High-Temperature Solutions: A Complete Guide to 3M Glass Cloth Tapes
Continuing our series of articles on 3M tape products, we’re covering several other 3M Glass Cloth tapes, which are highly valuable and widely used in aviation maintenance and repair. These types of tapes are frequently used for several key functions, like
- High-Temperature Masking: Protecting surfaces during thermal spray operations or other heat treatment processes.
- Sealing and Splicing: Used for permanent sealing of ducts, chambers, and for splicing fabrics and other materials.
- Harnessing: Bundling and holding wires and harnesses.
- Corrosion Resistance: Wrapping and protecting components like stainless steel hot air ducts.
This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but it does provide a general understanding of where you would use glass-cloth-backed tapes in an aircraft.
Greenwood Aerospace is offering the following 3M Glass Cloth tapes for sale for government customers through GSA Advantage:
- 3M 361 Glass Cloth Tape – 2 in x 60 yd roll, high-strength glass cloth tape for general high-temperature applications.
- 3M 365 Glass Cloth Tape – Thermosettable glass cloth roll designed for high-temperature splicing, holding, and permanent bonding.
- 3M 398FR Glass Cloth Tape – 3 in x 36 yd roll, flame-retardant glass cloth tape that meets FAR 25.853 specifications for aerospace and regulated environments.
For any questions, expedited delivery requests, large order inquiries, or to confirm product availability, reach out to Greenwood Aerospace at gsasales@greenwood.aero or give us a call at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289).
High Temperature Tapes
High-temperature tapes for applications that require high-temperature resistance and strong adhesion, such as sealing ducts and backup strips in submerged arc welding. Obviously, that is not as important for aviation, but it does illustrate the overall usefulness and versatility of this tape, which can be used for extended periods in harsh environments.
3M Glass Cloth Tapes feature a strong, abrasion-resistant backing for bundling, harnessing, and protection applications. On a modern commercial jet or even a large VIP/private jet, like the Gulfstream C-37, the bundles of wires routinely run in lengths of miles, not feet. These wires must be bundled for safety reasons, and tape is one of the safest options for doing so.
These tapes use a pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive for high adhesion, clean removal, and high temperature resistance. 3M 398FR is a fire-resistant tape we care about, specifically designed for fire-resistant applications in areas requiring fire protection. It is designed to withstand a constant temperature of 250°F and a maximum cold temperature resistance of -20°F.
These tapes have seven times the tensile strength of polyester adhesive tape, thanks to the incorporation of fiberglass cloth. They are competent and durable, designed for long-term use across the entire airframe.
Features of Glass Cloth Tapes
Each 3M glass cloth tape is designed for high-temperature masking and long-term durability. Key features include:
- Woven fiberglass backing for mechanical strength, heat resistance, and flexibility.
- Pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive for high adhesion, clean removability, and abrasion resistance.
- Flame-resistant meets FAA F.A.R. 25.853 specifications.
- Substrate compatibility with metals, fabrics, and composites.
These combined properties enable glass cloth tapes to excel in high-performance adhesive applications, such as masking during powder coating, bundling wire harnesses, and sealing critical joints.
Each of the 3M Glass Cloth Tape products resists abrasion thanks to the fiberglass tape that is cut and abrasion-resistant.
Benefits of 3M Glass Cloth Tape
Why should you put 3M Glass Cloth Tapes into your toolbox? A few good reasons, and make sure to partner with Greenwood Aerospace via GSA Advantage for the best prices and acquisition made easy.
- Consistent performance in extreme environments—critical for aerospace and defense applications.
- Long aging and stability for permanent or semi-permanent applications.
- High abrasion resistance for components during production and operation.
- Clean removal after heat exposure, minimizing rework.
These tapes work easily on and around difficult textures and in other applications requiring high adhesion, such as harness wrapping. They are also great in applications where high tensile strength is a requirement or where resisting wear is mission-critical.
Flame Retardant Tapes
There are specific applications where flame-retardant or flame-resistant tapes must be applied due to the extremely sensitive nature of the area, namely in interior seams, to prevent the spread of fire. These are all stated explicitly in FAR 25.853(a) and (b), and 3M 398FR Glass Cloth Tape meets these requirements.
These tapes use a silicone adhesive to provide a high level of bonding strength to weird or irregular surfaces. This tape is flame-retardant, making it an excellent choice for MRO use in aerospace and aviation repair.
Product Information and Data Sheets for Glass Cloth
3M provides detailed technical data sheets for each product that specify its salient characteristics and features. You can read the full technical specs here:
Technical Data Sheet-3M 365
Glass Cloth Tape-3M 361
Technical Data Sheet-3M 398FR
- Temperature range (continuous 500°F / 260°C, intermittent temperatures of 550°F / 288°C for 361 and 365).
- Adhesion levels (35–60 oz/in, depending on product).
- Tensile strength (140–300 lbs/in across the product line).
- Dielectric strength for electrical applications.
- Flame retardant properties for regulated industries, and 3M 398FR is the flame retardant solution for many of these applications, from trucks to specialty vehicles, to all kinds of aircraft.
- Pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive for a great fit every time.
Shipping and Handling of Sensitive Materials
Shipping and handling of sensitive materials, including 3M Glass Cloth Tape, requires special care to ensure their safety and integrity. Greenwood Aerospace is highly experienced at both warehousing and shipping these types of products and maintains a high level of expertise in MIL-SPEC shipping and handling.
Manufacturer Spotlight: 3M
Founded as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, 3M has built a reputation for innovation and durability across its product lines. The company’s adhesive technologies and industrial tapes are trusted worldwide, particularly in aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, and defense industries.
3M Glass Cloth Tapes reflect this legacy by providing solutions that withstand extreme conditions while meeting safety and compliance requirements.
3M Glass Cloth Tapes are available in various widths, lengths, and packaging options:
- 361: Rolls from 0.5 in to 24 in wide.
- 365: Narrower widths for precision splicing and bundling.
- 398FR: Standard aerospace sizes for regulatory compliance.
Greenwood Aerospace offers several options, along with a portion of the 3M catalog of aviation tapes, glues, and sealants, through the GSA Advantage website, where prices are fixed and guaranteed for government customers.
Procurement From Greenwood Aerospace Through GSA Advantage
Procuring the parts and supplies you need shouldn’t be a chore, and that is why Greenwood Aerospace has invested in the GSA Schedule. We are also a dual holder of both HUBZone and Native American-owned certifications, and our entire catalog of 3M products is available to approved government agencies and military procurement specialists through GSA Advantage.
You can reach out to us at gsasales@greenwood.aero or give us a call at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289). These are dedicated comms for GSA Advantage items, so you will get the immediate attention you need to procure this fine line of products.
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