Understanding the Maximum Speed of Your Embroidery Machine

The maximum speed that most commercial embroidery machines can run can be limited in the firmware of the machine. Typically, the maximum speed is set at either 1200 or 1000 stitches per minute. Multi- head machine will not run this fast. This is not a true and actual speed of the machine because the machine speeds up and slows down as needed stitch out the design.

The system acts much like a governor on a school bus in that it sets a maximum speed for the bus. The bus may never reach that maximum speed because of the turns and stops it needs to make on its journey.

You can run the machine at its maximum advertised speed. Going back to the analogy of cars, if you buy a brand-new vehicle and drive it at its maximum speed everywhere you go it may not last very long. A NASCAR car will run at speeds over 200 mph for 500 miles and they must tear down the motor after each race and rebuild it. Soccer mom’s minivan only goes up to speeds of 60 mph but may last for 300,000 miles.

I would suggest that you run the machine at between 700 to 800 stitches per minute. When stitching caps, I recommend slowing the machine to 500 stitches per minute. There is less stress on the machine, and it should run longer without major issues.