This page is an educational + spec-directory resource. Always verify exact requirements against OEM drawings, MIL specifications, and manufacturer datasheets before procurement.
Nomex® lacing tape is a high-temperature, flame-resistant flat braid used to secure aerospace, defense, and industrial wiring harnesses. It is the Type V material defined under MIL-T-43435 and the modern A-A-52084 commercial item description.
Nomex tape is selected when a harness must remain stable in heat, resist flame, and avoid melting under fault or fire conditions.
1. What Nomex Lacing Tape Is
Nomex is a meta-aramid fiber engineered for high-temperature performance.
- Nomex does not melt — it chars in flame.
- It is widely used where fire risk, heat, and vibration demand a reliable lacing material.
From the Western Filament aerospace catalog, Nomex lacing tape has an approximate operating range of –100°F (–73°C) to 500°F (260°C).
Aerospace research confirms Nomex provides reliable performance in high-temperature and electrically sensitive environments.
2. Why Aerospace Engineers Choose Nomex
- Inherently flame-resistant
- Self-extinguishing
- Stable strength at high temperature
- Excellent dielectric insulation
- Low smoke / low toxicity
- Good resistance to oils and fuels
Nomex Type V tapes are used in:
- Aircraft avionics harnesses
- Engine-bay wiring (within approved limits)
- Satellites and launch vehicles
- Defense electronics
- High-temperature industrial cabling
3. Standards & Approval Path
Material Specification
- MIL-T-43435 Type V (legacy)
- A-A-52084 (current CID replacement)
Workmanship
NASA-STD-8739.4 governs lacing methods and knots, not material approval.
Verification is always program-specific.
4. Spec Summary — Nomex Type V / A-A-52084
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Nomex® meta-aramid |
| Form | Flat braided tape |
| Typical Sizes | .040″, .050″, .060″, .085″, .110″, .200″ (per manufacturer data) |
| Operating Range | –100°F to +500°F (–73°C to +260°C) |
| Flame Behaviour | Self-extinguishing; chars instead of melting |
| Finish Options | A (none), B (wax), C (elastomer), E (vinyl), F (silicone resin), G (liquid nylon) |
| Notes | Width, thickness, and tensile vary by manufacturer. Verify before use. |
5. Available Finishes (Manufacturer-Documented)
From Western Filament:
- A — Uncoated (cleanest, lowest outgassing)
- B — Wax (better knot stability)
- C — Elastomer (added stiffness, flame behaviour)
- E — Vinyl (handling + abrasion properties)
- F — Silicone Resin (thermal stability)
- G — Liquid Nylon (surface stability, knot handling)
Finish selection depends on application needs and approval requirements.
6. Outgassing Considerations (Spaceflight Use)
The aerospace materials research notes PTFE and PTFE-glass tapes are preferred for hard vacuum / low-outgassing environments. Nomex can be used, but:
- Finish choice must be verified
- Many spacecraft programs require uncoated Nomex (Finish A) or specific low-outgassing coatings
(Typical industry behaviour — requires verification.)
7. Installation (NASA-STD-8739.4 Methods)
Common aerospace lacing patterns:
- Spot ties
- Continuous spiral lacing
- Double-cord lacing
These workmanship methods are defined in NASA-STD-8739.4.
8. Nomex vs Other Lacing Materials
| Material | Heat Handling | Flame Behaviour | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomex | High (to ~260°C) | Self-extinguishing | General aerospace high-heat choice |
| PTFE | Excellent | Non-flammable | Slick; knots require technique |
| PTFE-Glass | Extreme | Incombustible | For the highest heat zones |
| Nylon | Lower | Burns / melts | General purpose |
| Polyester | Medium | Burns / melts | Aviation-friendly but not for high-heat |
9. Cross-Reference Note
Manufacturers (e.g., Western Filament, Breyden, Techflex) label Nomex tapes differently.
Cross-references must be verified using OEM drawings and manufacturer datasheets.
Never assume equivalence without documentation.
10. Limitations & Safety
- Do not substitute Nomex where PTFE-glass is required for extreme temperatures.
- Finish selection affects knot holding and flame behaviour.
- Tensile classes must match the drawing / repair order.
- Outgassing requirements vary by program.
11. Future Purchasing
LacingCords.com may offer AS9100-aligned Nomex lacing tapes in approved sizes and finishes.
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12. CTA
Need aerospace-approved lacing cords?
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