Knowledge Hub

AMANN ThreadLex: Textile terminology explained

Explore textile terminology from A to Z. Find clear definitions, synonyms and translations of technical terms related to sewing threads, embroidery, materials and textile manufacturing.

Find the right textile term

Looking for the meaning of a technical term or its equivalent in another language? 
AMANN ThreadLex helps you understand and navigate textile terminology quickly and easily.

Browse terms alphabetically or search for a specific keyword to discover definitions, alternative expressions and multilingual translations – all in one place.

Category English Term Synonyms Short definition (EN) DE
Raw materials Para-aramid Para aramid An aramid fibre known for very high strength and cut resistance. Para-Aramid
Translations
DE Para-Aramid
FR Para-aramide
ES Para-aramida
IT Para-aramide
CN 对位芳纶
VN Para-aramid
Not to be confused with Not the same as meta-aramid.
Raw materials Polyamide Nylon A synthetic polymer family known for high abrasion resistance, toughness and elasticity. Polyamid / PA
Translations
DE Polyamid / PA
FR Polyamide
ES Poliamida
IT Poliammide
CN 聚酰胺
VN Polyamide
Not to be confused with Nylon is a common name; specify PA type where technically relevant.
Raw materials Polyester Polyethylene terephthalate; PET A widely used synthetic polymer offering good strength, durability, colour fastness and processing performance. Polyester / PES / PET
Translations
DE Polyester / PES / PET
FR Polyester
ES Poliéster
IT Poliestere
CN 聚酯
VN Polyester
Not to be confused with PES is the textile abbreviation; PET identifies the polymer.
Raw materials Polyether ether ketone PEEK A high-performance thermoplastic with excellent heat and chemical resistance. Polyetheretherketon / PEEK
Translations
DE Polyetheretherketon / PEEK
FR Polyétheréthercétone
ES Poliéter éter cetona
IT Polietere etere chetone
CN 聚醚醚酮
VN Polyether ether ketone
Not to be confused with Use full name on first mention.
Raw materials Polyethylene PE A polymer family that includes high-performance fibres with very high strength-to-weight ratios. Polyethylen / PE
Translations
DE Polyethylen / PE
FR Polyéthylène
ES Polietileno
IT Polietilene
CN 聚乙烯
VN Polyethylene
Not to be confused with Specify standard PE or high-performance polyethylene.
Raw materials Polypropylene PP A low-density synthetic polymer with low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance. Polypropylen / PP
Translations
DE Polypropylen / PP
FR Polypropylène
ES Polipropileno
IT Polipropilene
CN 聚丙烯
VN Polypropylene
Not to be confused with Temperature resistance is generally lower than for many high-performance polymers.
Raw materials Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE A fluoropolymer with outstanding chemical resistance, low friction and high-temperature capability. Polytetrafluorethylen / PTFE
Translations
DE Polytetrafluorethylen / PTFE
FR Polytétrafluoroéthylène
ES Politetrafluoroetileno
IT Politetrafluoroetilene
CN 聚四氟乙烯
VN Polytetrafluoroethylene
Not to be confused with PTFE is distinct from generic PFAS-free claims.
Raw materials Polytrimethylene terephthalate PTT A polyester-family polymer with characteristic elasticity and recovery. Polytrimethylenterephthalat / PTT
Translations
DE Polytrimethylenterephthalat / PTT
FR Polytriméthylène téréphtalate
ES Tereftalato de politrimetileno
IT Politrimetilene tereftalato
CN 聚对苯二甲酸丙二醇酯
VN Polytrimethylene terephthalate
Not to be confused with Do not confuse with PET polyester.
Raw materials Polyvinyl alcohol PVOH; water-soluble polymer A polymer that can be formulated to dissolve in water under defined conditions. Polyvinylalkohol / PVA
Translations
DE Polyvinylalkohol / PVA
FR Alcool polyvinylique
ES Alcohol polivinílico
IT Alcol polivinilico
CN 聚乙烯醇
VN Polyvinyl alcohol
Not to be confused with Solubility depends on polymer grade and temperature.