ImagesMagUK_Digital-Edition_Dec17

2 Each head is fitted with a ZSK HAC attachment and a ZigZag EP1.2 cording device TIPS & TECHNIQUES www.images-magazine.com 56 images DECEMBER 2017 ZSK offers embroiderers a straightforward – and affordable – way to create 3D designs, appliqués and engravings using air It’s more than hot air B eing able to offer your embroidery clients special effects such as 3D designs or engraving can help to make your business stand out from the competition and win orders. The hot air cutter (HAC) from ZSK is a nifty attachment that, when combined with the ZigZag EP1.2 cording device, can do just that, adding a whole new dimension to your creative decoration services. Introduced at ITMA in 2015, ZSK’s HAC allows decorators to cut synthetic materials, engrave fabrics such as fleece, and create multi-layered appliqués. Reported to be a lower cost option to laser cutting, the HAC can also cut other materials such as cotton, although it will leave similar traces to those left by laser cutters when used on these materials. Stocks Embroidery and Sewing Solutions, the UK distributor of ZSK, reports that as well as being budget- friendly, the HAC requires “nearly no maintenance intervals”, and it takes only one or two hours of intensive training to master the attachment. The attachment can be used on ZSK embroidery machines, while the ZigZag EP1.2 cording device – also used in this step-by-step – can be used with both ZSK and Tajima machines. Any kind of cord can be used with the equipment, provided it has a maximum size of 3mm and the ability to coil or to uncoil on a cone. Each embroidery head can have an HAC and cording device attached at the same time. The hot air reaches an impressive 480°C, and a small magnetic disk called the Magnet Separator is used to prevent the air cutting through more than one layer of material at a time. This high- temperature, permanent magnet is placed between the base fabric and the piece of fabric that is to be cut. It’s a simple procedure: fasten the base fabric on the pantograph, then place the fabric to be appliquéd on top. Secure the appliqué fabric with tacking stitches, ensuring that they are sewn at a distance of 5mm from the cutting contour so as to ensure the free movement of the 8mm wide Magnet Separator. Place the Magnet Separator between the base fabric and the appliqué fabric, select the cutting parameters and begin cutting. Once the cutting is completed, the excess fabric is removed, as is the Magnet Separator, and then any additional embroidery or cording can take place. www.stocks.co.uk STEP-BY-STEP: SINGLE FLOWER WITH SATIN STITCHING & CORDING The two-head ZSK Jafa machine applies tacking stitches that are 5mm from the cutting contour Using hot air at 480°C, the HAC begins cutting the fabric 1 CORDING DEVICE HOT AIR CUTTING ATTACHMENT