same time.

SPECIFICATION RT-218 ISSUE 4 Page 3

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4.3 TEST PROCEDURES

Unless otherwise specified, perform tests on specimens which have been fully recovered for

3 minutes in a 200 ± 5ºC (392 ± 9ºF) oven. Prior to all testing, condition the test specimens (and

measurement gauges, when applicable) for 3 hours at 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF) and 50 ± 5 percent relative

humidity. Use mechanical convection type ovens in which air passes the specimens at a velocity of 100 to

200 feet (30 to 60 m) per minute.

4.3.1 Dimensions and Longitudinal Change

Measure three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing, as supplied, for length ± 1/32 inch (± 1 mm), and inside

diameter in accordance with ASTM D 2671. Recover and condition the specimens in accordance with

Section 4.3, measure the wall thickness and remeasure the length and inside diameter. Calculate the

longitudinal change as follows:

C = L1 - L0

L0 x 100

Where: C = Longitudinal Change [Percent]

0 = Length Before Recovery

1 = Length After Recovery

4.3.2 Tensile Strength and Ultimate Elongation

Determine the tensile strength and ultimate elongation in accordance with ASTM D 2671 using

1-inch (25-mm) bench marks and a 1-inch (25-mm) initial jaw separation. Use a rate of jaw separation of 2.0

± 0.2 inches (50 ± 5 mm) per minute.

4.3.3 Secant Modulus

The secant modulus of the tubing shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 671 using specimens in the as-

supplied condition

4.3.4 Low Temperature Flexibility

For tubing of expanded diameter 1/4 inch (6 mm) or greater, cut three strip specimens, 1/4 inch

(6 mm) wide and 12 inches (300 mm) long, from the expanded tubing. For tubing of expanded diameter less

than 1/4 inch (6 mm), cut three tubular specimens, 12 inches (300 mm) long, from the expanded tubing.

Recover the specimens in accordance with Section 4.3 and condition with appropriate mandrels for 4 hours at

-55 ± 2ºC (-67 ± 4ºF). Use mandrels with a diameter 10 times the specimen thickness, ± 10 percent. For

tubular specimens, use the outside diameter as the specimen thickness. While at the specified temperature,

and without removing the specimens from the cold chamber, wrap the specimens 360 degrees around the

mandrel in approximately 2 seconds. Visually examine for evidence of cracking. Disregard any side

cracking caused by flattening of the specimens on the mandrel.

4.3.5 Heat Shock

Condition three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing for 4 hours in a 300 ± 5ºC (482 ± 9ºF) oven. Remove

the specimens from the oven, examine for evidence of dripping or flowing, cool to 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF), wrap

180 degrees around a mandrel selected in accordance with Table 2, and then visually examine for evidence of

cracking. Disregard side cracking caused by flattening of the specimen on the mandrel.

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4.3.6 Heat Resistance

Three specimens prepared and measured in accordance with 4.3.2 shall be conditioned for 168 hours in a 225

± 3°C (437 ± 5°F) oven. After conditioning. the specimens shall be removed from the oven, cooled to 23 ±

3°C ( 73 ± 5°F) and tested for tensile and elongation in accordance with 4.3.2.

4.3.7 Dielectric Strength

The dielectric strength of the tubing shall be measured under oil in accordance with ASTM D 149. Five 6-

inch (1S0-mm) specimens of tubing shall be recovered over a metal mandrel by conditioning for 3 minutes in

a 200 + 3°C (392 ± 5°F) oven. The mandrel diameter shall be slightly larger than the fully re covered inside

diameter of the tubing being tested. The metal mandrel shall serve as one electrode, and a 1-inch (25-mm)

wide strip of lead foil wrapped around the outside of the tubing as the other electrode. The test voltage shall

be applied at a rate of rise of 500 volts per second. Thickness measurements for calculating dielectric

strength shall be made at the point of breakdown.

4.3.8 Corrosive Effect

The tubing shall be tested for copper mirror corrosion in accordance with ASTM D 2671, Method A. using

the time and temperature specified in Table III. For tubing sizes 1/8 and larger, specimens shall consist of

1/8 x l-inch (3x 2S-mm) strips cut longitudinally. Evidence of corrosion shall be the removal of copper from

a mirror, leaving an area of transparency greater than 5 percent of its total area.

4.3.9 Flammability

Flammability shall be tested by the following methods.

4.3.9.1 UL Subject 224, VW-1

Five 26-inch (660-mm) specimens shall be tested in accordance with UL Subject 224, VW-I.

4.3.9.2 ASTM D 876

Five 22-inch (660-mm) specimens shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 876

4.3.10 Vacuum Outgassing

Three 0.5 ± .05 gram specimens shall be recovered for 3 minutes at 200°C and then tested for percent total

weight loss and percent volatile condensable materials. The conditions for testing are: exposure time, 24

hours; sample temperature 130 ± 3°C; condensing surface temperature, 18 ± 3°C; and pressure, not greater

than 1 x 10 5 torr. The vacuum shall be provided by a diffusion pump, liquid nitrogen trap vacuum system.

The apparatus shall consist of a glass sample chamber, refluxing liquid heat source and a polished stainless

steel plate in close contact with a copper cold finger cooled internally by circulating water. The axis of the

exit of the sample chamber shall be perpendicular to and approximately 15-mm from the cooled condensing

plate. A Cahn RG micro balance or equivalent shall be used for weighing. The specimen shall be weighed

before and after conditioning and total weight loss calculated and the condensing plate shall be weighed

before and after to calculate percent volatile condensable material.

SPECIFICATION RT-218 ISSUE 4 Page 5

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4.3.11 Fluid Resistance

Six specimens shall be immersed in each of the fluids listed in Table III for 24 hours at 25 ± 2°C (77 + 4°F)

Three of the specimens in each fluid shall be prepared and measured in accordance with 4.3.2, and three shall

be 6-in-(150-mm) lengths of tubing which have been fully recovered in accordance with 4.3.1. The volume

of the fluid shall not be less than 20 times that of the specimens. After conditioning the specimens shall be

removed from the fluids, lightly wiped and then air dried for 30 to 60 minutes at 23 ± °C (73 ± 4°F). The

three specimens intended for the tensile strength test shall then be tested in accordance with 4.3.2. The other

three specimens shall then be slipped onto a tight fitting metal mandrel and tested for dielectric strength in

accordance with 4.3.7.

4.4 REJECTION AND RETEST

Failure of any sample of tubing to conform to any one of the requirements of this specification shall be cause

for rejection of the lot represented. Tubing which has been rejected may be replaced or reworked to correct

the defects and resubmitted for acceptance. Before resubmitting, full particulars concerning previous

rejection and action taken to correct the defects shall be furnished to the inspector.

5. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY

5.1 FORM

The tubing shall be supplied in lengths of 48 =1,-0 inches (1220 +25,-0 mm), unless otherwise specified.

5.2 PACKAGING

Packaging shall be in accordance with good commercial practice. The shipping container shall not be less

than 125-pound-test fiberboard.

5.3 MARKING

Each container of tubing shall be permanently and legibly marked with the size, quantity, manufacturer's

identification, product identification and lot number.

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TABLE 1

Tubing Dimensions

Expanded

As Supplied

Recovered Dimension -- After Heating

Size Inside Diameter Inside Diameter Wall Thickness

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Nominal

in.

mm. in. mm. in. mm. in. mm. in. mm.

3/64 .046 1.17 .023 0.58 .008 0.20 .012 0.30 .010 0.25

1/16 .063 1.60 .031 0.79 .008 0.20 .012 0.30 .010 0.25

3/32 .093 2.36 .046 1.17 .008 0.20 .012 0.30 .010 0.25

1/8 .125 3.17 .062 1.57 .008 0.20 .012 0.30 .010 0.25

3/16 .187 4.74 .093 2.36 .008 0.20 .012 0.30 .010 0.25

1/4 .250 6.35 .125 3.17 .009 0.23 .015 0.38 .012 0.30

3/8 .375 9.53 .187 4.74 .009 0.23 .015 0.38 .012 0.30

1/2 .500 12.70 .250 6.35 .009 0.23 .015 0.38 .012 0.30

3/4 .750 19.05 .375 9.50 .014 0.36 .020 0.51 .017 0.43

1 1.000 25.40 .500 12.70 .016 0.40 .022 0.56 .019 0.48

1 1/2 1.500 38.10 .750 19.05 .016 0.40 .022 0.56 .019 0.48

2 2.000 50.80 1.000 25.40 .017 0.43 .023 0.58 .020 0.50

10 .093 2.36 .031 .79 .008 0.20 .012 0.30 .010 0.25

11 .100 2.54 (See Note 1) .026 0.64 .030 0.76 .028 0.71

Note 1: Recovered I.D. for size 11 is .027 +/- .003 inches (0.69 +/- .08 mm)

TABLE 2

Mandrel Dimensions for Heat Shock

Diameter of Mandrel

Tubing Size in. mm.

3/64 to 3/16 5/16 7.9

1/4 to 2 3/4 19.0

SPECIFICATION RT-218 ISSUE 4 Page 7

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TABLE 3

Requirements

PROPERTY UNIT REQUIREMENT TEST METHOD

PHYSICAL

Dimensions

Inches (mm)

In accordance with Table 1

Section 4.3.1

Longitudinal Change Percent +0, -10 maximum ASTM D 2671

Tensile Strength psi (kPa) 5000 minimum (34,300) Section 4.3.2

Ultimate Elongation Percent 200 minimum ASTM D 2671

Secant Modulus psi(kPa) 8 x 104 minimum (5.5 x 105) Section 4.3.3

ASTM D 2671

Specific Gravity 1.9 maximum ASTM D 792

Low Temperature Flexibility

4 hours at -55 ± 2ºC (-67 ± 4ºF)

--- No cracking Section 4.3.4

ASTM D-2671

Heat Shock 4 hours

300 ± 5ºC(572 ± 9ºF)

--- No dripping, flowing, or cracking Section 4.3.5

ASTM D-2671

Heat Resistance

168 hours at 225 ± 5ºC (437 ± 5ºF)

Followed by test for:

--- --- Section 4.3.6

Tensile Strength psi (kPa) 3000 minimum (20.600)

Ultimate Elongation Percent 150 minimum

Vacuum Outgassing

TML (Total Mass Loss)

VCM (Volatile Condensable

Material)

Percent

1.0 maximum

0.1 maximum

Section 4.3.10

ELECTRICAL

Dielectric Strength

Volts/mil

(Volts/mm)

600 minimum (23,500)

Section 4.3.7

ASTM D 149

Volume Resistivity ohm-cm 1012 minimum ASTM D 257

CHEMICAL

Corrosive Effect Copper Mirror

16 hours at 200 ± 3ºC (392 ± 5ºF)

---

Non Corrosive

Section 4.3.8

ASTM D 2671

Flammability

Average Time of Burning

Seconds

Pass, VW-1 rating

15 maximum and self-

extinguishing

Section 4.3.9.1

U.L.Subj. 224

Section 4.3.9.2

ASTM D 876

Fungus Resistance --- Rating of 1 or less ASTM G 21

Fluid Resistance

24 hours at 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF)

JP-4 Fuel (MIL-T-5624)

Skydrol* 500

Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-H-5606)

Aviation Gasoline 100/130

(MIL-G-5572)

Salt Water (5% salt)

Anti-icing Fluid(MIL-A-8243)

Lubricating Oil (MIL-L-7808)

Followed by tests for:

Section 4.3.11

Dielectric Strength

Volts/mil

(Volts/mm)

600 minimum (23,500) Section 4.3.7

ASTM D 149

Tensile Strength psi (kPa) 2000 minimum (13.720) Section 4.3.2

ASTM D 2671

* Trademark, Monsanto Company