Introduction: MIL-DTL-43685 is the U.S. Department of Defense specification for textile webbing and tape made from aramid fiber. This high-performance material is used extensively in military, aerospace, and industrial applications due to its exceptional strength, heat resistance, and durability. At California Webbing Mills, we manufacture custom MIL-SPEC webbing that meets or exceeds MIL-DTL-43685 standards. This guide provides a detailed overview of the specification's types, characteristics, technical standards, and applications.
What is MIL-DTL-43685? MIL-DTL-43685 defines the requirements for webbing and tape made from meta-aramid fibers. These fibers are well-known for their resistance to heat, flame, and mechanical stress, making them ideal for demanding environments like military uniforms, safety harnesses, and aerospace components.
MIL-DTL-43685 Webbing Types
The specification outlines two primary types based on weave structure:
| Type | Weave | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Double Woven | High-strength, double-layered webbing |
| Type II | Single Woven | Lighter tape for flexible applications |
Technical Specifications
MIL-DTL-43685 specifies rigorous requirements to ensure consistency, safety, and performance across different applications:
| Specification | Type I Requirement | Type II Requirement |
| Width (inches) | 5/8 (-1/32, +1/16) | 1 (±1/32) |
| Thickness (inches) | 0.040 – 0.055 | 0.015 – 0.025 |
| Weight (oz./yd) | 0.45 max | 0.30 max |
| Breaking Strength | 650 lbs (min) | 525 lbs (min) |
| Colorfastness | 3-4 after 4 cycles | 3-4 after 4 cycles |
| Heat Shrinkage | ≤5% after 5 cycles | ≤5% after 5 cycles |
Key Performance Characteristics
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High Tensile Strength: Designed to withstand extreme loads without stretching or deformation.
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Heat Resistance: Aramid fibers maintain performance at temperatures exceeding 400°F.
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Colorfastness: Retains color after exposure to sunlight, heat, and laundering.
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Minimal Shrinkage: Engineered for dimensional stability after multiple laundering cycles.
Common Applications of MIL-DTL-43685 Webbing
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Military uniforms and tactical gear
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Parachute harnesses and aerospace components
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Firefighter and safety equipment
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High-performance industrial strapping
Why Choose California Webbing Mills?
At California Webbing Mills, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to deliver custom aramid fiber webbing that meets MIL-DTL-43685 standards. Our capabilities include:
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Berry Compliant manufacturing (upon request)
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Custom widths, thicknesses, and color-matching services
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Advanced heat-setting for minimal shrinkage
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Scalable production for large orders
Contact Us
📞 Phone: (323) 753-0260
📧 Email: sales@cawebbing.com
🏭 Address: 6920 Stanford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Connect with us today to request samples or discuss your custom MIL-SPEC webbing needs!
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