For keeping up smooth operations in production, minimizing downtime, extending the lifespan of your equipment, and continuously maintaining high quality standards, it is inevitable to know and understand how to run your garment machinery properly. This includes the right set-up and maintenance of the machine, as well as the right circumstances. Here are a few important things to know for your garment production.
What To Do Before Installing a Machine?
Upon the purchase of a garment machine there are a few things to check, ideally before shipment, to make sure installation will be smooth and the production can be resumed right away. Additionally, the machine manufacturer, like OSHIMA, will also need some information to prepare the machine accordingly.
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Before the machine can be shipped, the buyer is advised to check the measurements of the entrance the machine has to go through to the space where it is going to be installed. Should the entrance not be big enough, does the machine have to be disassembled accordingly before delivery.
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If the machine is not wheeled, palette carts will be necessary for placement on site. It is advised to make sure that they are big enough and that they will be able to carry the weight of the machine.
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In case of the machine being placed on higher floors, buyers should make sure that there is a crane on site or rent one in order to be able to lift the machine up.
Besides these factors a few others need to be checked by you to make sure that the machine will be able to run smoothly. Every machine needs a certain amount of voltage input to run. You should therefore check the voltage requirement of your machine beforehand and make sure you will be able to provide it on site. Some of the garment machinery by OSHIMA, like the cutting machines, use compressed air for their functions. Make sure that the air compressor on site will be able to provide enough air for the machine to run.
How to Run Your Garment Machine Smoothly?
After installing your machine, the next step would be to make sure that everything runs smoothly for your production. To ensure this, make sure that the personnel operating the machines are trained properly and thoroughly. For overall safety it is especially important that every person knows where the emergency button or switch is placed on the machine.
Good To Know: machines that operate with a software on windows, like the fabric cutter or Fabric Spreader, have their user manuals stored in the machine managing system.
Some garment machinery need to be prepared upon their start to ensure no error happens during production. As most machines come with a monitoring advice it is mainly about checking if everything is set up the right way. For example, do the fabric cutting machines have enough air supply to work? Is the temperature of the heating plates of the heat press or fusing machines high enough to function? Additionally, it is important for the spreading machines to make sure that nothing stands in the way of both sides of the machine as it runs up and down the spreading table.
How to Maintain Your Garment Machinery to Last Long
For OSHIMA’s machines we distinguish between two types of maintenance: minor maintenance and major maintenance. While minor maintenance is done by yourself, OSHIMA takes care of major maintenance of the machines.
We have already put together a guide here on how to maintain your fabric spreading machines to extend their lifespan. Maintenance can go from daily dust removal on the moving platform and traveling wheels to monthly lubrication of the chain and sprocket. For the monthly lubrication it is important to wipe away the old grease before applying new grease, otherwise it piles up and collects dirt in these parts, leading to blockage.
The maintenance of the fabric cutting Machines is similar to the fabric spreading machines: It is advised to use an air gun daily to clean out dust and fabric debris. The more dust piles up the harder it becomes for the fabric cutter to perform accurately and over time it can clog the air supplies of the machine. A monthly check up if the blades are still sharp, the grinding stone needs to be replaced or the motor needs to be lubricated is also necessary. Machines that have features with sensors, like the fabric cutters or needle detectors, need to be checked and if necessary calibrated weekly. Also make sure to keep track of software updates of your machinery to keep up optimal performance.
For the major maintenance of the cutting machine, every six months a representative of OSHIMA will clean out the bristle table of the machine. For that the machine will be disassembled and opened up to clean it thoroughly from all the dust and debris that has collected over time. Remember that it takes two to three days to clean out the machine completely. So, for this procedure we advise you to plan your production ahead accordingly. Should you notice during inspection that parts of the motor are worn out, a representative will replace and install them for you.
What to Do When the Machine Suddenly Stops Working?
In very rare cases of the machine suddenly stop working here are a few troubleshooting tips for you:
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Check the emergency button or switch. Is it pushed or pulled? If yes, the power supply for the machine is cut off. Release button or switch.
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Check the monitoring screen for information air supply or temperature controls and consult user manual for guidance.
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Check the monitoring screen for error codes and consult user manual for guidance.
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Check if all buttons or cables are still intact. If something is broken, contact OSHIMA for support.
Should none of the troubleshooting tips work, no buttons broken or cords pullet, yet the machine is not operating properly, contact OSHIMA for troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Like other heavy-duty machinery, garment machinery need to be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure efficiency, durability and also safety. Machinery are high-cost investments so, it is only profitable for your business to make them last long. We at OSHIMA take pride in the quality of our machines, many of them lasting and performing with no errors for more than 15 years. For any inquiries about garment manufacturing machines, you can contact us here.
