Direct-Drive Sewing Machine Motor
 
 
Quick-Rotan, the nation's last manufacturer of sewing machine motor controllers, and Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation, a nonprofit consortium supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce and a variety of businesses, teamed with Oak Ridge to develop a prototype for a direct-drive sewing machine motor and controller.

The 1.4-hp motor, which is the size of a soda can, creates advantages over conventional motors by mounting directly to the sewing machine drive shaft—eliminating space-consuming and maintenance-intensive belts and pulleys. 
 
Advantages provided by the direct-drive motor include: 
  • more leg room for operators,
  • more work space for operators, and
  • less power loss, heat, vibration, and noise.
 
The team developed the prototype within six months while meeting strict performance specifications such as:
 
  • 10,000 stitches per minute,
  • extremely small size,
  • rapid reconfiguration of sewing station, and
  • rapid maintenance of sewing equipment.
 
Oak Ridge expertise in motor design and advanced control systems enabled rapid design of the motor and a new control algorithm. Successful development of the prototype created an opportunity for Quick-Rotan to capture a significant portion of the $10 billion sewing machine market.
 
 
In recognition of the Y-12 National Security Complex's diverse, integrated capabilities and its commitment  
to succeeding with high-risk projects, the U.S. Congress in 1997 designated Y-12   
as the National Prototype Center.  

For information, phone 1-800-356-4USA or visit our web site: http://orcmt.oakridge.org/npc.html