Nomex webbing source?

May 22, 2007 8:42 PM

I need an online source for nomex, or kevlar core/nomex wrap, webbing by the foot or by the roll. Note, this webbing is not the same as common nylon webbing. I would prefer a range of flat webbing widths, but 1/2" to 1" will do.
posted by wylde21 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (8 answers total)

McMaster-Carr carries rolls of 3/4" Nomex webbing at $1.74 a foot. They also sell Nomex (and Aramid) in various other form factors.
posted by RichardP at 8:55 PM on May 22, 2007

I'd suggest checking out some poi supply shops, Flamma Aeterna looks like they have a decent selection.
posted by lannanh at 11:11 PM on May 22, 2007

I make firedancing equipment as a minor sideline. I get my kevlar (technically not Kevlar, since that's a brand name) from Auburn Manufacturing. They only deal in quantities of 100' or more; if you need a smaller amount, Flamma Aeterna (or Bearclaw Mfg, or Renegade Juggling, etc) would be a good bet, although they'll have a smaller range.

I'm not aware of a combined Nomex/Kevlar product such as you describe (then again, I haven't looked for it), and I'm curious what the application and expected benefits of that combination would be. As I understand it, Nomex and Kevlar have similar mechanical properties, just in different forms.
posted by adamrice at 6:55 AM on May 23, 2007

Response by poster: "As I understand it, Nomex and Kevlar have similar mechanical properties, just in different forms."

Unfortunatlly, this is incorrrect.

Both Kevlar and Nomex - both brand names, but commonly used to also describe the generic forms - are aramid (modified nylon) products. However, Kevlar is para-aramid and Nomex is a meta-aramid.

The primary structural difference in that the molecules of the meta-aramids (Nomex, etc) do not align during the filiment formation as well as the para-aramids (Kevlar, etc). This means that Kevlar type filiments are much stronger than Nomex type filiments. Both Kevlar and Nomex are fire resistant (at least compared to other common nylon/synthetic filiments)....Nomex, due to the molecule structure a bit more so.

Since both types are similar most webbing sold that is intended for loading does have a Kevlar core, but may not be listed as such (I didn't want to put that in the original question, so as to not add confusion).

I do appreciate the resource, but the wicking tapes available at poi supply shops has fiberglass and is designed for, well. wicking fuel.....

I should have given more detail in my original question - I am looking for an online small order source for load bearing flat webbing of 1/2" to 2" wide. It's the kind that they use in load bearing gear for firemen (firepersons?).
posted by wylde21 at 10:32 AM on May 23, 2007

Some sort of industrial or safety-supply store...? What kind of lengths?

These guys apparently make it; they can either sell you some, or maybe suggest one of their customers who is a dealer.
posted by Artful Codger at 10:55 AM on May 23, 2007

Warwick Mills
posted by acro at 12:06 PM on May 23, 2007

Response by poster: Yep, I was also able to identify who makes the stuff. I will only need 100 feet, or less over maybe 2-3 orders (although I might order more at once if required). Understandably the manufacturers see me as a small fish.

The problem isn't who makes it, it's where to buy it online for sale by the foot...or in small rolls.

Thanks for the continuing help and online retailers.
posted by wylde21 at 12:34 PM on May 23, 2007

Via Warwick Mills customer service --I forwarded them your question and they sent me this list:

Mr. Louis Franconi
Bally Ribbon
23 North 7th St.
Bally, PA 19503-1004
Phone: [phone] X-3108
FAX: [phone]
E-mail:louisfranconi@ ballyribbon. com


Mr. Brett Goldberg
Narricot Industries
Suite C-150, 928 Jaymor Road
Southampton, PA 18966
Phone: [phone] X-
E-mail:Bgoldberg @tufftemp. com


MS. Wendy Horowitz
Offray Specialty Narrow Fabrics
360 Rt. 24
PO Box 601
Chester, NJ. 07930-0421
Phone: [phone] X-
FAX: [phone]
E-mail:WHorowitz @OSNF. com
posted by acro at 11:27 AM on May 24, 2007