ZSK Yardage embroidery machine model displayed at open house in Pakistan

In August 2006, ZSK had introduced the longest machine with 56 heads and embroidery length of 9.1 metre in Pakistan and the first installation was sold to AIK Embroidery at Lahore. The machine has shuttle embroidery head distance repeat of 24/4 = 162.42 mm. This machine is very unique as it has six colours per head. It can be adapted to sequin device cording or boring device. It is the only machine in the world with other machines in the series, which has an automatic head selection. It means that the head can be switched on and off any time to create extraordinary designs on tablecloths, sarees or curtains. No other machine is capable of automatic head selection. It means that software designs can be punched in advance and transferred to the machine on-line or through a transfer media and the machine will do the rest.

The Multihead Embroidery Machines by ZSK are known all over the world and ZSK Yardage embroidery machine model ZBFA 5606- 24/4 D is the longest machine in the world, with 56 heads, 6 needles with 900 rpm (embroidery speed). The embroidery field width is 162.42 mm with a pantograph travel (maximum) of 325.

The ZBFA 5606- 24/4 D is much ahead of its competitors, said Mr. Michael Metzler, Manager of Studio Technique Department at ZSK GmbH. This machine is longest machine in the world and offers automatic head selection and the extended pantograph movement. Therefore, an embroidery head can even reach and process the embroidery field of the next head. The head space also reduces the capital expenditure as a sequin device is installed on every second head. The operator uses the head selection function not only for designing purpose, but also to reduce capital expenditure by precise joining of repeats.

The second most important aspect of this machine is the software EPCWIN, which is professional embroidery software especially developed for ZSK Multihead & Shuttle Embroidery machine. The creation of embroidery design data for different embroidery processes is still one of the greatest challenges in professional embroidery. In this area, the unique and modular software EPCWIN sets completely new standards, regarding functionality and user friendliness.

Whether badges, logos, appliqués, haute couture designs, table cloths, curtains, all-over or chemical lace embroidery is required, EPCWIN features all program steps ranging from designing, drawing and punching upto editing. The user is optimally supported and navigated through all work steps and can thus work quickly and efficiently.

EPCWIN is a joint development of ZSK Germany’s leading manufacturer of embroidery machines — and GiS — specialist for embroidery software. ­­

Mr. Michael Metzler, who is also the head of Software Development of ZSK said, “EPCWIN is the high end software for multi-head and shuttle embroidery and it can be adapted to all picture formats from variety of sources, such as scanner, internet, clipart images, etc.”

Mr. Hans Jürgen Große, Area Sales Manager, ZSK Stickmaschinen said, “Indian and Pakistani markets are quite important for ZSK Embroidery machines, as culturally women in both the countries prefer beautifully embellished and colorfully embroidered fabrics and as hand embroidered fabrics are very labour intensive and expensive, ZSK offers the machine embroidery with similar authentic and aesthetic values - perhaps even more beautiful. For example, in India ZSK machines are successfully being used in embroidered sarees and hometextiles for wedding and dowry purposes.

Mr. Hafiz-ur-Rehman Sheikh from AHS also pointed out the same aspect of formal wear in Pakistan, where ladies dupatas and suits with fine embroidery and lace work cost thousands of rupees at retail outlets.

The formal wedding dresses and decorative bedsheets, upholstery, tablecloths and other beautifully crafted fabrics are also quite popular in Pakistan, as well as in UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries of Middle East.

Mr. Imran Sagheer, Managing Partner, Aik Embroidery said, “I prefer to execute my own designs – using EPCWIN software, I can make use of different techniques to maximize stitch data and choose colour according to the fashion trends or retail trends. This system is ideal for graphic repeats and useful when complex designs are demanded by the end user.”

AIK embroidery, a family owned company based in Lahore has been in fabric business from 1999. AIK an acronym for 3 brothers Amir Sagheer Khan, Imran Sagheer Khan and Kamran Sagheer Khan was founded by their father Mr. Sagheer Khan, who started his retail business by importing fabric from Korea, Taiwan and Japan. They specialized in embroidered fabrics for ladies dress material and have a shop at the old walled city of Lahore. These fabrics are bought from domestic markets, and Mr. Imran, the inspiration behind the design and pattern, adds value to these fabrics.

For example, the machine displayed at AIK Embroidery premises, was shown making four dupatas, with boring using intricate metal wire as well as thread. The thread was provided by the courtesy of Candle Thread Maker from Lahore. The three shops Amir Cloth House, Kamran Cloth House and Imran Cloth House share the same textile tradition of innovative designs and excel in Ladies Shalwar Suits. The machine can finish four intricately embroidered dupatas in three hours and can finish 10 suits in the same amount of time.

According to Mr. Hans Jürgen Große, “Whether your centre of activity lies in embroidering large surfaces or pre-cut fabrics, ZSK flatbed embroidery machines are the ideal production means that will satisfy even the highest demands of your customers.”

“Designed and constructed for the efficient production in borders or single frames, our broad array of high-performance flatbed embroidery machines ranges from the smallest S-model with one embroidery head to the giant 56-head machines with typical Large-embroidery repeat. Our machines combine characteristics which, so far, have been difficult to accomplish. High precision of the embroidery pattern and absolute reliability in continuous operation”.

“Our high-quality machines are designed for the most demanding users, who cannot afford ”cheap solutions”- High-performance embroidery machines by ZSK are the true basis for economic success” concluded Hans-Jürgen Große, the Area Sales Manager, ZSK Germany.