Sewing threads for Lifting and restraint systems
Lifting and restraint systems are exposed to extremely high mechanical loads and must provide reliable performance in safety-critical applications. Their seams therefore require sewing threads with very high tensile strength, abrasion resistance and reliable performance under continuous stress.
For applications such as lifting slings, tethers and load restraint systems, AMANN recommends Xtreme-tech with Dyneema®, a bonded continuous filament sewing thread made from high-performance polyethylene (HPPE). It combines very high strength with low weight and offers high resistance to abrasion, UV light, chemicals and water.
Lifting slings and tethers
AMANN sewing thread recommendation for lifting slings and tethers
Lifting slings and tethers are designed to transfer or secure heavy loads and are exposed to high tensile forces and repeated mechanical stress. The seams connecting high-strength textile components must therefore provide reliable performance under demanding conditions.
For the application shown below, AMANN recommends Xtreme-tech with Dyneema® Ticket 20 / Tex 150 for topstitch seams using a 301 lockstitch.
| Seam no. | Seam type | Stitch type | Needle thread | Bobbin or looper thread | Needle size min. Nm | Needle size min. No | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article | Ticket no. | Tex no. | Article | Ticket no. | Tex no. | |||||
| 1 | Topstich seams | 301 lockstitch | Xtreme-tech | 20 | 150 | Xtreme-tech | 20 | 150 | 160 | 23 |
Requirements for sewing threads in lifting and restraint systems
The sewing thread is a critical component of the overall textile construction. Depending on the application, material and operating conditions, requirements may include:
- very high tensile strength
- high abrasion resistance
- reliable performance under high mechanical loads
- resistance to UV exposure
- resistance to chemicals and water
- reliable sewing performance
- compatibility with high-strength technical textiles
- reliable performance with the selected stitch and seam construction
The right combination of sewing thread, thread size, stitch type, needle size and textile construction helps achieve strong and durable seams for demanding lifting and restraint applications.
Recommended sewing thread: Xtreme-tech with Dyneema®
Xtreme-tech with Dyneema® is AMANN’s high-tenacity special sewing thread for demanding lifting and restraint applications. It is made from Dyneema® HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) and has a bonded continuous filament construction.
The thread combines very high strength with low weight and provides high resistance to UV light, chemicals and water as well as extreme abrasion resistance. According to AMANN, maximum strength can be achieved when Xtreme-tech is combined with textiles made from Dyneema®.
Alternative AMANN sewing threads
Depending on the textile construction, environmental exposure and individual application requirements, AMANN also lists Serabond, GORE® TENARA® and Strongbond as alternatives for lifting slings and tethers.
Serabond is a bonded continuous filament polyester sewing thread with high durability and outstanding UV resistance.
GORE® TENARA® is an ePTFE sewing thread with excellent resistance to UV radiation and weathering as well as resistance to salt water, cleaning solutions and industrial pollutants.
Strongbond is a bonded continuous filament polyamide 6.6 sewing thread developed for particularly robust and durable seams.
Choosing the right sewing thread for lifting and restraint systems
There is no single sewing thread or sewing parameter suitable for every lifting or restraint application. The appropriate solution depends on several factors, including:
- type of lifting or restraint system
- textile material and construction
- expected mechanical loads
- abrasion exposure
- environmental conditions
- exposure to UV light, chemicals or water
- seam construction
- stitch type and stitch density
- thread size
- needle size
For safety-critical applications, the performance and compliance of the complete lifting or restraint system must always be assessed according to the requirements applicable to the finished product.