Sewing & attachments: new product showcase

Atlanta Attachment Co. Inc has developed the Model 211M, a semi-automatic, low-cost coverstitch sleeve hemmer for small- to medium-sized manufacturers. The machine features a two- or three-needle sewing head with an electronic DC motor. Options include a top-feed sewing head; top coverstitch; thread undertrimmer; auto stacker; and a sewing head equipped with a puller and thread cutter. Average production is 200 dozen pair (4,800 pieces) of sleeves per eight-hour shift.

Also new is the Model AP26M, a semi-automatic sleeve closing workstation for T-shirts. The machine's features include automatic backlatch; auto start; auto thread cutter; DC electronic motor and microprocessor controls; auto thread saver; and auto stacker. Average production is 230 to 260 dozen pair of short sleeves per eight-hour shift, depending on the material and part size.

Beisler America Inc. introduces the Universal Welt Pocketing Unit for sewing outside pockets, including styles with a single or double welt, straight or slanted opening, and with or without a flap. The unit, which is made to customer specifications, also can align breast pockets, even with a pleat, as well as sew inside pockets while automatically feeding interlining to the pocket length. it also can attach pockets with zippers and sew pockets on leather goods.

Also new is a single-needle lockstitch sewing machine with an under trimmer, foot lift and backtack. Available with a servo motor and either a 110-volt or 220-volt power supply, the machine is capable of sewing seven different patterns and comes complete with an LCD display.

Brother International Corp. introduces the B855E Electronic Zigzag Stitcher, a newly designed 5,5000-spm electronic system with two-, three- and four-step zigzag, plus scallop and blindstitch zigzag patterns. All programs are instantly recalled through the touch of a button. Also new is the B722 single-needle, needle-feed lockstitch machine with thread trimmer. The reliable unit, which features an improved design for quieter operation, prevents uneven material feeding and puckering in a wide variety of materials.

Camatron Sewing Machine Inc. has expanded its Juki LK1900 Series sewing machines to accommodate a 65-inch by 45-inch sewing area. A 360-degree label clamping device also has been added. Additionally, the Juki LK1910 is now capable of sewing 5-inch (130 mm) drapery tacks and other larger patterns.

Clinton Industries Inc. has added the Mini-Taurus to its Accu Stop[R] family of DC servo motor drive systems for sewing machines. This small, efficient motor eliminates the synchronizer found in most servo control systems, which allows machine mounting configurations that reduce noise and vibrations. With the use of artificial intelligence, users can "teach" the motor various functions, such as exactly where to position the needle. Additionally, the Mini-Taurus has high acceleration levels, which lower inertia for fast starting and stopping.

Also available is the new Model 8890BH, a microcomputer-controlled electro/mechanized/pneumatic system designed to enhance the performance of AMF-Reece and Durkopp buttonhole machines by reducing maintenance costs, lowering downtime and increasing production. It features two DC servo motors that replace the complete mechanized stop-motion components of the machines, including the clutch, brake, spur gears and shafts. The system also improves quality by converting the clamp to pneumatic operation, which allows the operator to feather the clamp.

EFKA of America Inc. has recently introduced the Compact Servo Model DC1500/AB220A, a 9,000-rpm motor for chainstitch, overlock and lockstitch sewing machines. The unit has flexible mounting positions, making it ideal for general sewing machine use (particularly feed-off-the-arm) as well as for workstations and automatic units where there is limited mounting space. Additionally, the SM210A Stepping Motor Control is a fully digital microprocessor-controlled unit that can be used as a standalone or expansion unit for EFKA DC drives (AB60D, AB62CV, AB220A). It can be used to control electronic pullers, metering devices, edge guiding systems and top/drop feeds.

John E. Fox Inc. (The Fox Co.) announces the FOX-2000, an updated addition to the Jefic OX-280 series placket setters, which use a patented ply-sensing method to sew plackets to the face material of golf shirts. An automatic load and feed mechanism has been added to the new machine to speed the cycle time, while deskilling the operation.

The Fox Co. also is offering the new BW-2 bobbin winder, which can wind and replace both bobbins simultaneously on double-needle lockstitch machines.

Jet Sew Technologies Inc. introduces the Model 6026 towel weft correction unit with tucker trail trimmers. The unit removes any bias from continuous towel fabric before the hemming operation, producing towels with perfect pattern symmetry and parallel borders. It also features edge-sensing trimming units, which signal the removal of tucker tails.

Juki Union Special Inc. announces the AMS-210DHL/JA-361, a computer-controlled cycle machine with a label loader for sewing paper and leather brand labels on to jeans and work wear. After labels are loaded into a magazine, the unit selects and feeds a label to the clamp for sewing. The system operates at sewing speeds up to 2,500 spin with increased jump speed and thread trimming time.

The company also has introduced the CS-100/UO3 Universal Subclass of Juki Union Special's CS-100 multipurpose coverstitch machines. This machine can be used for three different basic operations without replacing any sewing parts: two types of coverseaming (a folded-over overedge seam and a flattened-out overedge seam) and basic hemming.

Kessler Ergo Products has designed several ergonomic products that feature working surfaces with adjustable height and fit dimensions. The KES2000 is a modular, adaptable stand with an integrated electric motor. Available in numerous sizes and versions, it features a lift range of 16 inches (400 min) and allows for sit-down and stand-up operation. Additionally, the manual RES2100 resembles an electric stand and features a 16-inch-range hand-crank system. It is available with or without tilt and on coasters or glides.

The new ERGO Pedal System for stand-up operations reduces worker fatigue, workplace injury and downtime. It features a 20-inch by 20-inch (500-mm by 500-mm) pad with two integrated, adjustable pressure-sensitive sensors that control machine speed, the foot lift and the thread trimmer. This system, which plugs directly into an electric motor panel via a control box, works with a number of leading motor brands

New York Sewing Machine Attachment Corp. announces the Model MP301, a "V"-neck attachment for knit collars and cuffs. The unit, which comes with an electronic metering device, fits on any sewing machine and features separate tension and sensitivity adjustments to allow for more accurate measurements. The MP301 also features a top metering device with a DRE folder, which can be used on any overlock machine and can handle cut fabrics from 2 inches to 8 inches. The company also is offering the new Model 6781 for T-shirt neck taping. The machine, which is equipped with a Model IC200 impact cutter, has a folder mounted separately from the foot and also is available with a special under-cut presser toot and seam guide.

Racing Sewing Machine Co. Ltd. is offering the new MCA 18A Series, high-efficiency metering devices with an auto-cut and reinsert system. The two units in the series, the MCA 18Z and MCA 18K, can finish widths up to 3/4-inch and 2 1/2 inches, respectively. With 27 programs and up to 18 separate tensions, the systems can be mounted on zigzag, overlock and coverstitch machines. Also available is the MC S6 compact metering device, which has a maximum feed width of 2 1/4 inches and can be mounted in a variety of locations, including on the machine head, on or under the table, or beside the table. It has six separate sections that can be set with a pull-back and release function.

Rimoldi of America Inc. has introduced the F63-16-2MR-21M/266-10, a versatile Flexsystem Sirio fiat bed machine that can attach elastic lace from above using the Sonia electronic metering device, while attaching elasticized binding from the right side. In both operations, which require no parts changing by the operator, the fabric is precut by a knife before the lace or collarette is attached. Designed to produce stitch type 602, the new machine also features an external-lever differential feed and a push-button stitch regulator, pumped lubrication and quiet operation at speeds up to 6,200 spin.

Sewing Plus Corp. is offering the MB Automatic, a high-speed, air-operated powder marking system that allows the operator to instantly set locations where drill holes cannot be used, such as for snaps, pockets, buttons or buttonholes, rivets and shapes. It allows for accurate marking on porous and non-porous fabrics; can handle rapid pattern changes; and includes a removable reservoir for easy cleaning and color changes. It comes standard with a 16-inch by 32-inch marking area, and additional sizes are available.

Also new is the MB-U-TURN-IT, a high-speed turner that automatically turns tabs, straps and epaulets, and also can handle small items such as doll clothes. Ergonomically designed to eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome, MB-UTURN-IT offers high productivity (up to 25 units per minute) and is available in several sizes and lengths, including larger sizes for products such as pillows and slippers.

Sewtomatic Ltd. has developed a pants side and inseam workstation that features top and bottom feed and variable speed control. The machine, which is capable of sewing "on-seam pockets" as well as plaids, has the capacity to produce 1,500 pair per eight-hour shift (side seam) or 1,980 pair per eight-hour shift (inseam). Also new from the company is a pants inseam workstation for "cuff-to-cuff" sewing of long inseams, including jeans. The machine can produce 1,600 pair per eight-hour shift and features a special cart stacker.

Silverman Machines International announces the Silverman Swatch Sewing Station, which attaches a data card to a fabric swatch with a double-needle stitch. The swatch and card then are transferred to a serging machine that sews all four sides automatically and then stacks the finished card and swatch. Designed for a leading furniture manufacturer, the machine, which has a one-year payback, can produce approximately 1,600 to 1,700 pieces per eight-hour shift with one operator running one machine. One operator also can run two machines or do another operation simultaneously without any production loss.

Also new is the Silverman Seat Deck Sewing Station (FSS). Designed for a leading U.S. upholstered furniture manufacturer, the unit automatically sews the front of upholstered furniture to seat decking fabric. The fabric and an optional pull strip are fed from a roll. The machine, which has a six-month payback, automatically senses the leading and trailing edges of the parts and cuts the seat decking fabric and pull strip material to the appropriate length. It also stacks finished parts.

Singer PFAFF announces two new products. The PFAFF 1053 lockstitch seamer is completely oil-free, which eliminates oil stains on fabrics and offers clean sewing operation. The machine also comes with a built-in motor that consumes 70 percent less energy than traditional models and features low thread tension, improved seams, variable needle bar stroke (32 mm to 36 min) and a modern ergonomic design. The Singer 1669U, a high-speed electronic lockstitch bar tacking machine, comes standard with 19 preprogrammed tacks that can be alternated by pushing a button. It is equipped to handle 10,000 stitches in a maximum of 64 patterns and can be programmed to sew any style pattern in a 30-mm by 30-mm window.

SouthStar Supply Co. has developed Magicuffer template sets, which are used to quickly and efficiently lay out cuffs or hems. Designed to save time and increase productivity, Magicuffer, which comes in two sizes, makes cuffs of 1 1/4 inches, 1 1/2 inches and 1 3/4 inches, or 2 inches, 2 1/2 inches and 3 inches. Also available is the latest version of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing, a book by Kathleen Fasanella. The 230-page resource was written as a textbook for apparel design students and a training guide for manufacturers.

Superior Sewing Machine and Supply Corp. is now offering MC S6 computerized metering devices from Racing Sewing Machine Co Ltd. (see Racing entry on page 44). Also new is the EC-1 battery-operated multipurpose ergonomic cutter.

TrimMaster introduces its Low Profile Metering Mechanism for feeding elastic and other narrow fabric. Designed to give the operator an unobstructed view of the work area, the unit has a 1 1/2-inch deep roller assembly, allowing the unit to be mounted close to the presser foot, yet stay clear of the operator's line of sight. The mechanism can be mounted on any sewing machine. On flatbed and zigzag units, the mounting rod is brought from the rear of the machine, holding the assembly in the contour of the sewing machine.

Universal Electric Corp. announces the Starline Busway electrical power supply with internal plugs. Developed as a new method of supplying power to sewing machines and equipment, the unit features easy machine hookup, disconnection and relocation. A "turn-n-lock" feature allows the user to insert the plug-in unit into the busway and twist 90 degrees to establish a connection.

VMW Automated Apparel Equipment announces the CS4000 Contour Seamer, an automated workstation for sewing side and in-seams on casual pants, dress slacks and uniforms. Featuring a Zippy edge guide for even trimming and prevention of twisted legs, the seamer sews pieces that are neatly clamped onto a space-saving bundle stacker for easy transfer to the next operation. Push-button controls adjust machine height in a 6-inch range for standing operators, and a worktable is attached to the machine to speed the loading process. The CS4000 includes a Tentronics thread break detection system, EFKA programmable motor and Pegasus EXT head with variable top and bottom feed controls. The serger can be configured with up to five threads for a 401 chainstitch with overedge and is available in an optional setup for sewing crotch seams.

Editor's Note: Looking for more information? Visit www.bobbin.com for an expanded version of this report.

Shawn Meadows is the assistant editor of Bobbin.

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