Braided Glass Sleeve 136g x20mm
2,42 € Tax incl.
The 20mm braided fiberglass sleeve is a reinforcement and protection solution made from E-Glass 136 Tex fibre, braided in 144 ends at 45°. Its flexible tubular structure adapts to cylindrical profiles between 10 and 25mm, combining mechanical, thermal and abrasion resistance with straightforward seamless, adhesive-free installation.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | E-Glass 136 Tex |
| Number of ends | 144 |
| Linear weight | 27.70 g/m |
| Areal weight | 893.40 g/m² |
| Nominal diameter | 20 mm |
| Braid angle | 45° |
| Flat width | 31.00 mm |
| Application range | 10 – 25 mm |
What it is used for
This sleeve is designed both to protect existing components and to act as structural reinforcement in composite laminates. Its tubular geometry makes it especially useful in applications where cylindrical profiles need to be wrapped quickly and without complex cuts.
- Reinforcement of tubes, rods and cylindrical profiles with polyester or epoxy resin
- Protection of cables and hoses against abrasion and mechanical damage
- Localised repair of pipes or tubular composite structures
- Mould shells and structural reinforcements in fibreglass parts
- Thermal protection in low and medium temperature industrial installations
- Reinforcement of handles, shafts and elements subject to repeated torsion or bending
How to use it
- Measure and cut the required sleeve length with scissors or a cutter. A diagonal cut makes it easier to insert onto the substrate.
- Check that the diameter of the element to be reinforced or protected is within the 10 to 25 mm application range.
- Slide the sleeve over the tube, rod or cable. The 45° braided structure allows it to be expanded or contracted to match the exact diameter.
- If using it as structural reinforcement, saturate the sleeve with a suitable laminating resin (polyester, vinylester or epoxy) using a brush or roller, ensuring full wet-out with no air bubbles.
- Apply uniform pressure to remove excess resin and consolidate the laminate against the substrate.
- Allow to cure according to the resin manufacturer's instructions, keeping the part immobilised throughout the process.
- Once cured, sand, trim or over-laminate as required by the project.
Usage tips
Correct resin impregnation
The 45° braid angle promotes uniform wet-out, but the high areal weight (893 g/m²) requires a low-viscosity resin — or slight warming — to ensure all 144 filaments are fully saturated. Work in layers if greater thickness is needed: two well-impregnated passes are preferable to a single dry layer. For polyester resin laminates, combine this sleeve with flat fibreglass woven fabrics to reinforce adjacent flat areas.
Diameter adjustment and handling
The sleeve expands when stretched lengthwise and contracts when compressed. For diameters close to the lower limit (10 mm), stretch the sleeve before fitting it; for diameters near 25 mm, push the sleeve over the substrate without stretching. Wear work gloves when handling it dry: loose glass filaments can irritate the skin.
Cutting and end finishing
To prevent cut ends from fraying, apply a small amount of resin or fast-curing adhesive to the edge immediately after cutting. If the sleeve is to remain exposed (without a resin coating), you can finish the ends with fibreglass thread or high-temperature sealing tape to keep the braided structure intact during use.
Frequently asked questions
Can this sleeve be used with any type of resin?
Yes. The E-Glass braided fiberglass sleeve is compatible with polyester, vinylester and epoxy resins. The choice of resin depends on the mechanical and chemical requirements of your project: epoxy offers greater adhesion and chemical resistance, while polyester is the more economical option for standard applications. What matters is that the viscosity is low enough to properly wet out all 144 braid ends.
How many layers do I need for a strong structural reinforcement?
It depends on the load and the application, but as a general reference, two well-impregnated layers of this sleeve provide solid reinforcement for pipe repairs or shaft protection under normal use. For high mechanical demand applications, three or more layers are recommended, alternating orientation where possible or combining with flat fibreglass woven fabrics in the highest-stress areas.
Does fibreglass degrade with moisture or water?
E-Glass fibre does not dissolve or degrade on contact with water. However, prolonged exposure to moisture without a resin coating can slightly reduce its mechanical properties over time. For applications in permanent contact with water or outdoors, it is recommended to impregnate the sleeve with resin to protect the filaments and seal the surface.
Can I use it to protect cables without impregnating with resin?
Yes. The sleeve can be installed dry directly over cables or hoses as protection against abrasion, chafing and light mechanical damage, without the need for resin. In this case it acts as a protective sheath. For additional electrical protection, note that fibreglass on its own is non-conductive, but it is not a certified electrical insulator: consult applicable regulations if the use is electrically regulated.
What is the difference between this sleeve and a flat fibreglass woven fabric?
The main difference is geometry. The braided sleeve is designed to wrap cylindrical profiles continuously and seamlessly, conforming to the diameter of the element. Flat fibreglass woven fabrics are more versatile for flat or open curved surfaces, and allow layers to be cut and orientated with greater freedom. For tubes and rods, the sleeve is more practical; for flat surfaces or complex moulds, woven fabric is the standard choice.
How is a fibreglass mould shell made?
A mould shell or mother mould is built by applying several layers of fibreglass fabric impregnated with resin over the exterior of a flexible mould (silicone, for example). You start with a gel coat or neat resin layer for the surface finish, then continue with fabric layers until the thickness required for the shell to be rigid and self-supporting is reached. This braided sleeve can be used on the tubular areas or rounded edges of the mould where flat fabric is difficult to conform.
Is it compatible with acrylic or water-based resins?
Compatibility with acrylic resins depends on the specific resin formulation. For laminates with acrylic resins, quadriaxial fabrics that wet out more easily are usually recommended. For this braided sleeve, polyester, vinylester and epoxy resins are the most common and guarantee optimal wet-out of all filaments.
Can I cut the sleeve into strips to use it as a flat fabric?
Technically yes, you can flatten it and cut it, but it is not the most efficient approach. Flattening the braided sleeve gives you a double-layer fabric with fibres oriented at 45°, which can be useful for diagonal reinforcements. However, for flat surfaces it is more practical and economical to use a flat fibreglass woven fabric with the areal weight suited to your application.