MONOFILAMENT vs.
MULTIFILAMENT Monofilament Threads
- are made from single continuous filaments of nylon that resemble fishing line. Monofilament threads are translucent and blend in with many colors. Because it has a tendency to be stiffer than other filament products, monofilament threads are not recommended for seams that may lay adjacent to the skin. Monofilament threads are used in quilting operations on quilts and bedspreads, as well as blindstitch operations on drapery and apparel. A&E Brand include: Clearlon. Monofilament Polyester Fabrics that are single threads formed thick enough to be directly woven into smooth, regular fabrics. Monofilaments are the most concise and regular fabrics. The single strand threads are capable of exact detail and registration. They also wear well in extended production printing. It is less easy to adhere films and emulsions with monofilaments than with multifilaments, but they are easier to clean and to reclaim and less likely to clog during printing. The surface of the threads is less coarse, or more smooth and polished. Monofilament sutures: Monofilament sutures are made of a single strand of material. Advantage o Have less tissue drag than multifilament suture, o Do not have interstices that may harbor bacteria. Disadvantage o With thicker threads the wiriness that is a characteristic of all monofilament threads impairs handling and in particular renders knot-tying more difficult, o Care should be used in handling because nicking or damaging them with forceps or needle holder weakens them and predispose them to breakage.
Twisted Multifilament Threads - are made from continuous filaments of polyester or nylon that are
twisted together into a cohesive bundle and then plied to make the thread. They are then dyed, stretched, and heat set to achieve the desired physical characteristics. Twisted Multifilament threads are available either soft or with an additional bond for better ply security and abrasion resistance. They are exceptionally strong for their size and have excellent abrasion resistance and durability. These threads are used for seaming everything from boat sails to automobile upholstery. A&E Brands include: Anefil and Anefil DRY. This construction is also used in the manufacturing of RA embroidery brands including Super Brite Polyester, Super Strength Rayon, and Twister Tweed. Multifilament Polyester Fabrics that are fine polyester strands twisted together into threads and woven into fabrics. Multifilaments are common in the textile industry. The threads are coarse and subtly impart that quality to the images printed. They are closest in visual character to the original multifilament silks used in screen printing. They wear less well in extended production runs than do monofilaments, but they can be used to print on textured or contoured surfaces. This mild elasticity prevents exacting registration. Multifilaments are also preferred for the easier adhesion of indirect cut and photo stencils. Multifilament suture: Multifilament sutures are made of several strands of suture that are twisted or braided together. Advantage o Are more pliable and flexible than monofilament sutures, o Results in considerably better knot holding security. Disadvantage o The longitudinal orientation of the individual filaments within the thread results in relatively high capillarity, but the capillarity of braided threads is less than that of twisted threads. o Have a rough surface that impairs passage through tissue. Multifilament threads are generally coated. The coating smoothes out the irregular surface and thus facilitates passage through tissue without impairing knot-holding security. Coated multifilament threads are less stiff and wiry than monofilament threads. The coating also reduces capillarity. Monofilament vs. Multifilament
