Needle breaks can be a frustrating problem for embroiderers, but understanding the reasons why they happen and how to prevent them can help keep your embroidery process running smoothly.
Here is a comprehensive guide on the most common causes of needle breaks and what you can do to prevent them.
1. You're Running Your Machine at Too High of a Speed
- Running your machine at a high speed can cause needle breaks. Lower the speed when working with structured caps or complex designs (450-600 SPM). Keep in mind that embroidering at a slower speed may take longer, but it will result in a higher quality finished product and prolong the life of your needles.
2. Lowering your cap driver
- By bringing the cap driver closer to the sewing arm, you can reduce the movement and bounciness of the cap during the embroidery process.
Here is a video guide on how to lower your cap driver:
Lowering and adjusting your cap driver.
3. Adjusting the presser foot height
- Lowering the Presser Foot will help hold the cap in place before the needle enters.
Here is a video guide on how to adjust your presser foot height:
Presser Foot Adjustment EM-1010
Presser Foot Adjustment TC/SWD
Presser Foot Adjustment MT/CHT
4. Your Fabric Is Too Thick for Your Needle
- The fabric or material may be too thick for the type of needle you are using. To fix this, use a thicker needle that is appropriate for the material you are working with.
- We recommend the 80/12 titanium needles for structured caps. Make sure you get the DB x K5 since those are the ones the machine takes.
(Note: Your machine is calibrated for 75/11 or 80/12 needles, anything smaller or bigger than that you will need to adjust your timing to use.)
5. Your Design Is Not Properly Digitized
It could also be that your design is not properly digitized or optimized for caps. Keep in mind that the digitization of your design provides the instructions for your machine, so it's important to make sure it is done correctly. To fix this, try using a design that you have previously run successfully or reach out to us for a pre-optimized design. Keep in mind that a design that runs well on flat surfaces may not work as well on caps, as cap embroidery typically starts at the center of the cap.
Need additional help?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance via email at service@ricoma.com or by visiting our support page at www.ricoma.com/US/support.