Aramid & Carbon Fiber Packing: When to Specify
Two high-performance yarns
Aramid (para-aramid, e.g. Kevlar-type) and carbonized/carbon fiber packings sit at the top of the braided-packing performance range.
Aramid fiber packing
- Extreme tensile and cut resistance — the right call for slurries, ash, and abrasive fluids.
- High modulus means it can score a soft shaft; usually paired with a PTFE or graphite core/lubricant and used on the outer rings.
Carbon / carbonized fiber packing
- Graphite-impregnated carbon fiber handles high temperature and high-pressure steam and is gentler on shafts than aramid.
- Best for boiler feed pumps, hot-oil circuits and general high-duty rotating equipment.
When to specify
| Service | Specify |
|---|---|
| Abrasive slurry, mine dewatering | Aramid / PTFE |
| High-pressure hot water / steam | Carbonized graphite packing |
| Mixed duty, long life needed | Interbraid aramid corners + PTFE/graphite body |
Where shaft hardness is low (e.g. stainless or plated shafts), prefer graphite-based packing over aramid to avoid scoring.