Kapton Tape


Kapton is a Dupont miracle-material. It has a very high punch-through voltage even when made as a very thin film. One of the reasons RR diesel traction motors survive better, and are more powerful, is traceable to coating the motor windings with Kapton. Kapton conducts heat well even though it is an electrical insulation too. Good stuff.
 
When Shuttle and ISS crews had to improvise some tools to assist spacewalkers in deploying "stuck" solar arrays a few years ago, they covered the tools with Kapton tape to protect the crew from stray electrical charges. Since then, I've always thought of it as "Astronaut Tape."

- Jeff
 
while we're extolling the virtues of Kapton, don't forget it isn't 'tough'. wrapping it tightly around very sharp points will cause it to puncture or tear, and once started those tears spread quickly. It won't stretch and conform as easily as vinyl electrical tape. Otherwise it has virtually replaced most vinyl electrical tapes in many applications.
 
Yes, but vinyl tape will "cold-flow" over sharp edges (under pressure) and eventually puncture in some circumstances. Kapton won't cold-flow or melt on a hot motor.:D
 
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