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Types of Shaft Packing
Almost every consumer involved in boating refers to shaft packing as flax packing no matter what type of shaft packing is involved. The fact of the matter is that flax packing is really just a type of shaft packing. Lets take a look at the various shaft packings on the market and why you may want to use one over another and understand that all shaft packings are not flax packing.
GTU Shaft Packing with Graphite Fibers Impregnated by Teflon
Gtu shaft packing is the ultimate performance shaft packing. This product is braided with graphite fibers impregnated with TEFLON, which renders it thermal conductive, allowing your stuffing box to run cooler. The low surface friction of GTU contributes to less drag on the shaft, which in turn results in better fuel economy. The combination of fibers, ptfe and graphite produce a packing that is very strong and durable, eliminating the annual shaft packing replacement cycle. This product has proven itself in the commercial marine market for a number of years and is the number one choice of work boat owners around the world. Performance, strength and savings, that’s GTU.
TEFPACK Shaft Packing with Synthetic Yarn
Tefpack shaft packing is a combination of synthetic fibers blended with ptfe. This blending of synthetic fibers and ptfe delivers a shaft packing that is very strong and very durable. Unlike natural fibers tefpack is not susceptible to the “rot/mildew” cycle that occur with organic fibers. Natural fibers, such as flax, which maintain moisture while the stuffing box is idle, can set up the conditions for mildew that may turn into a rot. That rot weakens the fibers in the packing braid which leads to the breakdown of the packing. You can avoid this cycle by using a shaft packing that incorporates a synthetic yarn as its basic foundation. Tefpack shaft packing uses a very strong synthetic yarn that delivers ongoing service, season after season.
Natural Flax Shaft with Teflon-PTFE Flax
Teflon flax shaft packing is one of the most widely used shaft packings in the marine market. The main attraction for this packing is that it is inexpensive and does provide reasonably good performance. This shaft packing is braided from natural flax which is found in most parts of the world. The flax is braided into the correct size and is then impregnated with Teflon. The Teflon does not add strength, however it does provide for a surface that has a lower friction level than a natural packing without the Teflon. The net result is a reasonably good product at a competitive price found in most parts of the world. The drawback to the Teflon flax packing is that it is not a strong packing and does require replacement on a regular basis.
Natural Flax Shaft with Wax & Animal Fat
Natural flax shaft packing with wax and animal fat, as the lubricating material, has been the packing standard for years. The chief reasons for its popularity is that it is inexpensive and readily available in most parts of the mariner’s world. History shows that despite the fact this product was the standard packing replacement, it has been replaced by newer and better packings. The drawbacks to standard flax packing are that it is not a strong fiber and the conventional lubricant (wax/animal fat) dissipate very fast, leaving only the flax fiber. In addition the natural flax has a tendency to mildew and rot causing the flax fibers to breakdown. Many new and effective shaft packings have replaced conventional flax, yet many boat owners continue to use it as a packing replacement.
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