Highland Refractory® Ceramic Fiber Tape is the industry standard for high-temperature thermal management. Engineered for continuous service at 1260°C (2300°F), our tapes provide superior flexibility and tensile strength for the most demanding pipe wrapping and furnace sealing tasks.
Reinforced with high-quality glass fiber or Inconel wire, we offer 100% asbestos-free solutions that significantly cut heat loss and improve operational safety. Available in thicknesses from 2mm to 5mm, our tape adapts to irregular surfaces seamlessly. Request your technical consultation and factory-direct quote within 4-8 hours.
| Properties | 1260 Standard Grade | 1430 High-Alumina Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Classification Temp | 1260°C (2300°F) | 1430°C (2600°F) |
| Continuous Working Temp | 1050°C | 1350°C |
| Density (kg/m³) | 500 ± 50 | 550 ± 50 |
| Linear Shrinkage (1000°C, 24h) | ≤ 3.0% | ≤ 2.5% |
| Chemical Composition | Al₂O₃: 45-48% | SiO₂: 51-54% | Al₂O₃: 52-55% | SiO₂: 44-47% |
| Thickness (mm) | 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 6.0 (Customizable) | |
Selecting the wrong reinforcement leads to premature brittle failure. Highland provides specialized solutions based on mechanical stress and temperature flux.
Best For: Electrical insulation and pipe lagging where temp stays below 650°C. Best flexibility for tight radius wrapping.
Best For: High mechanical load and furnace door seals up to 1000°C. Provides superior structural integrity during installation.
Best For: Extreme environments above 1100°C with frequent thermal cycling. Prevents brittle fracture better than standard SS wire.
Ceramic fiber tape is a flexible insulation tape manufactured from alumina-silica ceramic fibers that are woven into a dense, durable textile form. Depending on performance requirements, the tape may be reinforced with fiberglass yarns or stainless steel wire to enhance tensile strength and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.
Unlike rigid refractory materials, ceramic fiber tape is designed to conform to irregular surfaces, joints, and gaps. Its primary function is not structural support but thermal insulation and sealing. When installed correctly, ceramic fiber tape reduces heat loss, protects adjacent components from thermal damage, and improves the overall efficiency and safety of high-temperature equipment.
The flexibility of ceramic fiber tape makes it particularly valuable in applications where rigid insulation cannot accommodate thermal expansion, vibration, or movement.
The performance of ceramic fiber tape begins with its fiber composition. Most ceramic fiber tapes are produced using high-purity alumina and silica fibers, which provide excellent thermal stability and low thermal conductivity. These fibers are spun into yarns and woven into tape form, resulting in a material that combines insulation performance with mechanical flexibility.
Reinforcement materials play a critical role in determining how ceramic fiber tape performs under load and at high temperatures. Fiberglass reinforcement improves strength and durability in medium-temperature applications, while stainless steel wire reinforcement enables the tape to maintain integrity under higher temperatures and mechanical stress.
The weave structure also influences performance. A tight weave increases abrasion resistance and durability, while a looser weave improves flexibility and ease of installation. Selecting the appropriate weave depends on the specific application environment.
One of the most frequently asked questions about ceramic fiber tape concerns its temperature capability. While many products are rated for maximum temperatures up to 1260°C or even higher, it is important to distinguish between maximum exposure temperature and recommended continuous operating temperature.
Continuous operating temperatures are typically lower than peak ratings and reflect the conditions under which the tape can maintain performance over extended periods. Exceeding continuous limits may not cause immediate failure but can accelerate fiber degradation and reduce service life.
Thermal conductivity of ceramic fiber tape remains low even at elevated temperatures, making it effective for reducing heat transfer through joints and interfaces. This property is particularly valuable in high-temperature sealing applications where heat leakage can compromise energy efficiency or safety.
Rigid insulation materials, such as refractory bricks or insulation boards, perform well on flat, static surfaces. However, many industrial systems involve joints, seams, doors, flanges, and moving components that require flexible insulation solutions.
Ceramic fiber tape fills this gap by providing a compressible, conformable insulation layer that adapts to surface irregularities and movement. This makes it ideal for door seals, expansion joints, pipe wraps, and equipment interfaces where rigid materials would crack or fail.
Additionally, ceramic fiber tape can be installed quickly and replaced easily during maintenance, reducing downtime and labor costs.
Ceramic fiber tape is used across a wide range of industries where high temperatures and thermal sealing requirements coexist. Its versatility allows it to serve multiple functions depending on installation method and operating conditions.
In industrial furnaces and kilns, ceramic fiber tape is commonly used to seal furnace doors, inspection ports, and expansion joints. These areas are prone to heat leakage due to thermal expansion and mechanical movement. By providing a flexible thermal seal, ceramic fiber tape helps maintain internal temperature stability and reduces energy loss.
In boilers and power generation equipment, ceramic fiber tape is applied around flanges, manholes, and access doors to prevent heat escape and protect adjacent components. Improved sealing contributes to higher system efficiency and safer operating conditions.
In petrochemical and chemical processing plants, ceramic fiber tape is used to insulate high-temperature piping, valves, and reactor components. Its resistance to thermal shock and chemical exposure makes it suitable for demanding process environments.
Automotive and aerospace industries also utilize ceramic fiber tape in exhaust systems, engine test stands, and thermal shielding applications. In these contexts, weight reduction and flexibility are additional advantages.
Fire protection and passive fire sealing represent another important application area. Ceramic fiber tape is often used to seal gaps and joints in fire-rated assemblies, where maintaining integrity under extreme heat is critical.
Selecting the appropriate ceramic fiber tape requires careful consideration of operating conditions rather than relying solely on temperature ratings. Continuous operating temperature, mechanical stress, chemical exposure, and installation method all influence performance.
For applications involving moderate temperatures and limited mechanical stress, fiberglass-reinforced ceramic fiber tape may be sufficient. In higher-temperature or mechanically demanding environments, stainless steel wire reinforcement provides added durability and resistance to deformation.
Tape thickness and width should be selected based on sealing requirements and available installation space. Thicker tapes provide better insulation but may require greater compression force to achieve an effective seal.
Surface treatments and coatings, such as vermiculite or silicone, can improve abrasion resistance, handling, and dust control. These treatments are particularly useful in applications where tape surfaces are exposed to airflow or mechanical contact.
Proper installation is essential to achieving optimal performance from ceramic fiber tape. Surfaces should be clean and free of debris to ensure good contact and sealing. When used as a gasket or seal, the tape should be compressed evenly to avoid gaps that could allow heat leakage.
In wrapping applications, ceramic fiber tape should be applied with consistent tension and overlap to ensure uniform insulation coverage. Mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or wire ties may be used depending on operating conditions.
Avoid over-compressing the tape, as excessive compression can reduce insulation effectiveness and accelerate fiber wear.
Ceramic fiber tape is part of a broader family of ceramic fiber insulation materials, each designed for specific functions. Compared with ceramic fiber rope, tape offers a flatter profile and better coverage for wide joints and surfaces. Compared with ceramic fiber cloth, tape is easier to install in narrow or confined spaces.
Ceramic fiber blankets provide bulk insulation for large surfaces but lack the sealing capability required at joints and interfaces. Understanding these differences helps users select the most effective material combination for comprehensive thermal management.
Despite its advantages, ceramic fiber tape is not suitable for every application. It is not designed to bear structural loads or withstand severe mechanical abrasion without reinforcement or protective measures.
In environments with extreme chemical attack or molten metal exposure, specialized refractory materials may be required. Recognizing these limitations helps prevent premature failure and ensures appropriate material selection.
Modern ceramic fiber tapes are manufactured to meet strict safety and environmental standards. However, handling precautions should still be observed to minimize fiber exposure. Using protective equipment during installation and following manufacturer guidelines ensures safe use.
Environmental regulations may also influence material selection, particularly in regions with specific requirements for fiber products.
Industrial ROI: Reducing Energy Loss via Precision Sealing
Heat leakage through furnace joints and pipe insulation is a major contributor to rising operational costs. Highland’s High-Density Ceramic Fiber Tape reduces convective heat loss by up to 25-30% compared to loosely woven alternatives. For a standard 20-meter industrial tunnel kiln, upgrading to Highland-grade seals can typically pay for its procurement costs in under 4 months through fuel savings alone.
Absolutely not. All our ceramic fiber products are 100% asbestos-free. We utilize high-purity alumina-silicate bulk fibers and strictly adhere to international environmental standards, including REACH and RoHS compliance. A technical data sheet (TDS) and safety data sheet (SDS) are available upon request for your safety audits.
The choice depends on your operating environment. Glass Fiber reinforcement is ideal for applications where electrical insulation is required and temperatures stay below 650°C. Stainless Steel or Inconel® wire reinforcement is mandatory for applications requiring high tensile strength, such as furnace door seals or high-vibration engine exhausts, where the tape must remain structurally intact up to 1000°C+.
Yes, this is a normal physical reaction. Our tapes contain a small amount of organic binder (typically 10-15%) to assist in the weaving process. During the initial heating phase, this binder will burn off, which may result in temporary smoke and slight discoloration. This does not affect the refractory performance or the thermal insulation properties of the ceramic fibers.
Yes. As an official manufacturer, we provide full customization. While our standard widths range from 25mm to 100mm, we can produce custom widths up to 300mm and thicknesses ranging from 2.0mm to 6.0mm. We also support specialized laminations, such as one-sided Aluminum Foil coating for enhanced radiant heat reflection.
For customized orders, our standard lead time is 30-45 working days to ensure precision weaving and quality inspection. To prevent moisture and compression damage during sea freight, all tapes are vacuum-sealed in plastic and packed in reinforced, IPPC-fumigated wooden crates. We maintain a historical transit damage rate of less than 0.8%.
Aluminum content 75%-80% Refractory 1770℃ or above
Silicon carbide plates are mainly composed of silicon carbide (SiC) as the aggregate (with a content usually ≥ 80%).
High alumina fine powder is a powder material with alumina (Al2O3) as the main component.
Refractory cement, also known as aluminate cement, is a fire-resistant hydraulic cementitious material.
Clay powder is a powdery material with clay minerals as the main component.
