TROUBLESHOOTER B
efore we begin, we think it only fair to point out that much of what we say will be based on the way we
operate here at YES Ltd. We will try and keep any comments about machinery as generic as possible but we can only comment with authority about the SWF machines which we supply. Any queries that this article raises about other machines should be taken up with the manufacturer or supplier of that machine. OK, now we have got that out of the way, lets get the ball rolling.
The type of machine Choosing an embroidery machine is like choosing a car – lots of makes, lots of models and lots of bells and whistles – the difference is that your livelihood, in the main, does not depend on your car. Firstly lets forget the bells and whistles as these do not a good machine make. They may be useful but rarely prove to
be essential. There are two major considerations when choosing a machine – sewing speed and sewing quality. Before you shortlist any machines check
out the main specs on the appropriate websites but DONT make your decision on this basis alone. The only way to buy a machine is to see it in action and see what it produces. If visiting a showroom, it may be worth taking with you a design and fabric that represents the work you will be doing. Check the quality of the finished embroidery not only from the front but, more importantly, from the back. The reverse side of embroidery tells much of the story especially where consistency of tensions is concerned. Regarding speed, most modern-day machines are fast enough but a more representative question may be “what is the recommended maximum continuous running speed?”. To use the car analogy again, your Ford Mondeo may have a top speed of 100mph but it is an unlikely recommendation to continuously run it at that speed. This, however, is not the only controlling factor where production is concerned. The way the machine handles colour changes and long stitches also has an effect on productivity.
The right machine for the right job
Although we have covered many aspects of embroidery we have not, until now, discussed the machine in any depth so, over the next two issues, ROY BURTON and the experts at Your Embroidery Services Ltd, will cover the main considerations when buying a new machine.
All machines gradually slow down for a colour change/thread trim or long stitch and then gradually speed back up again but when and by how much do they do this? The resultant figures may seem small but once multiplied by the number of colour changes/trims per design and the number of designs per hour and per day you may be surprised at the results. For long stitches check out the
percentage difference between the standard sewing speed and the long stitch sewing speed and also at what stitch length this kicks in. As with colour changes/trims small amounts of time here can result in a reduction in productivity especially when calculated over the year.
The size of the machine W
e are not talking about the dimensions of the machine although it is useful to have
some basic information, after all its pointless buying a 5 metres long machine when you workshop is only 4.5m. We are instead talking about the number of needles and the number of heads. Luckily for todays buyers the number of needles is rarely queried as these days most machines, if not all, have more than enough. The number of heads though is very important and is directly related to the level of production you want to attain as well as the size of the orders you will be
handling. If the majority of your work is going to be bulk quantities then it is pointless buying a single head machine. It will help the salesman guide you in
the right direction if you have some idea of what you want to achieve so give this some thought before you set out. Smaller machines often give increased flexibility so, for instance, it may be better to have two twin head machines instead of a single four-head version. SWF have combatted this with the introduction of the Dual Function machine which, in the case of a four-head, can operate as a single unit or two twin head machines. Because the size of the machine relates directly to your production there is not a one size fits all so, if you have a mixed order book, then you may have to compromise and this is something that you should discuss in detail with your prospective supplier. Here at YES Ltd, we would expect our sales staff to pose this question towards the beginning of the conversation so that they can guide a prospective customer towards the right machine and that is the key. Any good salesman should sell you the machine that you need and not the one he needs to sell. In part two of this subject we will be looking at embroidery area, what machines can handle and overall
knowledge. n For more information contact YES Ltd on 01623 863343.
“It may be better to have two twin head machines
instead of a single four-head
version. SWF have combatted this with the introduction of the Dual Function machine
(pictured left), which, in the case of a four-head, can
operate as a single unit or two twin head machines”
| 62 | May 2013
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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