Why there is fiberglass or metal wire insert in the ceramic fiber tape?

ceramic fiber tape

The fiberglass or metal wire insert in ceramic fiber tape is added to enhance strength, durability, and handling characteristics. Here’s why these reinforcements are important:

1. Increased Tensile Strength

Fiberglass Insert: Improves the structural integrity of the tape, preventing it from fraying or tearing easily, especially during installation.

Metal Wire Insert (e.g., stainless steel or Inconel): Adds superior tensile strength, allowing the tape to withstand higher mechanical stress and vibrations in extreme environments.

2. Better Durability and Longevity

The insert materials help the tape maintain its shape and resist wear and tear over time, even in high-temperature applications.

Reduces shrinkage or deformation caused by prolonged exposure to heat.

3. Enhanced Handling and Installation

The reinforcement makes the tape more rigid, allowing for easier wrapping, sewing, or bolting onto equipment, pipes, and exhaust systems.

It prevents excessive stretching or distortion during application.

4. Improved Thermal Resistance and Heat Stability

Metal wire inserts (especially stainless steel or Inconel) can endure temperatures beyond 2000°F (1093°C) without degrading, making them ideal for extreme heat applications like furnace doors, exhaust systems, and high-temperature gaskets.

Fiberglass inserts provide good thermal resistance while keeping the tape lightweight and cost-effective.

5. Resistance to Abrasion and Mechanical Stress

In applications where the tape is exposed to friction, movement, or mechanical impact, metal inserts help prevent premature wear.

Ideal for environments with vibrations, expansion, and contraction, such as industrial ovens, kilns, or foundries.

Choosing the Right Insert

Fiberglass Reinforced Ceramic Fiber Tape → For standard high-temperature insulation with flexibility and affordability.

Stainless Steel Wire Reinforced Ceramic Fiber Tape → For extreme heat, mechanical strength, and heavy-duty applications.

Inconel Wire Reinforced Ceramic Fiber Tape → For high-temperature and corrosive environments, such as aerospace and petrochemical industries.