SUNMATE is made of PTFE (a.k.a 'Teflon') and it won't be affected by the UV ray and keeps its initial strength for decades. SUNMATE also has lots of other characteristics to withstand the outdoor environment.

[PTFE thread is slippery]

The coefficient of friction of PTFE is 0.05-0.08, which is smaller than the friction between skis and the snow surface. There is the 'fuzz' on the surface of SUNMATE for some friction necessary for sewing, but the recommended needle size is slightly smaller than the thread size (The shown needle sizes are the ones that we are actually using in our own factory). When using this product, it may be necessary to make precise adjustments on the sewing machine, but we do not handle the sewing machines themselves and cannot provide consultation regarding adjustments on the sewing machine side. We recommend that this product be used only by those who have specialized knowledge of sewing.

Just by having a cup of coffee at a cafe, you can find parasols, chairs, and other textile products lined up on the open terrace that are exposed to UV rays. And just by breaking one of their seam, the stylish spot transforms into a miserable sight. "Lifeline" is neither a metaphor nor an exaggeration, but a pure fact, as a tear in the sewing thread means the end of the lifespan of the fabric product.

Fabric products intended for outdoor use are of course made from highly weather-resistant fabrics such as acrylic. However, the practice of sewing such fabrics, which boast a lifespan of 10 years, with threads such as polyester, which have a far inferior durability, still persists. As the result, the lifespan of the fabric product doesn't become that long as you expect. In addition to that, the thread is being exposed to the abrasion against the fabric, which is another reason for shortening the product service period. SUNMATE is immune to UV ray and withstands longer than outdoor fabric under harmful Sun light. PTFE also has a very low friction and less likely to be worn out compared to ordinal sewing thread.

Re-sewing is an effective repair method. However, the act of ’sewing' makes countless new holes in the fabric, and if you re-sew it many times, many holes may even tear the fabric. There are countermeasures such as shifting the sewing areas, but the original perforations may become noticeable or the dimensions may change. Besides that, we remove large, heavy and bulky outdoor fabric products and take them to a repair shop for repair. The time and cost involved creates a huge burden.