The thread is an indispensable
element for fixing the different parts of a paraglider or hang glider
sail. The threads normally
used are referred to as 40 / 3 or 60 / 2. But
what significance does this number? I we'll
give you a list thread
numbers, the different types of thread, and its corresponding use. The
numbers are related to manufacturing technology and composition of the
thread.
40 / 3 thick:
The number 40 indicates the "stretching"
of the yarn. The greater the stretching, the finer or thinner
will.
The second number, in this case 3, shows the number of "strands" that comprise
it. This thread is ideal for sewing a lot of resistance.
Paraglider use: main sewings in all ripstop panels, and line loops.
70 / 2 and 60 / 2 medium
thickness:
Recommended for sewing thread poplin, denim (raw cotton), Dacron or
similar material.
Paraglider use: line loops (gnuLAB2 loops 60 / 3)
100 / 2 Thin.
120 / 2 Very thin.
Thread used to embroider lace handkerchiefs edges or very light fabrics.
20 / 3 Very thick: use in
risers (40 / 3 also OK)
Fig 1. Polyester threads: Gütermann 20/3, Gütermann
40/3, and
Serafil 60/3
Fig 2. Polyester threads: Gütermann 20/3,
Gütermann 40/3,
and Serafil 60/3.
Attempts to determine the equivalent diameter: Number 20
-----> 0,53 mm. Number 40 ----> 0,35 mm.
Number 60 ----> 0,27 mm. Approximate diameters
measured in photographs. Keep in mind
that
the diameter decreases slightly with tension due to the greater
alignment of the strands.
Fig 3. "Laboratori" experiment: Taking
the thread with both hands and turning with your right hand out of the
body (clockwise), loosens the thread,
and show the number of strands that compose it, in this
case three.
Photographs taken with
high-resolution scanner (1200dpi).
Fig 4. Needles (287 WH system) number 80 analyzed by
high-resolution scanner (1200dpi). Note the different colors
for different types of steel.
The upper needle shows the face of the channel guide when sewing.
Fig 4. Needles 287WH number 80 analyzed by
high-resolution scanner (1200dpi).
Recommendations
to combine threads and needles:
Needles
287 WH system
|
Sewing
thread
|
Darning
and embroidery thread
|
Needle
number
|
6
strands
|
3
strands
|
2
strands
|
60
|
-
|
170 -
200
|
80 - 100
|
70
|
70 - 100
|
70 - 140
|
50 - 80
|
80
|
50 - 60
|
50 - 70
|
30 - 40
|
90
|
40 - 50
|
30 - 40
|
-
|
100
|
20 - 30
|
-
|
-
|
Return to Laboratori
d'envol
