FAQ – Thermal Protection Products (BSTFLEX)
This FAQ helps engineers and procurement teams quickly confirm product selection, sizing, documents (CoC/inspection/traceability), custom options, MOQ, lead time, shipping, and technical downloads for BSTFLEX thermal protection products.
Fire Sleeve | Automotive Heat Shields | Heat Shield Tape & Barriers | Exhaust Insulation Solutions | Welding Protection | Download Technical Documents | Quality Guarantee | Request a Quote
Samples & Getting Started
Q1. Can I request samples before placing an order?
Yes. We can provide samples for evaluation. Please include your application details (temperature, exposure type, size, and quantity plan) so we can recommend the correct construction. For faster selection, share routing photos or drawings. Submit your request here: Request a Quote.
Q2. Which product family should I start with?
Start with the dominant risk: heat/flame on hoses or wiring → Fire Sleeve; localized hot spots → heat shield tapes and barriers; hot turbo/exhaust/pipe surfaces → exhaust insulation solutions; hot-work protection during maintenance → welding protection blankets.
Sizing & Measurement
Q3. What is the difference between inner diameter (I.D.) and outer diameter (O.D.)?
I.D. is the inside opening measurement; O.D. is the outside measurement. For protective sleeves, selection should start from the hose/bundle O.D. (installation diameter), not the hose I.D. (flow diameter). See our sizing guide: this FAQ section and request confirmation if routing is tight.
Q4. How do I size a sleeve properly to fit the hose?
Measure the hose or bundle O.D. at the protection point. If the hose flexes or vibrates, choose a slightly larger sleeve I.D. to avoid restriction and abrasion. If the sleeve must pass over fittings, confirm the maximum O.D. at the fitting. For high-heat zones near exhaust routing, combine hose protection with exhaust insulation solutions.
Q5. How do I convert circumference to diameter?
Use: Diameter (D) = Circumference (C) ÷ 3.14. Use the same unit for both (mm or inch). If you want us to confirm sizing, send your O.D., photos, and temperature/exposure details via Request a Quote.
Q6. How do you cut a hose sleeve?
For most sleeves, sharp scissors or a utility knife works. For cleaner edges and reduced fraying on some textiles, a hot knife is recommended. If you need cut-to-length, special packaging, or labeling, see Custom Capabilities.
Selection & Engineering Guidance
Q7. Radiant heat vs contact heat—what’s the difference for selection?
Radiant heat transfers from a hot surface (e.g., turbo or downpipe) without direct contact. Contact heat is direct conduction when the sleeve touches a hot component. Selection depends on exposure type, clearance, peak temperature, and whether the protection point can touch hot metal. For hot exhaust zones, consider exhaust insulation solutions.
Q8. How do I choose between fire sleeve, heat shield barriers, and exhaust insulation?
Use fire sleeves to protect hoses/cables, heat shield tapes and barriers for localized hot spots and edge sealing, and exhaust insulation solutions to reduce heat at the source (turbo, manifold, piping). Many high-performance systems use a combination of all three.
Q9. What temperature rating should I use: continuous vs peak?
Always specify both continuous operating temperature and short-term peak exposure. Continuous ratings reflect long-duration stability, while peak ratings reflect brief events (e.g., transient high-load conditions). For internal approval, refer to product datasheets in Downloads.
Q10. What clearance from exhaust components is recommended?
Clearance depends on temperature, airflow, vibration, and installation constraints. As a rule, more clearance reduces heat soak risk. If clearance is limited, prioritize source heat management using exhaust insulation solutions and add localized shielding with heat shield barriers.
Q11. Which fastening method should I use (clamps, ties, tape, lacing wire)?
Choose fastening based on temperature and vibration. Metal clamps work well in hot zones; ties may be suitable for lower temperature areas; tapes can help with edge sealing and localized protection. If you share routing photos and expected heat exposure, we can recommend an appropriate fastening method via Request a Quote.
Q12. How do I protect hose bundles with branches or breakouts?
Measure the bundle O.D. at the tightest section and plan branch points where the bundle splits. For breakouts, you may need staged protection and localized sealing using heat shield tapes and barriers. Share a routing diagram and we will recommend a practical construction.
Q13. Can sleeves be used on fuel, oil, coolant, or pneumatic lines?
Yes, but selection must consider temperature, abrasion, and potential fluid exposure. If chemicals or fluids can contact the sleeve, specify the fluid type and operating temperature range. For hose and line protection near heat/flame, start with Fire Sleeve.
Q14. How do I prevent abrasion at clamps, brackets, and routing points?
Identify chafe points and add protective layers where vibration causes rubbing. Ensure the sleeve is not over-tight and route away from sharp edges. Use localized protection and edge sealing with heat shield barriers when needed.
Quality, Documents & Traceability
Q15. What documents can you provide (CoC, inspection report, SDS/MSDS, RoHS/REACH)?
Depending on the product and program requirements, we can support documentation such as CoC (upon request), agreed inspection records, and technical datasheets. For specified products and markets, SDS/MSDS and compliance declarations (where applicable) can be provided. If documents are required for approval, please list them in your RFQ and check our Downloads.
Q16. What is included in a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
A CoC typically references the purchase/order information and confirms the supplied items meet the agreed specification. If you need CoC content aligned to your internal format, include your requirement in the RFQ. Learn more about our inspection and traceability approach on Quality Guarantee.
Q17. Do you support batch traceability? What can be traced?
Materials are batch referenced and traceability can be supported where applicable. Depending on product/program, traceability may include material lot reference, production batch identification, and linked inspection records. For full details and program alignment, please refer to Quality Guarantee.
Q18. Can we specify AQL or a sampling plan for inspection?
Yes. If your program requires a specific sampling plan or AQL level, we can align inspection and reporting to the agreed requirement. Please include the sampling standard in your RFQ for confirmation.
Q19. Do you provide incoming, in-process, and final inspection records?
We follow inspection steps aligned with product construction and critical-to-quality characteristics. If you require specific inspection points or reporting templates, include them in your RFQ. For an overview of quality workflow, see Quality Guarantee.
Q20. Where can I find certifications and compliance evidence?
If your purchase decision requires certification evidence, we recommend referencing the relevant product datasheet and the certification documents provided for that product/program. For general evidence pages, see Certifications and our Quality Guarantee.
Failure Modes & Risk Control
Q21. What are common failure modes of sleeves in service?
Typical failure modes include abrasion at brackets/clamps, heat soak from insufficient clearance, fluid contamination exposure, and installation damage (cuts, over-tight fastening). The best controls are correct sizing, controlled routing, secure fastening, and combining hose protection with source heat management such as exhaust insulation solutions.
Q22. Can a sleeve trap heat and damage the hose?
If a sleeve is installed too tight or the hose is routed with insufficient clearance from hot components, heat soak can occur. Select appropriate sizing allowance, maintain clearance, and reduce heat at the source when needed. For high-heat exhaust zones, consider exhaust insulation solutions.
Q23. How do I prevent sleeve sliding during vibration?
Use fastening suited to temperature and vibration (for example, clamps in hot zones). Avoid over-tight fastening that can damage the sleeve. If you share routing photos and operating conditions, we can recommend practical securing methods through Request a Quote.
Q24. Can sleeves be reused after maintenance?
Reuse depends on the product construction and service exposure. If the sleeve shows abrasion damage, heat degradation, contamination, or loss of integrity, replacement is recommended. If you need a program guideline, include your maintenance cycle and exposure conditions in the inquiry.
Q25. How do I protect surrounding parts during welding or hot-work maintenance?
Use dedicated shielding to prevent sparks/spatter and to protect nearby hoses and components. See welding protection blankets for maintenance and repair operations.
Ordering, MOQ, Lead Time & Shipping
Q26. What is your MOQ (minimum order quantity)?
MOQ depends on product family, size, coating, and packaging requirements. For a fast confirmation, send the product link (if available), size, and estimated quantity. We will confirm MOQ and pricing quickly via Request a Quote.
Q27. What is your typical lead time for stocked vs custom items?
Lead time depends on product type and order details. Some commonly requested items may be available from stock, while customized items require production time. For accurate confirmation, include quantity, size, and required delivery date in your RFQ. If you also require documents (CoC/inspection), list them at the same time.
Q28. What Incoterms and shipping methods do you support?
Shipping can be arranged by express, air, or sea depending on urgency and volume. We can support common Incoterms based on the order and destination. If you have a preferred carrier or Incoterms requirement, include it in your inquiry and we will provide options.
Q29. How do I request a fast and accurate quotation?
For a fast quote, include: product family/link, size (I.D./O.D./width/length), quantity, temperature range (continuous and peak), exposure type (radiant/contact heat, flame, abrasion, fluids), routing constraints, and required documents (CoC/inspection/SDS). Submit your RFQ here: Request a Quote.
Q30. Can you support custom sizes, program packaging, or labeling?
Yes. We support cut-to-length formats, shaped parts for repeatability, and packaging/labeling options depending on program requirements. See Custom Capabilities and include requirements in your RFQ.
Resources
Q31. Do you have technical datasheets and PDFs for internal approval?
Yes. Many product families have technical overview PDFs and datasheets. Visit: Download Technical Documents.
Q32. Do you still provide a temperature conversion table?
For temperature unit conversion (°C/°F/K), we recommend using a dedicated reference resource rather than a long table inside the main FAQ. If your team needs a conversion reference, request it through Contact or access supporting documents from Downloads.
Partnership
Q33. How can I become a distributor?
We welcome distribution partners with technical capability, reliable service standards, and long-term market commitment. Please introduce your company, target market, and product focus via Contact.
Need a Fast Recommendation?
Share your application details (temperature, exposure, hose/bundle size, routing constraints, quantity, and required documents). We will recommend the correct product family and provide a fast quotation.























