What is an Industrial Sewing Machine?

Industrial sewing machines are used by garment manufacturers and consumers who are looking for a faster and more professional job than is provided by household sewing machines.

In most cases, the industrial sewing machine has two distinct parts: the sewing machine itself, and the power stand. The power stand is where the motor is located, giving the machine its great power. Most manufacturers recommend that a one-half horsepower 3450 rpm or 1750 rpm motor be used on their machines. Using this powerful motor, the machine can achieve a fast sewing speed by using pulleys. For example, if you use a four inch pulley on a 3450 rpm motor, you can achieve a sewing speed of 4500 spm(stitches per minute). The high speed lockstitch Consew Model 292R sewing machine achieves 5500 spm by this method.

The bigger the pulley, the faster the speed, but if you want more power from the motor, then use a smaller pulley, giving more strength for sewing heavier fabrics. Walking foot, compound feed and unison feed sewing machines like the Juki DNU 1541 Unison Feed Lockstitch use this strategy.

Industrial machines like the Juki DDL-8300 High Speed Lockstitch Machine perform one operation at a time. Household sewing machines like the Singer 5830 School Model Sewing Machine can do a straight stitch, a zig-zag, sew on a button or make a buttonhole with all operations built into the machine. What you lose with the household machine is the speed and consistently perfect stitches obtained with an industrial sewing machine.

Household sewing machines have their motors attached to the body of the machine. The motors are usually rated at one-tenth horsepower and 3450 rpm. The power is limited because of the motor size. They use a pulley or gearing system to increase the power while producing a slower stitch speed. Most household sewing machines run at 800 spm.

Sometimes terms are used to imply that a household sewing machine has the power of an industrial. In these cases, the customer should verify the actual motor power and stitching speed.

1. Semi Industrial - This term is used by some household sewing machine manufacturers to give the false impression that their machines have a similar speed and power to an industrial machine.
2. Heavy Duty - This term is used to give the impression that a certain machine can sew through very thick material that other household machines can not handle. Again, the key factor in the ability to sew through multiple layers or tough fabrics is the power of the motor itself and its gear ratio.
3. Industrial Strength - A term used to give the impression that a household machine can do the same job as an industrial sewing machine.