ImagesMagUK_June_2021

www.images-magazine.com 68 images JUNE 2021 TIPS & TECHNIQUES Whatever embroidery machine you use, running it efficiently will save time and money, advises Dominic Bunce of embroidery digitiser David Sharp loading threads, etc, they can help the machinists to keep the machines running. 5. Take notes Have your machinists make a note of any tricky jobs as it is good to review these for repeat orders. Could that design be tweaked to pass through the machine quicker? Would an extra person on that job help keep the machine running constantly? 6. Maintenance Don’t forget to clean and oil your machines regularly. Keeping them well maintained and serviced is key to ensuring your machines will run well for many years to come. www.davidsharp.co.uk How to be efficient Also, consider buying pre-cut backing. Most suppliers will do this for you, for a small fee. Personally, I find nothing more satisfying than cutting a stack of backing, but if it comes at the expense of the machine running, it isn’t cost-effective. 4. Multi-tasking Once your embroidery is complete, it is essential to offload the machine and reload promptly. Keep that machine running! While it is running, trim up any unnecessary threads, remove backings, fold and pack. If you run multiple machines, having a ‘floater’ to aid the machinists is ideal. By folding, packing, W hether you are just starting your embroidery adventure or you are a veteran in the industry, the old saying of ‘Time is money’ is just as true today as when I first started more than 20 years ago. It is important to ensure that your machinery is kept running at its optimum efficiencies, whether you have a single- head embroidery machine or a bank of multi-heads. Starting off as an embroidery machinist has certainly given me insight into the time-saving practices needed to succeed. Here are a few simple things that can make a huge impact on your production times, and therefore your profitability. 1. Digitising Not always the first thing people think of, but a mediocre design on the best embroidery machine will only ever be a mediocre product. When digitising, plot your paths out – where could you save those few extra trims? Linking up where possible will save you four to five seconds per trim; the Meldrum United design shown here is a good example. Trimming the text on every letter would introduce 24 trims, which equals approximately two minutes extra in production time per run. An experienced digitiser will always consider machine time when digitising, ensuring your profitability by getting it through the machine as efficiently as possible while maintaining the highest level of quality. Let your digitiser know the garments it is being applied to: one size doesn’t fit all! We truly appreciate it as it means we can provide you with the optimum stitch count, ensuring premium-quality finishes in the most efficient manner. 2. Preparation You can never be too prepared. Unpack your next job while your machinery is running. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a pile of garments stacked up, ready to be embroidered. The quicker they get on and off the machine, the less downtime you have in between runs 3. Backing and threads Load your machine with the required threads for your next order while the last order is still running. With most machines now coming with 15 needles, you can keep a core selection of colours up and swap out the others as needed. Linking up and reducing the number of trims will save time on the machine The Meldrum United design was digitised by David Sharp for Thomson Partnership Scotland