Introduction
It is very essential to oil the embroidery machine as it consists of many complex parts such as rotary hooks, take-up lever or needle bar. Those parts move against each other at very high speeds which causes more friction and mesopic wear on those parts over a period of time. The oiling of the embroidery machine allows these parts to glide efficiently and protects the machine from wobbling, noise or thread breakage. Proper lubrication of embroidery machinescan increase its life span to two, three or sometimes even four times longer than its usual capacity.
Where to Apply the Oils
Following is some of the parts of machines where oil should be applied regularly:
- Rotary Hooks and Bobbin Components: Rotary hooks and bobbin components are in charge of forming stitches and require precision while moving against each other. They require a very small amount of oil to be applied between the surfaces to run efficiently.
- Take-up Lever: Take-up lever is used to pull thread up from the needle’s eye after every stitch. It also requires a small amount of oil where the lever joins the pivot.
- Needle Bars and Driver Gears: Needle bars are used to precise its linear movement and should be oiled from top to bottom. Full oiling of needle bars also helps the nearby gears to rotate at high speed.
- Tension Discs: Tension discs are loaded with tiny springs and are used to control the tightness of the threads. The fulcrum present in these tension discs should be oiled.
- Joints and Bushings: Every visible joint and bushings should be oiled such as pivot pins and ball joints. Every metal or plastic interface should be oiled too.
Proper Method to Oil the Machines
It is important to be completely prepared before oiling the machine. The oiling process is very essential and crucial. Here is the list of steps that need to be followed to apply the oil properly:
- Ensuring Safety: It is an important and basic step to turn off the machine completely and unplug it to ensure safety. Moreover, it is advisable to gather all the necessary tools such as oil, brush lint-free clothes, etc.
- Access Important Areas: The next step is to remove the important parts such as needles, plates or parts that block the oiling points. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris and prevent them from compressed air.
- Oiling of Hook Race: The main process should be started by opening the hook bar and removing the bobbin case. Position the hook race correctly and then apply a drop of oil on the hook. It is important to be careful and not overdo it.
- Lubrication of the Needle Bars: The next step is to lubricate all the needle bars. First, you need to pull it down and lock it. Then, drop a small amount of oil on the lower part of the bar. This process should be repeated for each needle bar.
- Other Moving Parts: Another advisable step is to refer to the machine’s manual and check other areas or parts that require lubrication. Apply oil to all the suggested parts as per the instructions.
- Finish up: The last step is to wipe the excessive oil with a lint free cloth and assemble the machine again.
It is important to follow this process regularly or weekly by setting up a routine.
Why Does an Embroidery Machine Needs Oil
Each and every machine needs oil to function properly. Even a pencil sharpener consists of a lubricant to carry out its work. This is because two parts of a machine can cause friction, heat or distortion while moving against each other. The four main types of oil lubricants are as follows:
- Grease: Grease is a mixture of soap and an oil-based product.
- Oils: Oils are used for lubricating and have various other uses such as food and fuel.
- Penetrating Lubricants: These lubricants are useful in reaching a tiny part of the machine where normal oils can’t reach properly. These lubricants are thin in nature.
- Dry Lubricants: As the name suggests, they are dry and thick in nature. The most famous dry lubricant is graphite.
Advantages of Oiling the Embroidery Machines
The process of oiling embroidery machines is very essential and beneficial for both the machines and the products. It helps in increasing the performance and the life span of those machines. Some of the advantages of oiling embroidery machines regularly:
- Minimization of Friction: Regular oiling of embroidery machine leads to reduction in the friction between the moving parts such as needles, bobbin, hooks and gears. The biggest benefit of reduction in friction is that it prevents wear and tear and extends the life of the machine.
- Lubrication: Another important benefit of oiling is that the oil can be used as a lubricant in the mechanical part of the machine. The oiling leads to smooth movement between those mechanical parts during the operations and increases overall performance of the machine.
- Less Chances of Overheating: Embroidery machines tend to generate heat due to continuous operations. At these times, regular oiling helps in reducing the heat generation and reduces the chances of overheating. If these machines are not oiled regularly, overheating can lead to damages such as malfunctions, low quality performance and even machinery damage.
- Protection from Dust and Debris: Oiling also protects the machines from dust, lint and debris. It keeps those particles away from the parts and cleans the machine. Without oiling, those dust particles can enter the parts of machines and disturb its mechanisms. This can lead to skipping of stitches and uneven embroidery.
- Consistency in Performance: Regular oiling of the machine offer consistency in the performance. It avoids problems such as noise, uneven stitches and jams in the machine.
Take Away
This is the brief explanation about how to protect your embroidery machine through oiling and advantages of oiling and lubrication regularly. We hope this information will be effective for you. Please let us know through your valuable feedback and the suggestion in the drop box.