Maximise Your Production with Modular Embroidery Machines

Embroidery production requirements have changed dramatically in the past few years, unfortunately making many embroidery machines inefficient for most of the current type of business. Imagine the waste when having to switch off heads for small runs.

Many embroiderers have now downsized their 12 heads to 8, 6 and 4 heads to allow for the smaller volume of units per order. But even this reduction in the number of heads per machine still leaves very high in-efficiency with regards to production.

The only way to achieve total control and efficiency is to use modular system embroidery machines that can be easily configured to match up with your varied orders. Say you have a 6 head modular system, you can split this up to any combination for example 6 x 1 heads, 1 and 5 heads, 2 + 2 + 2 heads, 3 + 3 , 4 + 2 etc.etc. One day you could have small unit orders some with different names, another day you could have a run of 500, so you could run the job on all heads.

Thread breaks on a conventional fixed head machine can cost a lot of time because if one head as a thread break, all the heads stop until it is re-threaded. On a modular system only the one with the thread break stops, leaving the others in full production.

Poorly Digitised Designs Can Greatly Affect Your Production

No so long ago you could count the number of digitising companies on one hand. Now, helped by the fact that design systems are lower in cost and easier to use, they seem to be springing up all over the place.

Using a digitising company

Look for a company that is well established and have the experience to produce a design that will run well on your machine without unnecessary stops for threads breaks etc. Paying a lower price per 1,000 stitches can sometimes cost you much more in lost production. Many factors can contribute to a design taking longer to embroidery than is necessary. Factors such as: too many stitches, too much underlay, too many colour changes, too many jump stitches, too many trims, incorrect stitch length's and so on. Be sure your designs are optimized for maximum production.

Using your own digitising software

Like most things, you get what you pay for. Select one of the well known brands that you can upgrade to higher levels if and when required.

Always make sure that the company you buy from are capable of providing you with training from fully experienced personnel and offer telephone support. When you first start you will find that you can cope with probably 60% of designs quite easily. I recommend that until you have gained experience send the difficult ones to a professional design company.

Speed Up Framing Times

Make sure you have an accurate and easy to use framing system. A good framing table not only gives you the ability to rapidly frame garments on the correct spot but also provides the perfect material tension for embroidery. If the material is framed to loose then you could experience thread breaks and poor registration.

Threads, Backing and Needles

Threads - Again you get what you pay for. Always use a good brand of thread that is capable of running consistently without too many thread breaks. Remember thread breaks cost you money. Backing - Use the correct backing for the garment being embroidered. Incorrect backing will cause thread breaks and poor registration. Needles - Change the needles on a regular basis. ( ask your supplier for re-commendations ). Damaged or worn needles can cause thread breaks and hole damage to garments.

Keep the Wheels Rolling

Maintenance of your machinery is another major factor in increasing your production. An embroidery machine must be serviced to prevent poor running and breakdowns. If you are having regular thread breaks then maybe your machine needs attention.

You can easily maintain your own machine but I would suggest a yearly check over by your supplier.

Remember - Look after your investment.

Be Organised

Last but not least, please make sure your work room is well organised and that you have a system from "goods in" to "despatch".

Improve Production - Improve Profit

As you can see, there are many area's that can affect your production, check these now and improve your production and your profit. In these days of the "credit crunch" you need all the extra efficiency you can find.

These are some handy ideas to get you thinking about productivity. If you would like to discuss any of the matters discuused in more details please call Peter Wright on 01730 711151 or email on peter.wright@amayauk.com

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