Hand press vs semi automatic vs automatic eyelet machine

In the world of eyelet attaching tools or machines, there are mainly three types categorized by how the eyelets are attached: hand press tools, semi automatic eyelet machine and fully automatic eyelet machine.

People select different types based on many factors, including fabrics, eyelets, working efficiency, cost of tools/machines, and labor costs etc.

Hand press tools

Hand press tools are the eyelet attaching tools mainly using manpower to do the job.

Advantages:

1. Can work with different sizes of eyelets by changing dies
2. Low cost of tools
3. Small space required
4. No need to install
5. Simple structure, easy to operate

Disadvantages:

1. Low work efficiency
2. Costly energy or labors required
3. Can’t punch through thick fabrics
4. Inconsistent work quality: the final work results vary among workers and even different levels of energy of the same work. When the worker is physically worn, the work quality will not be at the same level when he/she is fully energized.

Semi automatic eyelet machine

Semi automatic eyelet machine has automatic feeding system for eyelets, but the washers need to be placed manually. If washers are not needed, it can be considered as automatic eyelet machine.

Advantages:

1. Higher work efficiency
2. Energy or labors saving
3. Can punch through thick fabrics

Disadvantages:

1. Each machine can only work on limited sizes of eyelets
2. Higher machine cost
3. Higher shipping cost
4. Can work on limited types of fabrics

Fully automatic eyelet machine

A fully automatic eyelet machine is an advanced system specially designed for large production projects. This type of machine is characterized by its speed and versatility, being able to work with different types of fabrics, textiles and materials etc.

With an automatic eyelet machine, you can improve the quality of work due to its precision, which generates greater time-saving benefits. Nowadays, it is the easiest and fastest way to set eyelets.

The automatic eyelet machines were developed as an evolution of the hand presses and semi automatic machine for large factories and massive productions.

There are different models of eyelet machines in the market, each with its own specific features. Next, we will see the advantages of this type of machines. 

1. Reliability and quality: automatic machine can perform consistent work quality, not subject to worker’s energy level. It is more reliable than hand press and not easy to break with the current advance technology.
2. High work productivity: this is the biggest advantage of automatic machine. It can attach many more eyelets than hand press or semi automatic in a given period of working time. Most of the current automatic machines can attach more than 40 eyelets per minute, and it can maintain this level of productivity continuously. It is especially suitable for large factories and rush projects which need to be finished within a given timeframe.
3. Effort and labors saving: with advance automatic machine, you will only need to hire very few workers to finish the same amount of productivity. Furthermore, the workers will not be physically worn as much as hand press.
4. Safe: most current automatic machines are designed considering the safety of operators, such as protective safeguard and safety detector etc.
5. Automatic feeding system: it has raceways for both eyelets and washers which can be transferred automatically, no need manual placement.
6. Can punch through very thick fabrics: because of its powerful pressure, it can punch through very thick fabrics, such as several layers of tarpaulin, canvas or tent materials etc.
7. Can work on a wide ranges of eyelets: the inner diameters of eyelets can be from 5mm to 30mm.

Disadvantages:

1. High machine cost: the cost of machine is higher than hand press and semi automatic due to its high technology and some high costs parts, such as motors, pneumatic cylinders…
2. High shipping cost: this type of machines are usually big, so the shipping cost will be high for long distance transportation.
3. One machine can only work on one size of eyelet: one machine can only work on one diameter eyelets. You can’t use it to punch several different diameters of eyelets by changing dies.