Here is a quick guide outlining every stage of the garment production process and the machinery that goes with it

Setting up a garment factory is no easy task. Factory managers need to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the entire manufacturing process while juggling other tasks like overseeing the workforce or handling quality issues. Moreover, consumer demands are always changing, so factory owners need to keep up with current trends to remain in business. But running a garment factory can be rewarding for those willing to learn the ins and outs of the manufacturing process.

Before factory owners can start taking on mass orders, they need to understand the entire production process in detail (link: A Guide to Garment Production in Seven Steps). First off, different machines are used for each stage of the garment manufacturing process. Owners must research which machines will be beneficial for the type of garment they plan to produce. Let’s take a look at some of the basic equipment you’ll need to set up your very own garment factory.

Fabric spreading machines set up factories for successful garment production

If fabric spreading machines aren’t the first thought in a would-be garment factory owner’s mind, they should be. Fabric spreading machines make life easier for factory staff by laying out fabric into neat, wrinkle-free layers (Link: What is a Fabric Spreading Machine?). Why is this important? Because fabric spreading is preparation for the next stage of garment production. Leaving out this part of the process would lead to wrinkled, inaccurate fabric cuts that can only mean one thing: waste. If fabric is spread smoothly to begin with using a fabric spreading machine, garment manufacturers can avoid these larger issues down the line.

Fabric cutting machines enhance production capacity and speed

Fabric cutting machines are a must-have for potential garment factory owners. Fabric cutting machines cut fabric to the customer’s exact requirements, using a pattern to avoid errors (Link: What is a Fabric Cutting Machine?). Fabric cutting machines are durable enough to cut through the layers of fabric prepared in the fabric spreading stage⁠—far more layers than factory workers would be able to cut manually. Since they let factories handle more fabric at once, fabric cutting machines streamline the production process and give factories the capacity to take on bulk orders.

Fusing machines give garments long-lasting, stitch-free bonds

Fabric fusing machines work by applying an adhesive resin to one side of the garment’s interlining, using heat and pressure to bond it to another piece of fabric (Link: What are Fabric Fusing Machines and How Do They Work?). They apply exactly enough heat and pressure to melt the adhesive resin, leading to high-quality seam-free bonds. Fabric fusing is a stitch-free method that eliminates the fraying and wrinkles caused by traditional stitching, which enhances the lifespan of garments and boosts customer satisfaction.

Sewing machines are at the heart of garment production, especially for embroidery and buttons

Sewing machines are top of the list when setting up a garment factory. After all, they’re the core of any garment-related business. Even if factories can bypass a lot of sewing by making use of fabric fusing machines, they still need sewing machines to take care of embroidery and buttons. There are many types of sewing machines on the market, each with their own unique capabilities. But one thing’s for sure: sewing machines need to be durable enough to work in challenging factory conditions without hindering manufacturing.

Factory owners need to make sure they adequately research which model of sewing machine would be best for their needs, as each machine creates different stitch types. Some computerized sewing machines even work on autopilot, using cutting-edge technology to control variables such as thread tension and stitches per minute.

Heat transfer and printing machines produce clothing designs

Heat transfer and printing machines are important if factories want to print logos or other images onto clothing (Link: How to Decorate and Bond Fabrics Using Heat Transfer and Seamless Machines). Think these machines fit best lower down on a new factory owner’s list of priorities? Think again: manufacturers need heat transfer machines to give customers the beautifully decorated clothing they expect. The garment industry is highly competitive, and customers can easily shop elsewhere. Why give them the chance?

Heat transfer machines remove the risk of human error when printing images. They provide an outstanding level of printing accuracy that is unachievable through manual printing. Heat transfer machines are designed to handle bulk printing orders and streamline the production process, taking the heat off factory workers. Workers just have to take the required logo or image, place it on top of the garment in the desired location, and leave the heat transfer machine to do the rest.

Needle detectors streamline the quality control process, giving factory managers peace of mind

Customers expect well-made garments in a range of styles and sizes that they won’t have to give up due to product recalls. But product recalls are exactly the kind of hassle factories risk if they do not implement thorough quality control checks

Luckily, we now have machines that can help. Needle detectors scan individual items or even entire packaged boxes for broken needles or metal debris left behind during production. These highly sensitive machines rotate items so that a thorough inspection may take place. This enhances the quality control process while removing the risk of product recalls or even lawsuits due to metal debris. Whether new factory owners invest in a needle detector or not, they should implement robust quality control procedures to keep consumers safe and avoid product recall headaches down the line.

Conclusion

There are numerous types of garment manufacturing machines available, each with benefits and drawbacks, and factory owners should research which machines are most relevant to their particular type of product before investing in a new purchase. OSHIMA’s garment production machines are linked by an information management platform that automatically generates reports on the go, making it easier for managers to make important decisions and streamline production. Are you considering setting up your own garment manufacturing factory? We can help. Contact us today.

References
https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2018/05/machinery-needed-for-garment.html
https://ardmel.com/machinery-needed-for-garment-manufacturing/
https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/6444/making-of-garments
http://www.zelect.in/sewing-machine/types-of-sewing-machines-in-india