Flame-Resistant and Protective Threads

Threads for protective clothing and workwear

In protective clothing, the seam must offer the same protection as the fabric. If the fabric is flame-resistant but the thread melts on contact with a flame, the suit falls apart exactly at the seams. If a glove is cut-resistant but the knit or the seam is not, the protection is incomplete. That is why flame-resistant and protective threads are a special class of products. Polkom supplies threads wholesale to manufacturers of flame-protective clothing, uniforms, work and safety gloves, safety footwear and thermal insulation products.

Flame-resistant aramid threads

Meta-aramid

Threads made of 100% meta-aramid staple fibre with permanent flame resistance that does not wash out. They keep their structure up to about 370 °C and self-extinguish when removed from the flame or heat source. They are available in thicknesses of 26, 40 and 70 tex and in about 28 colours. The finest version was developed specifically for flame-resistant embroidery, for example emblems on firefighter and military clothing. The threads are tested to EN ISO 15025 and EN ISO 6941.

Para-aramid

Para-aramid threads withstand up to about 500 °C and have very high tenacity and low elongation. They are available in natural colour and thicknesses of 40 and 60 tex. Besides protective clothing, they are used in thermal insulation, automotive components and mattresses with fire safety requirements.

Water-repellent aramid threads

Meta- and para-aramid threads are also available with a PFC-free water-repellent finish. It stops water absorption, and with correct tension water does not pass through the needle hole – useful for outdoor protective clothing and footwear.

Important note on the UV resistance of aramid

Aramid fibres have low resistance to ultraviolet rays. With prolonged exposure to sunlight they lose colour and strength – with para-aramid the loss can reach about half of the strength in 40–60 weeks. That is why products should be stored away from direct light, and for outdoor applications the seams must be protected.

Flame-retardant treated threads

For workwear, furniture, home and decorative textiles, polyester and polyamide threads are available with a flame-retardant coating on the surface. They retain this property according to NFPA 701 even after 20 washes, and when removed from the flame they self-extinguish by melting. This type of thread is an economical alternative when the protection of aramid is not required.

Cut-resistant threads

Knitting and sewing threads made of a combination of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), glass fibre and elastane. They are light, highly abrasion-resistant and meet the requirements of EN 388 and the TDM-100 method, providing cut levels Cut-3 and Cut-5. They are used for safety gloves, footwear and workwear.

Antistatic and reflective threads

• Antistatic – with a conductive component that prevents the build-up of static electricity; for safety footwear, military clothing and work with electronics.
• Reflective – silver in daylight and white when illuminated in the dark; they increase the visibility of workwear and sportswear.

You will find more threads with special properties in the functional threads section.

Applications

• flame-protective and firefighter clothing;
• workwear, uniforms and military clothing;
• safety gloves and safety footwear;
• thermal insulation and filtration;
• flame-resistant embroidery of emblems.

Why Polkom

Polkom has over 30 years of experience as a manufacturer and supplier of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. We help you choose the thread according to the standard your product will be tested to, and we deliver throughout the EU. For safety footwear also see the threads for footwear and leather, and for outdoor use the technical threads.

How to order

Send an enquiry with the type of product, the applicable standard, the thickness, the colours and the quantities. Minimum quantities depend on the item – send an enquiry and you will receive exact information. See all types of threads.