Advanced lubrication systems for industrial sewing machines

Abstract

The article describes lubrication systems used by advanced industrial sewing machines. The most part of the sewing machines use to be lubricated in automated way. The automated and centralized lubrication system delivers controlled and minimal amount of a liquid lubricant to multiple wear locations in a machine while the machine is operating. To avoid oil leakage and contamination of the workpiece with the lubricant, the machines use to have a sealed needle bars which close the space between stationary and moving components of the machine. Some parts of the machine can be self‐lubricating. There are made from metals: bronze, iron or plastic with high porosity and impregnated with a lubricant. The lubricant use to be: oil, graphite, Teflon (PTFE), Diamond Like Carbon (DLC). Many companies are developing so called minimal lubrication machines, semi-dry head and dry head sewing machines. The minimal lubrication machines use a sealed needle bar and a sealed type oil tank. For the hook section of the machine, the standard lubrication method is employed. The needle bar mechanism of the semi-dry machine is dry type and does not require any lubrication. It is coated with diamond-like carbon or Teflon. The hook lubrication of the machine is performed automatically. The most part of the available advanced sewing machines are semi-dry head and minimal lubrication machines. The mechanisms of a dry head sewing machine does not require any lubrication - they can work fully dry.