Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing & Braided Synthetic Packing
International Seal supplies synthetic fibre gland packing, also known as braided synthetic packing, for industrial sealing applications requiring mechanical durability, flexibility and reliable performance across a range of operating environments.
Synthetic gland packing is manufactured from engineered textile fibres, which can be combined with lubricants or impregnations to provide suitable sealing characteristics for industrial equipment. Depending on the fibre composition and construction, synthetic packing can offer a practical and economical solution for pumps, valves, agitators and general process machinery. Our synthetic fibre gland packing range can accommodate different braided constructions, including selected lubricated and PTFE-impregnated synthetic fibre packing materials, depending on application requirements.
International Seal supplies synthetic fibre gland packing to distributors, OEMs and industrial customers throughout the UK and internationally, supporting maintenance, replacement, repeat orders and volume requirements.
Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing Specifications
Synthetic fibre gland packing offers a versatile combination of mechanical durability, flexibility and sealing performance for general industrial applications.
- Good Mechanical Strength & Durability
- Flexible Braided Construction
- Suitable for General Industrial Sealing
- Selected Wear-Resistant Constructions
- Lubricated & PTFE-Impregnated Options
- Suitable for Pumps, Valves & Process Equipment
- Square Section Packing Options
Operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and chemical compatibility depend on the fibre composition, packing construction, impregnation and operating conditions.
Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing Sizes
Synthetic fibre gland packing can be supplied in a range of square cross-sectional sizes for industrial pumps, valves and general sealing applications. The appropriate packing dimensions depend on the equipment’s stuffing box, shaft or stem size and operating requirements.
| Cross-Section (mm) | Coil Length | Reel Length |
|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 4 × 4 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 5 × 5 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 6 × 6 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 8 × 8 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 9.5 × 9.5 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 10 × 10 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 12 × 12 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 12.5 × 12.5 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 14 × 14 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 16 × 16 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 18 × 18 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 19 × 19 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 20 × 20 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 22 × 22 | 8 m | 25 m |
| 25 × 25 | 8 m | 25 m |
Synthetic fibre gland packing requirements can vary depending on the pump or valve design, operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and process media. Selecting the correct cross-section and packing construction is important for achieving reliable sealing performance.
International Seal can review standard and customer-specific gland packing requirements for industrial maintenance, equipment manufacturers and distributors throughout the UK and Europe.
For pricing and availability, please provide your required cross-section, packing length, quantity and application details.
What is Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing?
Synthetic fibre gland packing is a braided sealing material manufactured from engineered synthetic yarns and fibres selected for their mechanical and sealing characteristics. Unlike gland packing manufactured primarily from PTFE, graphite, aramid or carbon fibre, synthetic fibre packing covers a broader range of fibre compositions and composite constructions. The packing is installed into the stuffing box of pumps, valves and industrial equipment, where compression from the gland follower creates a sealing interface around the shaft or spindle. Depending on the material formulation, synthetic fibres may be combined with PTFE dispersions, oils or other lubricating materials to improve sealing performance and reduce friction.
Synthetic fibre packing is frequently used for general industrial maintenance and replacement applications where the operating conditions do not require specialist high-temperature or highly chemical-resistant packing materials.The exact performance depends on the fibre type, braid density, impregnation, lubrication and operating environment.
Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing Properties
Mechanical Strength & Durability
Selected synthetic fibres provide good tensile strength and mechanical durability, making them suitable for a range of industrial sealing applications. The mechanical performance of synthetic packing depends on the fibre composition and braided construction. Certain grades may offer improved wear resistance for equipment exposed to repeated movement or moderate mechanical loading.
Flexibility & Conformability
Braided synthetic fibre packing provides a flexible sealing material that can conform to gland surfaces when compressed. This makes it useful for replacement packing and general maintenance applications where the correct section size and installation procedure are followed. The degree of flexibility depends on the braid construction and fibre composition.
Friction & Lubrication
Synthetic fibre packing may incorporate lubricants or PTFE impregnations to reduce friction between the packing and shaft or spindle. Lubricated constructions can help improve sealing performance in suitable rotating equipment. Correct gland adjustment and adequate lubrication remain important to avoid excessive heat generation and wear.
Chemical & Temperature Resistance
The chemical and temperature resistance of synthetic fibre packing depends on the specific fibre composition and any additional impregnations. Some grades are designed for water-based applications, while others may offer compatibility with selected oils, lubricants or industrial fluids. Synthetic fibre packing should not be assumed to provide universal chemical resistance or high-temperature capability. The manufacturer's technical specifications should always be reviewed before material selection.
Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing Constructions
Different synthetic fibre packing constructions can be selected according to the operating environment and equipment requirements.
Braided Synthetic Fibre Packing
Braided synthetic fibre packing is manufactured from engineered yarns to provide a flexible and mechanically durable sealing material. It is commonly used for general industrial pump and valve sealing where the operating conditions are compatible with the selected fibre grade.
PTFE-Impregnated Synthetic Fibre Packing
Synthetic fibre packing may be impregnated with PTFE dispersions to improve lubricity and reduce friction. These constructions can be suitable for pumps and industrial equipment requiring a combination of fibre strength and improved frictional characteristics.
Lubricated Synthetic Fibre Packing
Selected synthetic fibre packing grades incorporate additional lubricants to improve flexibility and support sealing performance in rotating or reciprocating equipment.Lubricant compatibility must be considered where the equipment handles chemicals, elevated temperatures or contamination-sensitive process fluids.
Typical Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing Applications
Synthetic fibre gland packing is used across a range of industrial applications requiring practical and reliable sealing performance.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial Pumps
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Water Treatment Equipment
- Industrial Valves & Valve Stems
- Agitators & Mixers
- General Process Equipment
- Fluid Handling Equipment
- Utility & Service Equipment
- Maintenance & Replacement Packing
- General Industrial Sealing
Suitability for each application depends on the specific fibre construction, shaft speed, temperature, pressure and process media.
Synthetic Fibre Packing for Pumps & Valves
Synthetic fibre gland packing is commonly used in general industrial pumps and valves where flexible, mechanically durable sealing materials are required. In rotating pumps, suitable synthetic packing constructions provide a sealing interface around the shaft while allowing the necessary movement. PTFE-impregnated or lubricated grades may help reduce friction and improve operating performance where compatible with the equipment.
In valve applications, synthetic fibre packing can provide sealing around valve stems operating within the material's published temperature and pressure limits. Correct packing installation, gland adjustment and lubrication are essential for maintaining sealing performance and limiting shaft wear. The correct construction should be selected according to the equipment design and operating environment.
Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing Material Selection
Synthetic fibre gland packing is commonly selected for general industrial sealing applications where a balance of mechanical durability, flexibility and cost is important. Compared with PTFE Gland Packing, synthetic fibre packing may offer a more economical alternative for suitable general-purpose applications, although PTFE generally provides broader chemical resistance.
Graphite Gland Packing may be preferred for demanding high-temperature applications requiring good thermal conductivity.
Aramid Gland Packing is commonly selected where abrasion resistance and high mechanical strength are particularly important.
Carbon Fibre Gland Packing can provide an alternative combination of mechanical strength, dimensional stability and thermal performance.
Graphited PTFE Gland Packing may be more suitable where low friction, chemical resistance and improved heat dissipation are required. The correct material should always be selected against the operating media, temperature, pressure, shaft speed and equipment design.
Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing FAQs
What is synthetic fibre gland packing?
Synthetic fibre gland packing is a braided sealing material manufactured from engineered synthetic fibres. It is used in pumps, valves and industrial equipment requiring flexible and mechanically durable sealing materials.
What is synthetic fibre gland packing used for?
Synthetic fibre gland packing is used to seal shafts and valve stems in industrial pumps, valves, mixers, agitators and general process machinery.
Is synthetic fibre gland packing suitable for pumps?
Yes. Suitable synthetic fibre packing grades can be used in industrial pumps, provided the shaft speed, operating pressure, temperature and process media are compatible with the selected material.
Can synthetic fibre gland packing be used in valves?
Yes. Selected synthetic fibre packing constructions can provide sealing around industrial valve stems operating within the material's specified limits.
What is PTFE-impregnated synthetic fibre packing?
PTFE-impregnated synthetic fibre packing incorporates PTFE dispersions into the fibre construction to improve lubricity and reduce friction. The exact performance depends on the fibre composition, impregnation and operating conditions.
Is synthetic fibre gland packing chemically resistant?
Chemical resistance depends on the fibre type and packing construction. Some grades are suitable for water-based fluids or selected industrial oils, while others have more limited chemical compatibility.
What is the difference between synthetic fibre and aramid gland packing?
Synthetic fibre packing covers a broad range of engineered fibre materials, whereas aramid packing specifically uses high-strength aramid fibres. Aramid is generally selected for demanding applications requiring excellent abrasion resistance and mechanical strength.
Need Synthetic Fibre Gland Packing?
International Seal supplies synthetic fibre gland packing for pumps, valves and industrial process equipment across the UK and internationally. Send us your required packing cross-section, quantity and application details, and our team will provide a competitive quotation.
For specialist applications, include the operating temperature, pressure, shaft speed and process media so that the suitability of the packing material can be reviewed.