Chapter 4
Work aids
What is work aids?
• Extra machine parts which are attached to speed up production and
improve quality, efficiency and reduce fatigue of the machine
operator is called work aids.
• They improve productivity.
• Maintains quality standards.
• Reduces training time
• Minimises fatigue of the operator
Functions of the work aids
• Increase speed while keeping the quality satisfactory.
• Improvement in productivity as well as accuracy.
• Guides the materials and operators.
• To stack after work items.
• Assist initial packing.
Types of work aids.
• Guide
• Compensating foot
• Specialized pressure foot
• Stitching jig
• Rack guide
• Light
• Folder
• Slack feeder
• Elastication
• Cutting of threads
• Latch back device
• Compressed air
• Stacker
Guide
• Guides are used for correct sewing in predetermined position or in a
determined and proper distance from edge of fabric.
• It aids in speedy production as per proper standards.
• It is not only used for sewing but also for cutting in edge cutting of
overlock machine.
Compensating foot
• Used to sew at 1-2 mm (very little distance) from the fabric ends.
• Used to work in various height with the help of spring.
• Used in attaching patch pocket, collar and closing seam.
Specialized pressure foot
• Specialized pressure foot used for attaching of braid or elastic.
• It is suitable for sewing at the very near of chain or pipe.
Stitching jig
• The small portion of garments is cut accurately by die. For precise and
accurate sewing of such parts stitching jig is used.
• It is made by two sheets of Aluminum or plastic which are held by
hook.
Rack guide
• Rack guide is used for the attachment of lace, braid, elastic with the
garments parts.
• Generally these items are wound in rolls so rack guide, guides the
items to specific joining points.
Light
• Special marker used which are not visible in normal light but visible in ultra
violet ray.
• It is used as an alternative of pencil or chalks for marking specific areas.
Folder
• Folder is device which is used to fold the fabrics prior to sewing.
• It can maintain required quality, accuracy and top speed of the
operator.
• It is placed in front of presser foot.
Slack feeder
• Lace, braid, tape supplied in roll forms exists tension and attached in
the gets in tension condition, seam pucker may be created due to
[Link] feeder is used to avoid this problem.
Elastication
• Elastication can be made using folder in the front of pressure
[Link] elastication m/c increase products quality and
productivity.
Cutting of threads
• After sewing is completed, the thread is cut.
• Mechanical thread cutter is used for cutting from uniform distance
from the edge of the fabric.
Latch back device
• In over edge sewing m/c the thread cutting ends can be secured with
the air flow latch back. In this method one end can be lace back.
• Electronic edge sensor are added to perform the latch back action at
the end of the sewing.
Compressed air
• Compressed air helps to increase the quality of the products.
• It prevents single jersey from curling, helps to join one or more fabric
together by over edge sewing machine.
Stacker
• The goods are shifted from m/c to m/c in bundle or box form.
• It can be hanger, card board, tables or bars.
