Bonded thread and non-bonded thread are two different types of thread used in sewing and other textile applications. Bonded thread and non-bonded thread are suitable for different applications. Bonded thread works well where high strength and resistance to degradation are needed, such as heavy-duty outdoor gear, while the non-bonded thread is more suitable for lightweight fabrics or clothing.
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What is the bonded thread?
Bonded thread is a type of thread that has been coated with a bonding agent or adhesive. The bonding agent is applied to the thread fibers through a chemical process that helps to increase the thread’s strength and resistance to abrasion, UV rays, and water. The bonding agent also helps to prevent fraying and unraveling of the thread. It is typically a two, three, or four-ply construction coated with a polymer or resin that keeps the entire thread together during loop formation. The resin can also be applied to single-ply threads to keep them from untwisting during sewing.
The process of bonding thread involves applying a special adhesive to the surface of the thread fibers. This resin coating improves abrasion resistance, gives a uniform finish, and allows the thread to move smoothly with minimal friction during sewing. Bonded thread is available in various colors, sizes, and materials, including polyester, and nylon. While bonded sewing threads come in a wide range of sizes, typically #46 through #660, we tend to focus on the strongest sizes for our industrial manufacturing customers. The main design of bonded thread applies to all sizes available.
Bonded thread is typically used in applications that require high strength and durability, such as heavy-duty outdoor gear, marine applications, upholstery, and industrial sewing. Some large-scale users of bonded thread include manufacturers of automotive upholstery, leather goods, fall protection, and flat synthetic web-slings and tie-downs. Bonded thread is also well-suited for use in sewing leather or other non-conventional fabrics.
Why bonded thread is better than non-bonded thread
Bonded thread is stiffer and smoother than non-bonded thread and although it’s not necessarily stronger, it’s far less likely to cause problems during sewing. If high-speed multi-directional sewing is part of your process, bonded industrial sewing thread can prevent the ply ends from opening up in the reverse direction, especially at an angle of 135 degrees, which keeps the hook from grabbing and cutting one of the plies.
Bonded threads also benefit from their coatings that improve long-term weather and environmental resistance. Their protective coatings improve the threads’ resistance to UV exposure, fading, and damage from many types of chemicals.
Another advantage of bonded filament sewing thread is its mildew resistance. Since Service Thread’s proprietary coating solutions are non-aqueous, any residual moisture is driven off during the coating process. High-speed lubricants added to industrial sewing threads manufactured at Service Thread are also non-aqueous and will not mildew.
Bonded thread
- Has a special coating applied to the surface of the thread
- The coating helps to increase the thread’s strength and resistance to abrasion, water, and UV rays
- Has better resistance to fraying and unraveling
- Offers better seam quality due to the extra strength provided by the coating
- Used in applications like leatherwork, heavy-duty outdoor gear, and upholstery.
Non-bonded thread
- Does not have any special coating applied to the thread surface
- Does not have increased resistance to abrasion, water, or UV rays
- May lose strength over time due to wear and tear
- May experience fraying and unraveling over time
- Typically used in less demanding applications such as apparel or light duty fabrics.
Top 5 applications of bonded thread
- Heavy Duty Use: Bonded threads are particularly suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as in backpacks, tents, outdoor gear, and leather goods. They provide excellent strength, abrasion resistance, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- Upholstery and Home Decor: Bonded threads are widely used for upholstery sewing applications. They are particularly suitable for sewing heavy fabrics like leather or vinyl, providing strength and durability required for these applications.
- Marine and Automotive Upholstery: Bonded threads are popular in marine and automotive upholstery where they provide excellent water resistance and strength.
- Industrial Sewing: Many industrial sewing applications require bonded industry sewing thread to yield strong and long-lasting seams in workwear, canvas tarps, or other heavy-duty fabrics.
- Decorative Sewing: Bonded threads can be used for decorative sewing in leather goods, upholstery, and other projects. The bonded thread can give the stitches a unique look, providing a distinct texture or color that can be suitable for special applications.
When to Choose Bonded Thread
- Your product requires extremely smooth stitching and your machinery operates at high speeds.
- Your stitch pattern requires multi-directional sewing.
- Stitch seam integrity is a critical characteristic of your manufactured product quality.
- The sewing medium or material is very thick or abrasive, like synthetic webbing for flat slings, leather, or compound materials including composites.
- Your process uses a twin-needle machine and the left needle needs a well-bonded thread to make good stitches.
Bonded thread is the optimal choice for heavy-duty applications where strength and durability are essential. It provides a range of useful properties such as abrasion resistance, water resistance, and long-lasting quality. Before choosing bonded thread, it’s essential to determine the application requirements and assess whether it meets the demands of the intended use.
Works Cited: Why Do I Need Bonded Thread For My Process?