Mechatronic approach to the feeding system of an overlock sewing machine

Abstract

This paper describes the initial study of the research program being carried out on the feeding system of an industrial overlock sewing machine. The results obtained from the displacement and compression force, together with the graphic kinematic analysis, which includes the velocity and acceleration taken from the displacement–time curves of the presser foot bar, led to further understanding of the feeding system dynamics. This study is expected to provide the basis for the development of a redesigned and optimised fabric feeding system, in which the role of an actuator integrated in the presser foot bar will also be discussed as a major contribution to achieving a desired dynamic behaviour at high sewing speeds.