This page is part of the LacingCords.com educational + spec-directory system. Always verify exact requirements against OEM drawings, MIL specifications, and manufacturer datasheets before procurement.
What Are Lacing Tapes?
Lacing tapes are flat braided textiles used to tie, bind, and secure wire bundles in aerospace, defense, rail, and industrial electronics.
They provide a safe, flexible, lightweight way to organise harnesses without sharp edges or added bulk.
Lacing tapes are the flat-braid version of lacing materials.
The other major category is lacing cords, which are round or twisted materials.
Lacing Tape vs Lacing Cord
| Feature | Lacing Tape (Flat Braid) | Lacing Cord (Round / Twisted) |
| Shape | Flat | Round or twisted |
| Knot Holding | Very good (larger contact area) | Very good (depends on finish) |
| Common Use | Aircraft & avionics bundles | General aerospace + telecom |
| Materials | Nomex, PTFE, Polyester, Nylon, Fiberglass | Nylon, Polyester, Aramid |
| Handling | Smooth, flexible | Slightly firmer, more tension control |
Both forms are used across aerospace wiring harnesses.
The choice depends on drawing requirements, material rules, and environmental limits.
Common Materials Used for Lacing Tapes
Aerospace lacing tapes are produced in several materials.
This page provides a high-level overview only.
See material pages for detailed specs, finishes, and temperature behavior.
Nomex® (Meta-Aramid)
Used for high-temperature and flame-resistant aerospace harnessing.
Does not melt; chars in flame.
(See full Nomex Lacing Tape page →)
PTFE (Teflon®)
Used in areas needing chemical resistance, cleanliness, or very low outgassing.
Common for space, missiles, and cleanroom systems.
(See full PTFE Lacing Tape page →)
Polyester
Used in aviation and general electronics.
Good strength and stability for standard harnessing environments.
(See Polyester Lacing Tape page →)
Nylon
General-purpose aerospace lacing tape.
Flexible and easy to knot.
(See Nylon Lacing Tape page →)
Fiberglass / PTFE-Glass
Used in extreme temperature zones.
(See Fiberglass / PTFE-Glass Lacing Tape page →)
Where Lacing Tapes Are Used
Lacing tapes appear in:
- Aircraft avionics bundles
- Aircraft interior and cabin wiring
- Defense electronics
- Rail and transportation systems
- Industrial machinery harnesses
- Satellite and space-related wiring (material dependent)
They help create clean, serviceable, low-profile harnesses.
Workmanship: How Lacing Tapes Are Installed
Lacing tapes are tied using approved workmanship rules such as:
- Spot ties
- Continuous lacing
- Double-cord lacing
- Starting / finishing knots
These methods are described in NASA-STD-8739.4, the standard for cable harness workmanship.
This standard explains how to lace, not what materials to use.
Specifications Referenced in Aerospace Lacing
This section provides general information only.
Always verify exact spec requirements through your engineering drawing.
The following specifications appear in aerospace lacing materials:
- MIL-T-43435 (Types I–V)
- A-A-52080 to A-A-52084 (covers nylon, polyester, PTFE, fiberglass, Nomex)
- MIL-DTL-713 (twisted nylon cord)
- NASA-STD-8739.4 (installation workmanship)
Your drawing or OEM documentation will specify:
- Material
- Type
- Width / size
- Finish
- Tensile requirements
Cross-Reference & Verification Notice
Manufacturers label lacing tapes differently.
Widths, finishes, and tensile strengths vary.
Cross-references require verification using:
- Approved drawings
- Manufacturer datasheets
- Program requirements
Do not assume equivalence between part numbers or sizes unless documented.
Next Steps: Explore Material-Specific Lacing Tapes
Use the links below to see detailed specifications, sizes, finishes, and application notes for each material:
- Nomex Lacing Tape →
- PTFE Lacing Tape →
- Polyester Lacing Tape →
- Nylon Lacing Tape →
- Fiberglass / PTFE-Glass Lacing Tape →
Need aerospace-approved lacing materials?
Request a cross-reference or technical match via LacingCords.com →
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