FR Protective Clothing | Comparison of Fiber Properties | Sewing Thread Types | CRAQ-SPUN^® Sewing Threads | Supplies

FR protective clothing manufacturers accept the responsibility for the development of garments which have fit and function, ease of care, good appearance, and durability. To accomplish this, they can choose from two types of FR fabrics that are available in the market.

One group includes fabrics made of either a single fiber or a blend of fibers which are inherently flame resistant. Among these are a number of fibers which are known either by their generic fiber designation or a branded trademark. These include:

The second group of fabrics includes those which are flame retardant (FR) treated. These fabrics, usually made of natural fibers, e.g. cotton, wool and flax, are chemically treated to provide a greater level of resistance to flame impingement than the untreated fabric would provide.

Although these two groups of FR fabrics demonstrate a range of performance characteristics that can provide protection to the wearer, both types of fabrics must be cut into component parts which will be sewn together to produce finished garments, e.g. shirts, trousers, coveralls, etc. The common link for both groups of fabric is the sewing thread used to manufacture FR protective clothing. The sewing threads most commonly used to manufacture protective clothing are made of aramid fibers.

¹ Charring of meta-aramids is comparable to the phenomenon that occurs when a log is put into a fire. The heat energy causes the wood to become embrittled as it dries out, shrinks in size, and will break apart when any force or pressure is applied.

² Carbonizing of para-aramids can be compared to a charcoal briquette. Heat is absorbed until a limit is reached. At this point a breakdown occurs which turns the superheated item into a powder.

Sewing threads made of aramid fibers are available in three types: (a) continuous filament (multiple plies or monocord); (b) long staple (wool system spun yarn); and (c) short staple (cotton system spun yarn). Each type of sewing thread has distinct characteristics that you need to consider when selecting the type of thread to use for each particular application.

CRAQ-SPUN^® is the Atlantic Thread trademark for long staple sewing thread made using a modified wool spinning system.

This spinning system is able to produce a sewing thread with two important characteristics: (1) sewing threads that demonstrate break strength that is the nearest in strength performance to that of continuous filament sewing thread; and (2) sewing threads which are able to match the sewing performance and ease of processability of short staple (cotton spun) sewing threads.

Click here for a sampling of colors.

Supplies

Cutting Shears
Atlantic Thread & Supply is a U.S. distributor of ROBUSO Proton^® shears. These "high-tech" shears are designed to produce improved cutting results with such "high-tech" materials as ARAMIDS (i.e. KEVLAR^® and TWARON^®), DYNEEMA^®, glass- and carbon fiber fabrics. ROBUSO Proton^® shears have proven their value on the production floor by delivering customer satisfaction.

Cords and Braids
Atlantic Thread also supplies a variety of cords and braids made of high performance fibers.

• Aramid jacketed braids in various sizes and colors
• Flat braids in various colors and widths

Tapes and Bindings
Narrow tapes and bias bindings made of high performance fibers are available in various colors and widths.

Technical Consultations
Textile fabrics are used to create a wide array of structures with distinct performance characteristics for many different end use applications. Expertise in the seam engineering necessary to join two or more sections together is another of the services available to you from Atlantic Thread & Supply Co., Inc.

Please contact Atlantic Thread & Supply Company by phone, fax or e-mail if you would like more information on the fee schedule for technical consultation services.

BASOFIL^® is a registered trademark of Basofil Fibers, LLC
CRAQ-SPUN^® is a registered trademark of Atlantic Thread & Supply Company, Inc.
DOLANIT^® is a registered trademark of Lenzing AG
DYNEEMA^® is a registered trademark of Royal DSM N.V.
NOMEX^® and KEVLAR^® brand fibers are a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
Pbi^® is a registered trademark of PBI Performance Products, Inc.
Protection For Peaceful Sleep^® is a registered trademark of PaxPro, LLC
ROBUSO Proton^® is a registered trademark of Robuso Solingen Germany
RYTON^® is a registered trademark of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
SPECTRA^® brand fiber is a registered trademark of Honeywell International Inc.
TECHNORA^® is a registered trademark of Teijin Limited
TEIJINCONEX^® brand fiber is a registered trademark of Teijin Limited
TWARON^® brand fiber is a registered trademark of Teijin Aramid BV
ZYLON^® is a registered trademark of Toyobo Co., Ltd