Mica Tape is a roll of adhesive made from mica paper backed by materials such as paper, 3-ply paper, glass cloth, polyester, Kapton or PET. Mica is a group of minerals with closely related chemical and physical properties — generally light and malleable. In electrical insulation it is valued for its dielectric strength, low electrical conductivity, heat resistance, and high shear and tensile strength. This makes mica tape the default choice for high-temperature electrical insulation in motors, generators, transformers and high-temperature cables.
The figures below cover the two product forms — thin tape for wrapping, and thicker mica roll for slot and barrier insulation. Confirm the exact width, thickness and length on the enquiry.
The mica paper inside the tape decides the maximum continuous operating temperature. Choose by the insulation class of the equipment and by the peak temperature the winding will see in service.
Phlogopite
840 °CNatural Phlogopite Mica Tape
Based on natural phlogopite mica paper. The standard grade for high-temperature electrical insulation — cost-effective, good dielectric strength and good mechanical properties.
Calcined Muscovite
900 °CCalcined Muscovite Mica Tape
Based on calcined muscovite mica paper. Higher temperature resistance than phlogopite, with excellent dielectric properties at elevated temperature.
Synthetic Mica
1000 °CSynthetic Mica Tape
Based on synthetic mica paper. The highest temperature grade, for the most demanding electrical insulation duties where 900 °C is not enough.
In addition to the mica paper grade, each type is available with different backing materials and different numbers of backing layers. The backing and the binder resin decide the mechanical and electrical performance.
These are the properties that make mica tape suitable for high-temperature electrical insulation. Each is listed with its practical relevance.
Two tapes with the same mica grade can behave very differently on the same machine. Four factors decide the final performance — always specify all four when ordering.
Mica tape is a general-purpose high-temperature electrical insulation material. It is used wherever the winding or conductor must survive high temperature, high voltage and fire risk.
What is a mica tape used for?
Mica tape is used as high-temperature electrical insulation. It wraps coils, conductors, busbars and cable splices, and is used as slot liners, barriers and turn insulation in motors, generators and transformers. Mica tape is chosen where the insulation must resist continuous high temperature (up to 1000 °C with synthetic mica), electrical breakdown, corona discharge and fire, and where asbestos-free and non-flammable material is required.
What is the difference between phlogopite, muscovite and synthetic mica tape?
Phlogopite mica tape is based on natural phlogopite mica paper and operates up to 800–840 °C. Calcined muscovite mica tape is based on calcined muscovite mica paper and operates up to 900 °C. Synthetic mica tape is based on synthetic mica paper and operates up to 1000 °C, giving the highest temperature resistance of the three. Choose by the maximum continuous operating temperature of the equipment and by the electrical insulation class.
What thickness and width are available?
In tape form, thickness is 0.08–0.15 mm and width is 4.5 mm to 1000 mm — custom widths are made to order. In mica roll form, thickness is 0.2–0.8 mm, standard width is 1000 mm and length is 20–50 m. The thicker rolls are used for slot liners, barriers and form-wound coil insulation; the thinner tapes are used for wrapping conductors, busbars and cable splices.
What is the breakdown voltage of the mica tape?
The breakdown voltage is above 10 kV/mm. Combined with very good resistance to corona discharge, this makes the tape suitable for high-voltage electrical insulation in motors, generators and transformers, and for high-temperature cable wrapping.
What backing materials are available?
The mica paper can be backed with 3-ply paper, glass cloth, glass fibre, polyester film, Kapton film, PET film or polyethylene. Epoxy or silicone resin is used to bond the mica paper to the substrate. Epoxy is used for the highest mechanical and electrical strength; silicone is used where higher flexibility and temperature resistance are required.
Does mica tape contain asbestos?
No. Mica tape is asbestos-free. It is non-flammable and does not produce toxic gases when exposed to fire or high temperature, making it the preferred replacement for asbestos-containing insulation in electrical equipment.
Tell us the mica grade (phlogopite, calcined muscovite or synthetic), the backing material (glass cloth, ceramic fibre, polyester, Kapton or PET), the thickness, the width and the total length you need. If you are replacing an existing tape, send us the current part number and we will match it.
