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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I specify aramid packing?

Specify aramid (para-aramid) when the medium is abrasive — slurries, ash handling, mine dewatering, paper stock. Its tensile and cut resistance far exceeds most yarns; pair it with a soft core and use it on outer rings to avoid scoring the shaft.

When is carbon fiber packing the better choice?

Carbon or carbonized fiber packing suits high-temperature, non-abrasive services (hot oils, steam, boilers) where you need low friction and a high thermal rating without the hardness of aramid.

Can aramid and carbon be combined?

Yes. Aramid corners with a carbon or graphite body give abrasion resistance on the wear faces plus low friction and heat dissipation in the body — a strong all-round pump packing.

Will aramid damage my shaft?

Aramid is hard. Run it on the outer rings with a PTFE or graphite cushion, and keep the shaft surface finish and hardness within the packing recommendation to prevent scoring.