Sewing machines are an essential tool in the garment industry, used to stitch together fabric pieces and create finished garments. There are various types of sewing machines used in the garment industry, including industrial sewing machines, computerized sewing machines, and overlock machines.
Industrial Sewing Machines
Industrial Sewing Machines are heavy-duty machines that can handle high-volume production and are designed to stitch through thick layers of fabric. They are available in different types, such as single-needle, double-needle, and chainstitch machines.
Computerized Sewing Machines
Computerized Sewing Machines are more advanced than traditional machines and can perform various functions automatically, such as cutting the thread, adjusting stitch length, and changing the needle position. These machines are often used for complex stitching operations and can produce intricate designs and patterns.
Overlock Machines
Overlock Machines also known as sergers, are used to sew and finish the edges of the fabric simultaneously. They are commonly used in the garment industry to create clean, finished edges on garments.
Preventive Maintenance of Sewing Machines
Preventive maintenance is an essential part of ensuring that sewing machines in the garment industry operate at optimal performance and have a long lifespan. Here are some preventive maintenance tips for sewing machines:
Scheduled Maintenance:
Develop a schedule for routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and calibration, and ensure that these tasks are performed regularly.
Inspection:
Inspect the machine regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed or damaged wires, worn belts, or loose screws. Address any issues as soon as they are identified to prevent further damage.
Lubrication:
Lubricate the machine regularly as per the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure smooth operation and prevent damage to the machine.
Needle Replacement:
Replace the needles regularly to prevent thread breakage and ensure that the stitches are even and clean.
Tension Adjustment:
Check the tension of the thread regularly and adjust it as necessary to prevent thread breakage and ensure the quality of the stitch.
Belt Replacement:
Replace worn or damaged belts promptly to ensure smooth operation and prevent damage to other parts of the machine.
Cleanliness:
Keep the machine clean by removing any dust, debris, or lint that may have accumulated on the machine. This will prevent the accumulation of debris that can cause damage to the machine.
Professional Service:
Have the machine serviced by a qualified technician periodically to ensure that it is operating correctly and to identify any issues that may not be apparent during routine maintenance.
Common failures of Sewing Machines
Here are some of the most common failures expected in sewing machines:
Thread breakage:
This is one of the most common issues that sewing machines face. It can be caused by several factors, such as a dull or bent needle, incorrect thread tension, or using the wrong type of thread.
Skipped stitches:
Skipped stitches occur when the machine fails to form stitches in certain areas. This can be caused by a worn or bent needle, improper thread tension, or incorrect bobbin placement.
Machine jamming:
A jammed machine can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a tangled or knotted thread, debris or lint caught in the machine, or a malfunctioning feed dog.
Needle breakage:
Needles can break due to several reasons, such as incorrect insertion of the needle, using the wrong type or size of the needle, or a damaged or worn-out needle.
Uneven stitching:
This can occur due to several reasons, such as an incorrect stitch length, uneven thread tension, or a damaged or worn-out presser foot.
Motor failure:
The motor can fail due to several reasons, such as overheating, worn-out brushes, or a malfunctioning power supply.
Belt breakage:
Belts can break due to several reasons, such as excessive wear and tear, over-tensioning, or damage from debris or foreign objects.
Prism Software for Sewing Machine Maintenance
In the garment industry, Prism Software helps the Maintenance Team manage and track the Maintenance Tasks for sewing machines and other equipment.
Preventive Maintenance
Schedule and track the Preventive Maintenance Tasks of all the sewing machines and other equipment using Prism's Scheduler and Planner tools. This can help ensure that maintenance tasks are performed on time and according to the manufacturer's recommendations, reducing the risk of breakdowns and downtime.
Asset Management
Prism software can be used to track the maintenance history and lifespan of sewing machines and other equipment, helping organizations plan for equipment replacement or upgrades.
Work Order Management
Prism helps the Maintenance Team manage the breakdown and preventive maintenance work orders. Electrical, Mechanical and Utilities Maintenance Team can improve their operational efficiency.
Check Prism simplifies the Breakdown Maintenance Workflow.
Inventory Management
Prism tracks the inventory of spare parts and supplies needed for maintenance tasks, keeps the inventory of all equipment in the factory.
Data Analysis & Reporting
The Maintenance Team and Leadership Team can generate various reports in Prism software and analyze data related to maintenance activities.
Overall, sewing machines are a crucial tool in the garment industry, and their efficiency and reliability are essential for efficient production. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and lubrication, can help extend the lifespan of these machines and ensure their optimal performance.
To improve the Maintenance Team Productivity and Increase the Machines Uptime, Sign Up to Prism software.
Download the Prism App from Google Play Store.
