We recently started a project to increase our capacity in PTFE Coated Fiberglass Braided Tie Cords and Lacing Tapes. We’ve seen an “uptick” in this area recently and we want to be sure to keep safety stocks in place and then quickly respond to larger orders. We are committed to the markets we serve, and we are quick to invest when it makes sense.
In this case, we were reviewing our forecasts and made the call to add capacity. Note: PTFE Coated Fiberglass Lacing Tape is a flat braid, while PTFE Coated Fiberglass Tie Cord is a round braid. Without getting into the details, it takes different kinds of braiders to make flat versus round braid. Braiding equipment is typically available, but like everything else around here, “off-the-shelf” requires our Maintenance Shop to works its magic and modify these braiders to meet our unique needs. Running PTFE coated fiberglass yarns on braiders is not a “plug and play” operation.
So, let’s look at some of the more common specifications we’re dealing with in this product group.
Round Braided PTFE Coated Fiberglass Lacing Tape:
MIL-C-20079, Type III, Class 4 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E761-1330
MIL-C-20079, Type III, Class 6 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E761-314SS
MIL-C-20079, Type III, Class 3 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: R753-24
Flat Braided PTFE Coated Fiberglass Tie Cord:
A-A-52083B Size 2 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E779-303
A-A-52083B Size 3 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E779-476
A-A-52083B Size 4 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E779-680
A-A-52083B Size 5 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E779-1075
A-A-52492, Item 2.1.1 W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: R755-24
MIL-T-43435B W.F. Lake Corp. P/N: E779-303
The Marshall Space Flight Center along with NASA/TP-1999-209263, Multilayer Insulation Materials Guidelines lists all our PTFE Coated Fiberglass Lacing Tapes and Tie Cords in their reference literature, as well as Teflon coated fiberglass sewing thread (Teflon* is Chemours trademark name for PTFE).
It’s worth noting that we manufacture lots of other lacing tapes and tie cords that meet other A&D specifications, and we’re always developing new products to meet ever-changing customer needs.
Braided PTFE coated fiberglass tie cords and lacing tapes are one of the many product groups we manufacture right here in our Northern NY facility. We’re proud to say they are Made in the USA!