What Is Happening
3M is phasing out its PTFE film tapes and PTFE glass cloth tapes in 2026. That includes the skived film tapes 5480, 5481 and 5498, the extruded film tapes 5490 and 5491, the 60 Series tapes 60, 61, 62 and 63, and the glass cloth tapes 5151, 5151PL, 5153, 5153L, 5451 and 5453.
You do not need to redesign your process. In most cases you can switch to a PTFE glass cloth or skived PTFE tape with the same thickness and adhesive type, test a sample, and keep production running.
Cross-Reference: Find Your 3M Tape
Use thickness and construction to pick the closest match, then confirm with a sample. Prices below are starting prices for the smallest roll variant. See the product page for all widths and case pricing.
| 3M tapes in this group | Tape Providers replacement | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
|
PTFE Glass Cloth 5151, 5151PL, 5153, 5153L, 5451, 5453 |
TFE28 (5 mil), TFE46 (6.8 mil), TFE54 (8.4 mil), TFE91 (12.1 mil) View TFE options |
90-100% |
|
PTFE Film, Skived 5480, 5481, 5498 |
SPTFE2HD (2 mil), SPTFE5 (5 mil), SPTFE10 (10 mil) For 5498, use SPTFE10 as the closest option and confirm fit with us. View skived options |
90-100% |
|
PTFE Film, Extruded 5490, 5491 |
No true match. Skived PTFE is suitable for low speed and low wear use only. Talk to us before switching a high speed application. | 40-60% |
|
60 Series, Thermosetting Adhesive 60, 61, 62, 63 |
No true match. We do not offer a direct replacement for the thermosetting adhesive used in the 60 Series. Contact us for an engineering review. | 0% |
Coverage means how well our stocked range covers that group based on construction, thickness, and adhesive. It is not a claim that every 3M SKU has an exact 1 to 1 equivalent. Always confirm width, thickness, adhesive, and liner with a sample.
Shop the Replacements
All products below are ACTIVE and in our catalog. Click any card for widths, liner options, and case pricing.
Skived PTFE vs Extruded PTFE: What Is the Difference?
Both give you a low friction, non-stick, chemical resistant surface. The difference is how the film is made, and how it holds up under speed and wear.
Skived PTFE
- Lower cost option
- Precise thickness control, still conformable and flexible
- Smooth surface to minimize friction
- Best for lower speed and lower wear use, for example nip roller wrapping at 300 to 400 RPM
- Good for electrical insulation, wire harness, heat sealing, chute liners, and sealing
Extruded PTFE
- More expensive option
- Higher durability and strength, longer material life
- Superior tensile and dielectric properties vs skived
- Fewer pinholes, lays flatter
- Performs well for high speed and high wear use, for example nip roller wrapping at 750+ RPM
Rule of thumb: if your extruded tape ran at high speed or under heavy wear, do not switch to skived without testing. Tell us your RPM, temperature, and surface, and we will help you pick the safest option.
Where These Tapes Are Used
Heat Sealing and Packaging
Easy release surface on heat sealing bars and jaws, packaging machines, and ironing and pressing equipment. Lining chutes, troughs, and ducts.
Roller Wrap and Tooling Protection
Anti-stick wrap for rollers, plates, belts, drums, turnbars, and formers. Prevents adhesive buildup and protects tooling during lamination.
Composite and Compression Molding
Release surface in molds for composite bonding, including aircraft parts, turbine blades, boat hulls, and similar parts. Process aid for clean release.
Wire Harness and Coil Winding
Thermal and electrical shielding, harness wrapping, coil wraps and separators, transformers, and slot liners.
How to Switch in 3 Steps
- Tell us your 3M SKU. Send the 3M number, width, quantity, and what the tape does in your process. Use the contact form or call us.
- We confirm the match. We will match thickness, adhesive, liner, and construction, and send a sample or datasheet if you need it.
- Test and order. Run the sample in your process, then order rolls or cases. We can help with bulk and repeat orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy 3M PTFE tape from Tape Providers?
We are focusing on stocked replacements while 3M phases these tapes out in 2026. We recommend qualifying a replacement now rather than waiting for remaining 3M stock to run out.
Is your PTFE tape the same as 3M tape?
It is not made by 3M. It is a PTFE tape with similar construction, thickness, and silicone adhesive for the groups listed above. Always test a sample in your own process.
What about 5490 and 5491 extruded tapes?
We do not have a true extruded match. Skived PTFE can work for low speed use only. For high speed or high wear use, contact us before switching.
What about the 60 Series?
We do not have a direct replacement for the thermosetting adhesive used in 3M 60, 61, 62, and 63. Contact us for an engineering review of your application.
Do you offer custom widths or converting?
Yes. Tell us the width and quantity you need and we will quote it. See our Converting Capabilities page for details.
Trademark note: 3M is a trademark of 3M Company. Teflon is a trademark of The Chemours Company. Tape Providers is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by 3M Company. Product names are used only to identify the tapes being replaced. Specifications on product pages are those given by manufacturers and are not tested for accuracy.