Downhole probe sleeves and methods for making probe sleeves

A method for manufacturing a heat-shrinkable polymer probe sleeve for downhole drilling, the method comprising:

• extruding a molten polymer through a die to form a tube, the die comprising a spider die having two or more spider legs supporting a mandrel within an opening of the die;
• and
• cooling the tube to a temperature below a melting temperature of the polymer after said extrusion and before relaxation of the polymer reaches equilibrium;
• wherein the cooled tube is configured as a probe sleeve configured to shrink into contact with an outer surface of a downhole probe upon re-heating, wherein the probe sleeve comprises two or more spider-lines each corresponding to a respective one of the two or more spider legs of the spider die, and wherein a number and orientation of the two or more spider legs of the die are selected based at least on a desired mode of shrinking for the probe sleeve upon said re-heating.