What are High Temperature Sewing Threads?

High temperature sewing threads are made especially for fabrications exposed to high temperatures. This could include fabricating insulation jackets, welding blankets, plumbers pads and other. Each sewing thread is slightly unique and attention should be paid to their characteristics.

In general synthetic sewing threads (e.g. nylon, polyester, Kevlar & Nomex) are all good resistors of heat. This means that heat will not pass through them as effectively as it may pass through a substance such as silver or copper. However, as temperature increases, some polymers (such as nylon and polyester) will melt and lose strength before other polymers (such as Nomex). Below we have briefly covered the different types of sewing threads available and the best applications for them.

Different types of high temperature sewing threads

Bonded Nylon/Polyester
Both bonded Nylon and Polyester offer a tough coated thread with abrasion resistance, rot proofing and good tensile strength for lower temperature applications. Temperature resistance is 120°C.

Kevlar
Good temperature resistance combined with superb tensile strength means Kevlar offers easy machine sewing. Temperature resistance is 220°C.

Nomex
Inherently flame retardant and heat resistant Nomex has a tough protective coating which resists abrasion during the sewing operation. Temperature resistance is 370°C.

PTFE Coated Glass
Excellent temperature resistance combined with PTFE coating to facilitate easier machine sewing. The temperature resistance is 550°C for the glass core and 230°C for the PTFE coating.

Kevlar Coated Stainless Steel
High temperature and flame resistant steel core combined with Kevlar coating designed to facilitate easier machine sewing. The temperature resistance is 800°C for the stainless steel core and 220°C for the kevlar coating.

For more information on high temperature sewing threads please visit the IC International website.