Lubrication

Less friction. Better sewing performance.

Short definition

Thread lubrication describes the application of lubricants to the sewing thread surface to reduce friction, improve sewability and minimise needle heat.

The lubricant fulfils various functions with regard to sewability:

Improvement of gliding properties

Sewing threads should run as evenly as possible through the thread guide elements and thread tensions of a sewing machine in order to avoid tension fluctuations as far as possible.

Improving abrasion resistance

Lubrication protects the sewing thread from abrasion during the sewing process. However, the raw material and construction of the sewing thread are decisive factors in terms of abrasion resistance.

Needle cooling

High sewing speeds and the processing of dense, hard fabrics cause high needle temperatures, which are problematic for synthetic sewing threads. Lubrication provides a needle cooling effect during the sewing process, which delays the melting of synthetic sewing threads in demanding sewing positions.

Reducing the tendency to static charging

The friction of the predominantly synthetic sewing threads on the various thread guide elements of a sewing machine often leads to static charging of the sewing threads, which significantly impairs stitch formation. The lubrication counteracts this behaviour. At the same time, the antistatic components of the lubrication help to prevent uncontrolled thread unwinding (thread ballooning).
Applying too much lubricant causes abrasion on the sewing machine. The thread guide elements become clogged with lubricant residue and impede the sewing process. Applying too little or unevenly applied lubricant causes fluctuations in the gliding behaviour and can also cause sewing problems.

Also known as

Technical terms

 

  • Thread lubrication 
  • Lubricant finish 
  • Surface finish 
  • Lubrication finish 
Common descriptions
 
  • Waxed thread* 
  • Thread coating 
  • Low-friction thread 
  • Smooth thread 

*Only where technically applicable.

International terminology

LanguageCommon terminology
EnglishLubrication, Thread lubrication, Lubricant finish, Surface finish
GermanSchmierung, Garnschmierung, Schmierausrüstung
FrenchLubrification, Enduction lubrifiante
ItalianLubrificazione, Finitura lubrificante
SpanishLubricación, Acabado lubricante
Chinese润滑, 缝纫线润滑
VietnameseBôi trơn, Xử lý bôi trơn chỉ may

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