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I want to buy an industrial
sewing machine.
No problem, but there are a few questions that you must ask yourself
before handing over any cash. There are many different machine
manufacturers, with many different types of machines, all with various
subclasses, produced to cater for thousands of different applications. Making
a few notes before venturing out into the market place will make life
much easier.
Make a note of the full range of products that you intend to make
or manufacture.
The type and thickness of the material that you wish to use.
The type and thickness of thread that you wish to use. |
How can I ensure I get the right machine?
Visit or talk to a dealer that specialises in industrial sewing machines.
Take samples of your intended product, some of the materials, and
thread that you wish to use.
Ask questions.
Get a demonstration |
Can I use this thread with this machine ?
The sewing machine is a device that manipulates thread to create a
stitch. If you try to use a light weight thread in a machine
that is designed for heavy thread, it will be unlikely to work. The
same applies if you try to sew with heavy weight thread in a machine
that is designed for light weight thread. |
Will it sew this material ?
Most machines can handle most materials within reason, if configured
correctly, but the right type of machine for the job will make life
a lot easier, and inevitably increase production. i.e. If you
are trying to sew materials that stretch then a zig zag may be of
benefit. If the material is heavy, like vinyl/canvas, or sticky,
like rubber or PVC, or has large bumps or joins, then a machine with
needle feed / walking feet, or a combination of both may be necessary. If
there are long seams, maybe a machine with a puller feed |
What is a needle positioning motor ?
Industrial sewing machines are normally driven by two very different
types of motor. The clutch motor and the needle positioning motor.
The clutch motor has a mechanism operated by the foot pedal, to engage
and disengage a mechanical clutch, which in turn provides the drive
to start and stop the machine.
A needle positioning motor is electronically controlled, and offers
the ability to provide a variety of extra functions. The main
function is needle positioning. The motor can be configured to
make the machine stop with the needle either in the work, or out of
the work, which eliminates the need for the operator to manually position
the needle using the hand wheel when turning a corner or removing
work. Other options available are digital control of sewing
speeds and automatic foot lift at the beginning and end of a sewing
cycle. |
Can I buy the machine I want via the Internet
?
If you are buying new, and you know the make and model of the machine
that you want, and are certain that it is configured correctly and
will do the job, you can purchase it anywhere.
If you wish to purchase a used machine and are not certain of what
you want, then use the Internet as a starting point. Find a dealer
that is helpful and you feel you can trust, that has a showroom and
can demonstrate the machine as well as explaining why the machine
they are recommending is the correct one for your application. Ask
how the machine will be delivered, will it be installed and commissioned,
will any training be given. Ask someone in the same or a similar
trade to yourself if they can recommend a dealer that could help you.
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Can I buy and fit parts myself ?
Yes. But beware.
First make sure with the vendor that the part being supplied is an
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part, or is a copy part of similar
quality. Many parts supplied today by some suppliers are copy
parts that are not produced to the exacting standards of the original. This
may mean the part needs to be modified before fitting, may cause problems,
such as bad stitch or thread breaking, or at worst may cause problems
with, or damage to, some of the other parts in the machine that it
works in conjunction with. If you are in doubt then contact Dowlings
to ensure that you get parts of the highest quality.
Also be aware that some of the parts in a sewing machine can run at
speeds of around 8000rpm. A badly fitted part can be damaged
in seconds, rendered useless in minutes. A reputable dealer will
advise you as to what you can and can't do. |
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