Ricoma and Melco go head-to-head in this week’s episode of Apparel Academy! In this video, Henry compares the two brands and explains the key differences between the Ricoma MT-1501 and the Melco EMT16X. You’ll learn what features differ in the best-selling embroidery machine of each brand, and everything you need to consider when deciding.
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Let's get into the key factors to consider when looking at these machines.
PC Required
Melco machines need a separate computer to run. For Ricoma, there's a standalone computer system in the form of a touchscreen panel that's built into the machine, so you don't need an external computer. The perks of the built-in controls are features like hoop selection, one-step tracing, color selection, and other embroidery settings. Another positive of an attached panel is that it's mobile. You can roll the machine anywhere, without a computer as well. This is helpful when you're traveling to a tradeshow, craft fair, or even around your shop.
Melco really emphasizes their modular system, where you're able to connect a computer to the machine to run the operating system and network different single-head machines together into a multi-head option. The benefit of this is if one head goes down or stops due to a thread break or a bobbin change, the other heads can continue to work. This wouldn't work for a multi-head machine; if one head stops, all the others do as well. Also, the modular system is not unique to Melco. This function is available on Ricoma machines and other embroidery machine brands.
Machine Variety
The second difference is that Melco only has single-head machines, where they emphasize a modular system. Ricoma has a range of machines, from single head to multi-head machines. For a commercial embroiderer to scale with Melco, they have to buy more single head machines, which can be too expensive. If you are only looking for a few machines, a Melco might be a good option. But, if you're looking to run a 30 head embroidery shop, it will be ineffective to have 30 single heads instead of having multi-head machines.
Ongoing Support
Melco and Ricoma are very different when it comes to support and training. Melco doesn't offer lifetime support. So, after the warranty expires, you have to pay extra every month to get support for your machine. You may even have to pay extra depending on the type of machine and how long it's been out of warranty. With Ricoma, we offer lifetime support, which means you have access to our support team for the lifetime of the machine, even after your warranty expires. And even if you bought a used machine, you still have access to our team to get the help you need. We offer seven-day after-hour support so you can get the job down no matter what. You get a lot more bang for your buck with a Ricoma than a Melco because of the access to support and resources.
Company Values
The vision of both companies is also different. 10 to 20 years ago, Melco manufactured multi-head and commercial embroidery machines. However, they were acquired by a company called Bernina, which makes sewing and home embroidery machines. Now they focus on home and hobbyist embroidery machines because that's the main focus of their parent company Bernina. But Ricoma has always been in the commercial embroidery machine business, and that's why we have a wide range of machines to choose from. Our expertise in the commercial embroidery machines has driven us to invest on what commercial embroiderers want.
Machine Specs
Between the Melco EMT16X and the Ricoma MT-1501, Melco has auto tensioning, while Ricoma has manual tensioning. People are attracted to the automatic feature because it seems much easier than manual tensioning. Many people complain about setting their tension, but auto tensioning isn't always the best choice because you lose a lot of the control that you have with manual tensioning. Many commercial embroidery machines on the market have manual tension knobs because commercial embroiders want to have more control and be able to adjust on the fly.
When it comes to purchasing a large ticket item such as an embroidery machine, choose a brand and company that offers exactly what you need. Every situation is different, and you want to make sure you are making an educated decision that is based on your budget, your preferred workflow, the item you plan on embroidering, and your goals for the future.
28 июл 2024
