AQL / sampling plan – can we specify inspection sampling requirements?

Short answer: Yes. For program orders, you can specify an AQL level or sampling plan, and we can align inspection and reporting to the agreed requirement.

What AQL means in practice: AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) defines the sampling method and acceptance criteria used to decide whether a batch is accepted based on a sample inspection, instead of checking every piece.

Common sampling requirements customers provide:

• AQL level (e.g., based on your internal standard)
• Sample size and acceptance/rejection numbers
• Inspection categories: critical/major/minor defects
• Measurement list: I.D./O.D., width, thickness, length, workmanship, labeling

How to implement quickly: Send your sampling plan or AQL requirement with the RFQ, along with the product link, size, and quantity. If you do not have a plan, tell us what characteristics are critical for your application and we will propose an inspection checklist for agreement.

For inspection workflow overview, see Quality Guarantee. To access datasheets and technical PDFs, use Downloads.

Request a Quote / Sampling Plan

Radiant heat vs contact heat – what is the difference for product selection?

Short answer: Radiant heat transfers through infrared radiation without touching the hot surface. Contact heat transfers through direct conduction when the sleeve/tube touches the hot component. The required construction depends on exposure type, clearance, airflow, and temperature.

Radiant heat (no direct contact)

• Common near turbo housings, exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and hot pipes
• Improves significantly when you reduce heat at the source using exhaust insulation solutions
• Best practice: maintain clearance where possible, and protect hoses with fire sleeve or suitable thermal sleeving

Contact heat (touching hot parts)

• Occurs when routing is tight and the hose/sleeve contacts hot metal
• Requires more conservative selection and mechanical protection at rubbing points
• May require combined protection: source insulation + sleeve + fastening/routing improvements

Practical selection tip: If there is any chance of contact under vibration, treat it as contact heat (more severe) and add abrasion control where the sleeve may rub against brackets or clamps.

Send your routing photos for selection confirmation

Continuous vs peak temperature rating – which should I use?

Short answer: Use continuous rating for normal operating conditions over long duration, and peak/intermittent rating for short spikes. For safety and reliability, selection should be based on continuous conditions with an appropriate margin.

Why it matters: Many thermal products can tolerate brief spikes above continuous rating, but prolonged exposure may cause accelerated aging, hardening, coating degradation, or loss of mechanical strength.

• Continuous rating: long duration operating temperature (primary selection baseline)
• Peak/intermittent: short duration spikes (start-up, transient events, brief hot spots)
• Best practice: if your process includes frequent spikes, treat them as “quasi-continuous” and select a more conservative construction

For exhaust zones, reduce source temperature exposure using exhaust insulation solutions, and protect hoses with fire sleeve where needed.

For product ratings and technical PDFs: Downloads.

Clearance from exhaust components – what is recommended?

Short answer: Clearance requirements depend on exhaust surface temperature, airflow, duty cycle, vibration, and whether the exhaust is insulated. If clearance is limited, use a combined approach: reduce heat at the source and then protect the hose/wiring.

Practical guidance:

• More clearance is always safer: it reduces both radiant heating and accidental contact under vibration.
• If clearance is limited: insulate the exhaust/hot source using exhaust insulation solutions to reduce surface temperature and radiant emission.
• Protect nearby lines: use fire sleeve or an appropriate thermal sleeve on hoses/wiring.
• Treat “almost touching” as contact heat: vibration can turn near-contact into contact; add abrasion control at brackets/clamps using tapes and barriers.

Fast confirmation: send a routing photo with a reference scale (ruler or known hose size), plus measured max exhaust surface temperature if available. We will recommend a safer configuration.

Request a Quote / Routing Review

Fastening methods – how should I secure sleeves and insulation materials?

Short answer: Choose fastening based on temperature zone, vibration, and installation method. The goal is to prevent sliding while avoiding over-tightening that damages the sleeve.

• Clamps: preferred in higher vibration zones where positive mechanical retention is required
• Ties (temperature-appropriate): suitable for moderate temperature zones and tidy routing
• Tapes/barriers: useful for localized sealing, edge protection, or reinforcement using heat shield tapes and barriers
• Wiring/lacing: used where robust retention is required and temperature is high

Avoid common mistakes: over-tightening (cuts the sleeve), fastening directly on sharp edges, or leaving the sleeve free to migrate under vibration. Where clamps/brackets exist, add abrasion protection and verify after initial run-in.

For program-level conversion (cut-to-length, labeling, kitting), see Custom Capabilities. For product selection near exhaust heat, reference Exhaust Insulation Solutions.

How do I prevent abrasion at clamps, brackets, and routing points?

Short answer: Abrasion is usually caused by vibration and relative movement at contact points. Prevent it by correct sizing, secure retention, and localized reinforcement at high-risk points.

Recommended controls:

• Correct sizing: avoid sleeves that are too tight (increases friction and wear)
• Secure retention: prevent sleeve migration using suitable clamps/ties
• Edge protection: cover sharp edges or add localized reinforcement using heat shield tapes and barriers
• Routing review: adjust routing to reduce rubbing against brackets where possible
• Combined heat control: in exhaust zones, reduce source temperature using exhaust insulation to reduce heat-driven material aging

Field tip: The first wear spot is usually where the hose touches a fixed bracket during vibration. Reinforce those points first and re-check after initial operating hours.

Send photos for abrasion-risk recommendation

Lead time – what is the difference between stocked items and custom orders?

Short answer: Stocked items (common sizes and constructions) can ship faster. Custom orders require production time, and lead time depends on product type, size, quantity, and conversion/packaging requirements.

Typical lead-time drivers:

• Product family: sleeves, tapes, insulation solutions, welding protection materials
• Size and construction: special dimensions or multi-layer structures may take longer
• Quantity: larger quantities may require scheduled production
• Customization: cut-to-length, labeling, kitting, or special packaging (see custom capabilities)
• Document pack: program inspection records or traceability requirements

How to get a confirmed lead time: send product link, size, quantity, and target delivery date. If you need technical approval documents, also reference downloads and specify CoC/inspection requirements in your RFQ.

Request a Quote / Confirm Lead Time

MOQ by product type – what is the minimum order quantity?

Short answer: MOQ depends on product family, size range, coating/construction, and packaging requirements. Standard items may have lower MOQ, while custom items or special packaging typically require a higher MOQ.

What typically drives MOQ:

• Product family: sleeve vs tape vs insulation blanket vs formed parts
• Size and construction: uncommon sizes, special thickness, reflective layers
• Customization: cut-to-length, printed labels, kits, special packaging (see custom capabilities)
• Documentation level: program inspection and traceability requirements

Fast way to confirm MOQ: send the product link, target size, and estimated quantity. We will confirm MOQ and best price tier quickly via Request a Quote.

Start from core categories if you are selecting: Fire Sleeve | Exhaust Insulation Solutions | Heat Shield Tape | Welding Protection.