A workshop with 4 to 8 industrial embroidery machines generally needs between 250 and 500 L/min, margin included. An S 55 (0.6 m³/min at 8 bar), combined with a receiver, a dryer and a fine filter, covers this need. If the workshop adds a heat transfer press or pressing stations, the K 75 4-in-1 takes over.
What does air do on an embroidery machine?
On a multi-head industrial embroidery machine, compressed air mainly drives the automatic thread trimmer, the thread clamp and some colour changes. Each head has its own small cylinders. Consumption per machine stays low, but it rises with the number of heads and the frequency of trims.
Our page on compressors for textiles and laundries gives the overview for garment workshops. Here we size an embroidery workshop.
Step by step calculation
Values are indicative: an industrial embroidery machine uses 10 to 50 L/min depending on the number of heads. The exact figure is in the maker's manual.
Workshop with 4 machines of 4 to 6 heads.
- Machines: 4 × 30 L/min = 120 L/min. They run together, so count them all.
- One blow gun to clean the plates and hooks: 150 L/min, counted at half because it blows in bursts, so 75 L/min.
- Subtotal: 195 L/min.
- 25% margin for leaks and peaks: 195 × 1.25 = 244 L/min.
Workshop with 8 machines of 12 heads or more.
- Machines: 8 × 40 L/min = 320 L/min.
- Blow gun at half: 75 L/min.
- Subtotal: 395 L/min.
- With the margin: 395 × 1.25 = 494 L/min, or 0.5 m³/min.
Our flow and pressure converter turns L/min into m³/min if a manual uses another unit.
Which compressor for which workshop?
| Workshop | Need with margin | Recommended model |
|---|---|---|
| 4 machines, one blow gun | 244 L/min | S 55 with receiver, dryer and filter |
| 8 machines, one blow gun | 494 L/min | S 55, or K 75 to keep a reserve |
| 8 machines and a heat transfer press | 744 L/min | K 75 |
For the third case, add a pneumatic heat transfer press at 200 L/min during its cycle: 395 + 200 = 595 L/min, then 595 × 1.25 = 744 L/min. The K 75 delivers 1.1 m³/min at 8 bar. It combines the compressor, a 420 L receiver, the refrigerated dryer and the filtration on one frame.
The S 55 comes without a receiver. It weighs 98 kg and measures 750 × 550 × 750 mm. Add a receiver sized with our calculator, a refrigerated dryer and a fine filter.
What about a piston compressor?
A piston compressor from the E Series is designed for intermittent use. An embroidery workshop uses a little air, but all day. A screw compressor is built for that continuous duty. It is also quieter: the S 55 is rated at 65 to 68 ± 2 dB(A) and the K 75 at 66 ± 2 dB(A).
Pitfalls in an embroidery workshop
- Stains on the fabric. The trimmer and the blow gun work a few centimetres from the embroidery. A drop of water or an oil aerosol marks a light fabric. Our compressors are oil-lubricated: a dryer and cascade fine filters are essential. See our article on fine filters.
- Pressure. Embroidery machines often work at around 5 to 6 bar: check the manual. A compressor set to 8 bar and a regulator at each machine are enough.
- Lint. It clogs the compressor's intake filter and cooler. Place the compressor outside the workshop if possible, in a ventilated room. Our article on the compressor room sets out the rules.
- Condensate. It contains oil. An automatic drain removes it from the receiver, dryer and filters.
- Maintenance. First service at 500 hours, then every 1,500 hours: the controller shows the reminder.
Send us the number of machines, their heads and one machine manual in a quote request: we will check the flow and the air treatment with you.
For your trade: Compressor for the textile industry and laundries.