Choosing the right protective cover material comes down to how your equipment is used, where it is stored, and how often it needs to be accessed. Transhield manufactures three distinct cover materials, each engineered for a specific set of conditions. This guide breaks down what makes each material different, how they perform side by side, and the applications where each one shines.
For full specifications on any single material, you can also visit the dedicated product pages: 5-10 Mil Shrink Wrap, ArmorDillo, and Transhield XT.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Spec | Shrink Wrap (5 Mil) | Shrink Wrap (7 Mil) | Shrink Wrap (10.25 Mil) | ArmorDillo® | Transhield XT |
| Thickness | 19 mils | 23 mils | 32 mils | 60 mils | 45 mils |
| Weight (lbs/sqyd) | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.30 | 0.75 |
| Puncture Strength | 23 lbs | 28 lbs | 45 lbs | 275 lbs | 90 lbs |
| Tensile Strength (MD) | 1,400 psi | 1,500 psi | 1,500 psi | 6,000 psi | 3,000 psi |
| Tear Strength MD (Notched Elmendorf) | 3 lbs | 5 lbs | 21 lbs | 31 lbs | 16 lbs |
| UV Blockage | >80% | >80% | >80% | >99% | >99% |
| Water Vapor Transmission (ASTM F1249) | 3 | 3 | 1.69 | 1,000 | 5 |
| VCI Corrosion Inhibitor | Optional (Multi-Metal) | Optional (Multi-Metal) | Yes (Multi-Metal) | Yes (Multi-Metal) | Yes (Multi-Metal) |
| Expected Lifespan | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 to 4 years | 2 to 4 years |
| Designed for Daily On/Off Use | No (shrink-to-fit) | No (shrink-to-fit) | No (shrink-to-fit) | Yes | Yes |
All three materials are water-resistant, repel common oils, include a soft nonwoven inner layer, and can be custom-designed to fit equipment of any shape or size.
Custom Shrink Wrap Material Covers (5-10 Mil)
Transhield’s 5-10 mil shrink wrap material, branded as The Shrinkable Fabric®, is built around a different principle than a reusable fitted cover. It is a fabric that shrinks tightly to the shape of your equipment when heat is applied with a heat gun or heat tool. The result is a snug, aerodynamic, wrinkle-free fit that repels water and snow during shipping and storage.
The outer layer is a flexible, water-resistant shrink film, and the inner layer is a soft polyester nonwoven fabric that prevents scratches and helps water vapor evaporate so moisture is less likely to build up under the cover. Transhield offers this material in three thickness options:
- 5 mil (19 mils total thickness): lightest weight, best for smaller or lighter products; VCI optional
- 7 mil (23 mils total thickness): mid-weight option with higher puncture and tear strength; VCI optional
- 10.25 mil (32 mils total thickness): heaviest option with the highest puncture (45 lbs) and tear resistance; includes Multi-Metal VCI
Best Use Cases for Shrink Wrap Covers
Shrink wrap material is designed for shipping and longer-term storage applications where the cover does not need to come on and off repeatedly. Industries that use Transhield’s shrinkable fabric include:
- Marine OEM & individual owners
- Industrial equipment shipping and storage
- Energy, including wind turbine components
- Aviation, transportation, and rail
- HVAC equipment manufacturing
- Modular and prefabricated building shipments
- Recreational vehicles and powersports
The tight, shrink-to-fit application keeps products factory-fresh during shipping and storage, reducing warranty claims tied to in-transit damage. It also gives the covered equipment a sleek, wrinkle-free appearance on arrival.
ArmorDillo® Equipment Covers
ArmorDillo is the heaviest and highest-strength of the three cover materials compared here. At 60 mils thick and 1.30 lbs per square yard, it delivers 6,000 psi tensile strength and 275 lbs of puncture resistance. ArmorDillo uses a patented adhesive that emits Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI), forming a protective barrier on metal surfaces that slows corrosion by up to 95%. A breathable polyurethane layer allows water vapor to evaporate so moisture does not get trapped against equipment.
ArmorDillo is also the most breathable of the three. Its water vapor transmission rate is 1,000 (per ASTM F1249), which is a meaningful advantage for long-term outdoor storage in humid conditions because it actively pulls condensation outward rather than holding it inside the cover.
Best Use Cases for ArmorDillo
ArmorDillo covers are designed for industrial equipment that needs heavy protection in demanding conditions, with daily on/off accessibility. Common applications include:
- Industrial and manufacturing equipment
- Military ground forces, aviation, and naval assets
- Outdoor long-term storage in humid or wet environments
- Equipment that requires exterior graphics or labeling for fleet identification
ArmorDillo is available in red, green, royal blue, navy blue, tan, gray, and black, giving the widest color selection of Transhield’s three materials for branding and identification.
Transhield XT Heavy-Duty Covers
Transhield XT Heavy-Duty Covers are built to handle some of the toughest conditions on the market, from high heat and humidity to bitter cold and harsh winter snow. The smooth exterior sheds rain and snow while resisting UV rays, strong wind, and airborne pollutants. Like ArmorDillo, XT uses Transhield’s patented VCI adhesive to slow corrosion by 85% to 95%.
At 45 mils thick and 0.75 lbs per square yard, XT is lighter and thinner than ArmorDillo while still delivering full Multi-Metal VCI protection and a 2 to 4 year expected lifespan.
Best Use Cases for XT Covers
XT Covers are engineered specifically for daily on/off use, making them well-suited to environments where equipment is accessed frequently. XT is ideal for:
- Military fleet vehicles and ground equipment
- Industrial machinery in active rotation
- Aviation assets stored outdoors between missions
The soft interior protects Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) finishes from scratches, which is part of why XT is widely specified for military applications. Available colors include tan, green, and white ( for industrial use only). All XT military covers are also made in the U.S.A.
How to Pick the Right Material
A simple way to think about it:
Shipping a product or storing it untouched for the season?
The Shrinkable Fabric® creates a tight, custom fit for shrink-to-fit application. VCI is optional on the 5 and 7 mil thicknesses and included on the 10.25 mil; However, we recommend including VCI whenever corrosion protection is a priority.
Need maximum strength and breathability for long outdoor storage with daily access?
ArmorDillo is the heaviest-duty option, with the highest tensile strength, puncture resistance, and water vapor transmission rate of the three materials.
Need balanced protection at a lighter weight for daily-use equipment?
XT delivers VCI corrosion protection at roughly half the weight of ArmorDillo, with proven performance in extreme heat, humidity, snow, and wind.
Every Transhield cover is custom-designed to your equipment’s exact shape, with options for vents, zipper doors, hook and loop fasteners, labeling, and exterior graphics. Most installations can be handled by 1-2 people, which reduces labor time during application.
Get a Custom Recommendation
Picking the right cover often depends on details unique to your operation: how often equipment is accessed, how long it sits in storage, and the conditions it sees in transit. Transhield’s Data Acquisition and Design teams will work directly with you to spec the right material and tailor each cover to your equipment’s exact dimensions. With more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and a 97.4% customer retention rate, our team brings the knowledge to back every recommendation. Request a custom quote to get started today!