Intro
Polyester (PES) is a synthetic fibre produced by polycondensation and melt spinning. It combines very high tear and abrasion resistance with high elasticity, low moisture absorption and very good resistance to light and weathering. This balanced performance profile makes polyester one of the most widely used raw materials for industrial sewing and embroidery threads.
Properties
- Very high tear and abrasion resistance
- High elasticity, low crease sensitivity
- Very good resistance to light, weather and putrefactive bacteria
- Easy care (easy to wash and quick drying)
- Hardly any moisture absorption
- High temperature resistance compared to other synthetic fibres
- Low specific weight
Temperatures
- Dry heat resistance: up to 150°C
- Melting point: 250°C to 260°C depending on type
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Synthetic fibre |
| Abbreviation | PES |
| Production principle | Polycondensation + melt spinning |
| Tear resistance | Very high |
| Abrasion resistance | Very high |
| Elasticity | High |
| Moisture absorption | Very low |
| Light/weather resistance | Very good |
| Dry heat resistance | Up to approx. 150°C |
| Melting point | Approx. 250–260°C depending on type |
| Typical applications | Apparel, automotive, upholstery, outdoor products, technical textiles, embroidery |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Polyester
- Polyester fibre
- Polyester sewing thread
- PES
- Polyester filament
- Polyester staple fibre
- PET polyester
- Polyethylene terephthalate fibre
Common descriptions
- Polyester thread
- PES thread
- Strong polyester thread
- Polyester embroidery thread
- Weather-resistant sewing thread
- Outdoor sewing thread
- UV-resistant thread
- Quick-drying thread
- Is polyester thread strong?
- Is polyester suitable outdoors?
- Does polyester absorb water?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Polyester, Polyester fibre, Polyester sewing thread, PES, PET fibre |
| German | Polyester, Polyesterfaser, Polyesternähgarn, PES |
| French | Polyester, Fibre polyester, Fil à coudre polyester, PES |
| Italian | Poliestere, Fibra di poliestere, Filo da cucire in poliestere, PES |
| Spanish | Poliéster, Fibra de poliéster, Hilo de coser de poliéster, PES |
| Chinese | 聚酯纤维, 涤纶, 聚酯缝纫线, 涤纶缝纫线 |
| Vietnamese | Polyester, Xơ polyester, Chỉ may polyester, Sợi polyester |
FAQ
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Polyester is produced through polycondensation. The fibre is then formed using the melt spinning process, where the polymer melt is extruded and solidified into filaments.
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Polyester combines very high tear resistance, excellent abrasion resistance and high elasticity. This makes it suitable for demanding sewing processes and durable end-use applications.
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Yes. Polyester offers very high tear strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for industrial and high-performance sewing applications.
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Polyester has high elasticity and low crease sensitivity, allowing seams to recover well after stress.
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Polyester absorbs very little moisture. This contributes to its dimensional stability and quick-drying behaviour.
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Polyester has very good resistance to light and weathering, as well as resistance to putrefactive bacteria, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
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Yes. Due to its UV resistance, weather stability and low moisture absorption, polyester is well suited for outdoor textiles, technical applications and upholstery.
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Polyester has very good resistance to light and weathering, as well as resistance to putrefactive bacteria, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
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Yes. Polyester is a thermoplastic fibre, meaning it softens and melts at high temperatures.
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Polyester threads are used in apparel, technical textiles, automotive interiors, upholstery, outdoor products and embroidery applications.