Nomex vs Polyester Guide Tape — Which One Fits Your Ironer?
Your Guide Tape Snapped Again. Here's Why.
Guide tape wears out on every flatwork ironer. That part is normal. What's not normal is replacing it every few months instead of once a year. Most early failures trace back to one cause: the wrong material for your machine's heat range.
Two Materials, Two Heat Ranges
CIC carries guide tape in two base materials. Each one is rated for a different operating temperature.
Nomex blend: rated to 575°F, tensile strength 150–160 lbs. Built for gas-heated ironers and Chicago Dryer machines running 450–500°F.
Polyester: rated to 480°F, tensile strength 120 lbs. Built for lower-heat steam lines. Polyester run above its rating browns, stiffens, and snaps early.
Nomex Guide Tape — SPOOLCOMBO, 2527, 2545
SPOOLCOMBO is the Sure-Grip Nomex Blend Guide Tape, 13mm × 400m, sold with a GT Spool included. This is the standard pick for gas and Chicago Dryer machines.
Super Tape 2527 is Nomex blend, 5/8" × 400m. Super Tape 2545 is Nomex Markless, 13mm × 500m, for facilities that need a longer roll between changeovers.
Polyester Guide Tape — 2530, 2234, 2589
Super Tape 2530 is polyester, 3/4" × 400 yards. Super Tape 2234 is polyester, 5/8" × 400m. Super Tape 2589 is polyester, 15mm × 400m. All three fit steam ironers running below 480°F.
Which One Do You Need?
Check your ironer's operating temperature first. Running a gas ironer or a Chicago Dryer at 450°F or higher, use Nomex. Running a steam line under 400°F, polyester works and costs less per roll.
Not sure of your machine's temperature? Check your ironer's manual or the chest thermostat setting before ordering.
GT-Spool — Less Friction, Less Heat Buildup
Pair your tape with a GT Spool Roller. It reduces friction and heat buildup on the tape as it runs, extending service life.
Shop Guide Tape
Browse the full Guide Tape collection or go straight to a specific roll:
- SPOOLCOMBO — Nomex Blend, 13mm × 400m w/ GT Spool
- Super Tape 2527 — Nomex Blend, 5/8" × 400m
- Super Tape 2545 — Nomex Markless, 13mm × 500m
- Super Tape 2530 — Polyester, 3/4" × 400 Yards
- Super Tape 2234 — Polyester, 5/8" × 400m
- Super Tape 2589 — Polyester, 15mm × 400m
Questions on which roll fits your machine? Call (866) 632-2298 or email Sales@Cicus.com.