How to properly wind Fum tape onto a thread - winding methods and expert advice

Laying pipes and creating a pipeline system of any format requires high-quality sealing at the joints. Among the available solutions, professionals and home craftsmen often choose fum tape. To use it for its intended purpose, you will need to find out more detailed information about this product, in particular how to properly wind the fum tape in order to obtain the desired result when using it.

Fum tape - what is it?

Fum tape is a special film sealant that is used to provide additional sealing when working with nipple, flange or threaded connections. “Fum” is an abbreviation that stands for “fluoroplastic sealing material,” which is what fum tape is.

To make fum tape, raw fibers are rolled out in a special chamber, and then they are dried with a change in pressure. Thanks to this technology, the finished product received significant advantages, which contributed to its popularity.

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Types of tape: choosing the right one

The first secret you need to know in order to use fluoroplastic sealant correctly: there are three types of tape. Each of them is designed for specific types of pipeline. Here is their brief description:

• To achieve tightness of threaded connections of pipes in which aggressive liquids will flow, use FUM-1 film. It is coated with a special lubricant that improves the quality of sealing and facilitates assembly.
• FUM-2 material is intended for systems through which oxidizers are supplied. It contains no lubricant.
• If the environment does not contain oxidizing agents, alkalis or other aggressive substances, FUM-3 film is suitable. It is also available without lubrication.

Just as important as the type of material is the width of the strip. It must strictly correspond to the width of the thread. Therefore, all three varieties are available in several different sizes.

If the type of film or strip size is chosen incorrectly, it will be very difficult to make the threads impenetrable.

Area of ​​application of the material

Due to the properties of fum tape, it is used for various joints. It is most often used for systems whose parts are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of these two materials. Due to this, it can be used to create a variety of supply systems, install auxiliary structures for them, install and connect plumbing and gas equipment.

For gas

Fum tape is used for sealing joints when working with gas equipment and natural gas supply systems.

For water

Fum tape is often used to form water supply systems, sewerage systems, and when installing plumbing equipment. In addition, owners of summer cottages use the material to seal hoses and irrigation systems.

Where is it used?

Fluoroplastic sealant is a thin synthetic material, which is produced in the form of a matte white tape.

The tape is used on threaded , nipple, and flange connections of gas pipelines. And also when sealing connections in hot and cold water supply systems, for example, while taking a pearl bath (what is it).

It is possible to use the material in utility networks operating under pressure that does not exceed 10 MPa.

The fluoroplastic rope is rolled out and wound onto the base into rolls 10-16 millimeters wide.

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The composition of the material can be supplemented with lubricants. The presence of additives depends on the purpose of the FUM tape.

Advantages and disadvantages of using fum tape

Many people are interested in how to wind fum tape onto a thread, since this product has numerous advantages. However, any product has both advantages and disadvantages.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself in more detail with the main advantages and disadvantages of using Fum-tape:

1. Heat resistance. The material can retain its original characteristics when used in a wide temperature range: from -70 to +260 degrees. Thanks to this, fum tape can be used for a variety of systems and structures.
2. Resistance to external influences. Fum tape retains its properties and characteristics despite exposure to biological origin. Additionally, the material easily withstands the negative effects of acidic and alkaline environments.
3. Fire safety. Products ignite only when exposed to ultra-high temperatures - more than 560 degrees. In addition, it is non-explosive, which allows it to be used when working with supply systems through which explosive substances are transmitted.
4. Ease of use. Craftsmen independently determine how many layers of fum tape to wind, depending on the characteristics of a particular joint. Layers of material are easy to apply, allowing you to complete any connection in a short time.
5. Fum tape helps to significantly reduce the impact of friction. Moreover, it does not provoke thread failure during operation.
6. Long service life. Due to its significant resistance to various external factors, as well as the characteristics of the material used in manufacturing, the finished product can retain the necessary properties and characteristics for a long period.
7. Wide range of products. Today, buyers can choose the most optimal fum tape based on various criteria, since manufacturers offer a wide range of these products.
8. Demanding requirements for the materials used for winding. The thread must be prepared, cleaned of various contaminants and rust. Otherwise, negative impact from the base will lead to depressurization after a short period of operation.
9. Possible change in density due to temperature changes. The material from which fum tape is made has different densities, depending on temperatures. That is why temperature changes negatively affect the tightness of the connection. It is recommended to take this factor into account when preparing to use fum tape.
10. Toxicity. Despite the fact that fum tape does not ignite at temperatures below 560 degrees, it can release toxic compounds into the atmosphere when heated significantly. Toxic effects are observed when heated above 270 degrees.

Technical characteristics and properties

PTFE is a thermoplastic polymer, a white solid. Even at high temperatures it retains strength and flexibility. Its properties are due to the combined effect of fluorocarbon bonds.

The friction coefficient is 0.05-0.1. This is one of the lowest values ​​for solids. The resistance to intermolecular forces is such that PTFE is the only surface on which a gecko (a lizard whose legs stick to a support under the influence of van der Waals forces) cannot rest. The composition is so slippery that even insects cannot stay on it.

Properties of FUM tape

In Russia, the production of PTFE-based insulating material is regulated by GOST 24222-80 “Film and tape made of fluoroplastic-4. Technical conditions". He defines it as a smooth, uniform strip without folds, cracks, or foreign inclusions. The exact characteristics depend on the type of product.

In the temperature range from minus 269 to plus 260 degrees, fluoroplastic-4 film is non-flammable and non-explosive. Toxic substances are released at temperatures above +260 OC.

There are three main types of tape:

• Brand 1 – highest and first grade. It is used for aggressive environments (solutions of acids, alkalis). Contains lubricant.
• Mark 2 . Designed for insulation in systems operating on oxygen and other strong oxidants.
• Mark 3 . Used in industrial pipelines. Represents parts of the tape of the first two brands.

Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, FUM tape is used as a gasket where chemical resistance is required.

Performance characteristics of the material

Fum tape is available in a wide range, so some performance characteristics may vary significantly.

When choosing, buyers are guided by the following:

• Plastic.
• Non-toxic. It is preserved at low temperatures. If the tape is heated to 270 degrees or higher, the material begins to release dangerous toxic compounds.
• Strength.
• Pressure. The operating pressure at which fum tape can be used while maintaining its original properties is up to 41.2 MPa.
• Operating temperatures. The products can be used in a wide temperature range - from –70 to +260 degrees, with full preservation of the original properties and safety.
• Anti-corrosion properties.
• Chemical resistance. The material withstands exposure to aggressive environments without losing its original properties.

How to properly wind fum tape onto a thread

To determine how to wind fum tape for water, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with several tips that will help you achieve the correct results:

1. Clean threads before use. It is necessary to take care to remove dirt and traces of rust before using fum tape. Correct preparation allows you to get high-quality results when using this material.
2. The number of turns is determined individually, depending on the characteristics of the thread, as well as the width and thickness of the purchased tape. Therefore, each master independently chooses the optimal solution directly during the work process.
3. When using fum tape, it is important to make sure that the reel is directed towards unwinding. This contributes not only to convenience during its operation, but also to maintaining the optimal tension that is necessary during the winding process.
4. If you plan to work with a wide thread, and the tape itself is quite narrow, it is optimal to use fum tape in jute format to reduce the number of winding layers that will need to be created in the process.

The work of winding fum tape is easily divided into several stages. The main ones are:

1. Checking the number of turns on the thread, as well as preparing the surface for winding.
2. The first layer of tape is pressed with a finger to achieve fixation.
3. The remaining layers are wound. It is important to maintain optimal tension throughout the creation of each layer in order to achieve a quality result.

How can I replace Fum tape?

Today, many are additionally considering the possibility of using alternative solutions, in addition to the use of fum tape. The experts suggest considering each of them in more detail in order to make the right decision.

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Sealing thread

Used for small carvings. It is distinguished by its ease of winding, as well as the ability to create a large number of layers in a short time.

Tow with paste

The most common solution for wide threads, where a large number of layers are expected. This does not always provide a complete seal.