
Multifilament braided cords have a special place in the world of sustainable and innovative industrial technologies. These cords are used in many areas — from fishing gear to climbing equipment and industrial slings. The demand for them is growing steadily due to their wide range of applications. Braided cord manufacturing technologies have evolved from the days of early civilizations that used natural fibers to today's durable materials.
Contents:
Types of braided cords
Cord type | Key distinguishing feature |
Polypropylene | Buoyancy, resistance to aggressive environments, hydrophobicity, wide range of colors |
Polyester (Polyester) | High strength, low moisture absorption, chemical resistance |
Nylon (Nylon) | High strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance |
Aramid (Kevlar) | Ultra-high strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance |
High molecular weight polyethylene | Ultra-low density, high strength, chemical resistance |
Polyacrylic | Increased resistance to UV radiation, chemicals and sea water |
Polyvinyl alcohol (Vinylone) | High resistance to abrasion, sea water and chemicals |
Hybrid (mixed) | Combined properties depending on the materials in the composition |
A breakthrough solution is the use of multifilament threads made from synthetic polymers by extrusion. These threads have high tensile strength, wear resistance and low elongation, surpassing single-filament threads in flexibility and softness.
How braided cords are made
The process of producing braided cords begins with the selection of suitable raw materials and the use of specialized equipment. The most popular are braided cords made of polypropylene threads.
Polypropylene belongs to the class of polyolefin fibers - one of the most affordable synthetic polymers. Polypropylene fiber has a valuable set of performance properties. Its strength in dry and wet conditions is quite high - from 35 to 80 gf/tex, without changing when wet. Elongation is 30-40% for regular fiber and 12-15% for high tenacity fiber. Elasticity is quite high. Polypropylene has the lowest density among fibers, 0.91 g/cm3, making products made from it the lightest and non-sinking in water. It is highly resistant to abrasion in dry and wet conditions, although it is inferior to polyamide fibers. Hygroscopicity is low - 0.01-0.02% moisture absorption. Polypropylene has high rates of capillary rise and moisture transport, thermal insulation properties, drying speed, and is a sound-absorbing and electrical insulating material. It has high heat and frost resistance (up to -70°C), but low heat resistance with a melting point of 170°C. It is absolutely resistant to aggressive environments and organic solvents, microbes and fungi, and has good hygienic, dust- and dirt-repellent properties.
Main stages of production of polypropylene braided cords:
- Production of polypropylene granulate
- Polymerization of propylene to produce polypropylene polymer
- Polymer granulation
- Extrusion of polypropylene threads
- Melting polypropylene granulate
- Forcing the melt through dies to form threads
- Cooling and stretching threads to orient molecules
- Twisting threads into multifilament strands
- Collecting many thin polypropylene threads in a strand
- Twisting the strand to increase strength
- Cord braiding
- Feeding strands to special braiding equipment
- Weaving strands according to a given weaving pattern
- Control of density and weaving pattern
- Thermal setting
- Heating the braided cord to secure the shape of the weave
- Cooling the fixed cord
- Additional finishing (optional)
- Application of protective coatings
- Dyeing the cord
- Winding, packaging
- Winding ready-made polypropylene cords into coils
- Packaging of coils for transportation and storage
Weave parameters, such as density and pattern, affect the characteristics of the cord, including flexibility, strength and wear resistance.
Where are braided cords made from PP threads used
In sports, braided cords are valued for their strength and low visibility under water in fishing, as well as for their reliability in mountaineering. In industry, they are used as slings and cables for safe lifting of heavy objects. In everyday life, multifilament cords are used in elements of workwear and accessories, ensuring durability and aesthetics.
A characteristic feature of braided cords made of polypropylene fibers is buoyancy, resistance to aggressive environments and hydrophobicity. The disadvantage is low abrasion resistance and lower strength compared to nylon analogues. The advantage is the unchanged physical and mechanical properties in the wet state. These cords are used in industry for lashing cargo, making furniture and various structures, as well as for decorative purposes and the production of promotional products due to a wide range of colors and the possibility of dyeing.