OT-157TN Alternative — E&H 743-MT Metalized PVF Insulation Blanket Tape | Skytapes
Orcotape OT-157TN alternative — direct specification comparison for aircraft insulation blanket tape (E&H 743-MT, 743MT; Orcotape OT157TN) — dull gray metalized PVF / Tedlar, Boeing BMS 5-157 Comp MPVF, Gulfstream GAT100FR1
Want the short version? Read OT-157TN vs E&H 743-MT: Where Each Tape Wins →
Please Note: All E&H products have a 1 week lead time
These are direct substitutes — both are dull gray metalized PVF (Comp MPVF) tapes approved to Boeing BMS 5-157 for identical insulation blanket applications. E&H 743-MT differentiates on fully quantified flammability performance, higher published peel strength, with data at four test temperatures, lighter weight per square yard, and Gulfstream GAT100FR1 approval.
Overall comparison score
Full specifications comparison
| Property | E&H 743-MT | Orcotape OT-157TN | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | |||
| Film type | Dull gray metalized PVF (Tedlar) | Dull gray metalized PVF (Tedlar) | Tie |
| Scrim reinforcement | 10×10 visual scrim | Scrim reinforced (count not specified) | E&H |
| Adhesive | Highly fire-retardant acrylic PSA | Acrylic PSA | E&H |
| Country of origin | United States | United States | Tie |
| Physical Properties | |||
| Tensile strength | 10.3 lb/in avg (45.83 N/25mm) | 10.0 lb/in min | E&H |
| Peel strength — room temp | 3.2 lb/in (14.24 N/25mm) | 2.5 lb/in min | +28% |
| Peel strength — 120°F / 100% RH | 3.8 lb/in (16.91 N/25mm) | Not published | E&H only |
| Peel strength — 160°F | 3.6 lb/in (16.02 N/25mm) | Not published | E&H only |
| Peel strength — −65°F | 3.0 lb/in (13.35 N/25mm) | Not published | E&H only |
| Weight | 3.0 oz/sq yd max (101.7 g/m²) | 3.3 oz/sq yd max (112 g/m²) | Lighter |
| Flammability Performance | |||
| Burn length (12-sec vertical burn) | 1.9 inches maximum | Pass — value not published | Quantified |
| Flame time | 0 seconds | Pass — value not published | Quantified |
| Drip extinguishing time | No drips | Pass — value not published | Quantified |
| FAR 25.856(A) — Critical Radiant Heat Panel | Pass | Pass | Tie |
| FAR Part 25.853 (A or B) | Pass | Pass | Tie |
| BSS-7230 — 12-second vertical burn | Pass | Pass | Tie |
| Packaging & Availability | |||
| Shelf life | 18 months minimum | 60 months (40–90°F) | OT-157TN |
| Standard roll length | See product details — E&H 743-MT | 60 yards (55 m) | OT-157TN |
| Standard widths | See product details — E&H 743-MT | 2" and 3" | OT-157TN |
| Lead time | 1 week | In stock at major distributors | OT-157TN |
Peel strength — all tested conditions
Certifications & approvals
Where each product wins
E&H 743-MT advantages
- Peel strength 28% above OT-157TN's published room-temperature minimum
- Full four-temperature peel data published — OT-157TN lists RT minimum only
- Fully quantified flammability: 1.9 in burn length, 0-second flame time, no drips
- Explicitly fire-retardant rated adhesive — not just "acrylic PSA"
- Lighter: 3.0 oz/sq yd vs. 3.3 oz/sq yd
- Gulfstream GAT100FR1 approved — OT-157TN does not list this approval
- 10×10 visual scrim count specified — OT-157TN does not publish scrim count
- Made in Paterson, NJ by an aircraft insulation blanket tape specialist
OT-157TN advantages
- Broader BMS 5-157 coverage: Types I, III, and IV vs. Type I only
- DMS 1984 Type 6, Class 2 — Douglas/Boeing legacy aircraft compatibility
- NASA-KSC Group 1 approved for space program applications
- FAR 25.855 listed
- 60-month shelf life (40–90°F) vs. 18-month minimum
- In stock at major distributors — no lead time for 2" and 3" widths
- Published standard roll size: 60 yards × 2" or 3"
Which tape to specify
| If your requirement is… | Specify | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream aircraft programs (GAT100FR1) | E&H 743-MT | Only E&H 743-MT lists Gulfstream GAT100FR1 approval |
| Documented flammability values required | E&H 743-MT | Full quantified data: 1.9 in burn, 0-sec flame, no drips — OT-157TN only lists "Pass" |
| Multi-temperature peel data for qualification | E&H 743-MT | Tested at −65°F, RT, 120°F/100% RH, and 160°F — OT-157TN publishes RT minimum only |
| FR-designated adhesive system required | E&H 743-MT | Adhesive explicitly rated highly fire-retardant; OT-157TN specifies acrylic PSA only |
| Lighter weight blanket system | E&H 743-MT | 3.0 oz/sq yd vs. 3.3 oz/sq yd — 0.3 oz/sq yd lighter per unit area |
| Boeing BMS 5-157 Type III or Type IV | OT-157TN | OT-157TN covers Types I, III, and IV; E&H 743-MT is listed for Type I only |
| DMS 1984 — Douglas/Boeing legacy aircraft | OT-157TN | DMS 1984 Type 6, Class 2 approval not listed on E&H 743-MT |
| NASA / space program applications | OT-157TN | NASA-KSC Group 1 approved; not listed on E&H 743-MT |
| Long MRO stockpile shelf life (>18 months) | OT-157TN | 60-month shelf life vs. 18-month minimum for E&H 743-MT |
| Immediate availability — no lead time | OT-157TN | E&H 743-MT carries a 1 week lead time; OT-157TN stocked at major distributors |
Specifications based on E&H 743-MT product data (E&H Laminating & Slitting Company, Paterson NJ) and Orcotape OT-157TN data sheet (Orcon Aerospace / Lamart Corporation, revised 02/2015). Always verify current approval status against the applicable Boeing BMS, Gulfstream, or OEM specification revision in force at time of purchase. All E&H products carry a 1 week lead time.
Prefer a plain-English summary? Read the article: OT-157TN vs E&H 743-MT →