Better embroidery thanks to correct material tension

Embroidery tip for clamping in the border frame

The key to flawless embroidery results lies in applying the correct material tension. ZSK offers a range of different border clamps (also referred to as border tensioners, frame clamps or border clips) that have been specially developed to provide the necessary hold for every project. 

Even clamping the fabric into the border frame can make a decisive difference. We recommend the following procedures: 

• For classic textiles: Tension the material at the sides first (left and right), and only then at the front and back.
• For thicker fabrics: With heavier materials such as felt, it is more effective to tension the front and back first and then clamp the sides.

A small but important tip: Always position the border clamps seamlessly and directly next to each other. This ensures optimal pressure distribution and keeps your fabric absolutely stable and wrinkle-free throughout the entire embroidery process.

The right border clamp for every task

Which border clamp is right for your project? ZSK STICKMASCHINEN has developed clips with different clamping forces and lengths, which can be identified by their colour. 

Depending on the material and embroidery design, different forces arise during operation that your border frame must stabilise. The task of the clamps is to absorb these forces and prevent the embroidery material from slipping or becoming distorted. 

Clamping force: silver or bronze?

• Silver-coloured border clamps are the ideal choice for simple, lightweight textiles. They are equipped with 0.4 mm clamping springs that provide sufficient basic tension.
• Bronze-coloured border clamps offer noticeably higher tension. Their 0.5 mm clamping springs are perfect for firmer and thicker materials.

Important note: Always use clips of the same colour on opposite sides of your border frame. Mixing different types offers no advantage and can lead to uneven material tension. 

Length: 200 mm or 300 mm?

In addition to clamping force, the length of the border clamps is also important for the final result.

The shorter 200 mm frame clamps allow for a denser arrangement. With inflexible materials such as felt, organza or heavy twill fabrics the higher number of pressure points ensures significantly more even tension across the entire length. In combination with 300 mm long border clamps, textiles can be securely tensioned in all frame lengths.

Product overview ZSK frame clamps

Standard border clamps

For ZSK multi-head embroidery machines of the series:
JAFA / JNFA / RACER / CHALLENGER / S - Z

200 mm length

• Border clamp silver (light tension): Item no.: 990.156.900
• Border clamp bronze (higher tension): Item no.: 990.156.902

300 mm length

• Border clamp silver (light tension): Item no.: 990.156.901
• Border clamp bronze (higher tension): Item no.: 990.156.903

For ZSK single-head embroidery machines of the series:
JAFA and RACER  - with stainless steel border frames

200 mm length

• Border clamp silver (light tension): Item no.: 990.011.900
• Border clamp bronze (higher tension): Item no.: 990.011.903

300 mm length

• Border clamp silver (light tension): Item no.: 990.011.901
• Border clamp bronze (higher tension): Item no.: 990.011.904

Special solutions for challenging projects

Sometimes standard frame clamps are not sufficient. For special materials or demanding designs, ZSK STICKMASCHINEN has developed a range of special border clamps that provide reliability even for the most challenging projects.

Border clamp with locking mechanism

If you are working with very heavy, thick or extremely fine materials, this clamp is the best choice. In addition to the spring clamping force, it features an additional toggle mechanism. Once it passes the dead centre point, the clamp locks extremely securely. This ensures maximum stability. Adjustment to different material thicknesses is easily achieved using spacer plates. 

For ZSK flat embroidery machines of the series:
CHALLENGER and S - Z

• Border clamp with locking mechanism 200 mm - Item no.: 990.158.900
• Border clamp with locking mechanism 250 mm - Item no.: 990.158.901

Heavy-duty border clamps

These robust frame clamps are the first choice for thick or multi-layer materials. The highlight: The clamping depth can be variably adjusted using a screw. This allows for very precise pressure adjustment and prevents sensitive materials from being damaged. This means you can securely clamp thick fabrics or apply particularly high tension to standard materials.

• Border clamp Heavy Duty 200 mm - Item no.: 270.011.974
• Border clamp Heavy Duty 300 mm - Item no.: 270.011.975

Border clamp with deflector

This frame clamp solves a problem with ZSK embroidery machines equipped with a W head: the integrated deflector ensures that the material feed hose (compression spring hose) on the W head does not catch on the frame clamps, allowing production to run smoothly.

For ZSK embroidery machines with W head

• Border clamp with deflector 200 mm - Item no.: 270.011.816
• Border clamp with deflector 300 mm - Item no.: 270.011.817

With the right border clamps, nothing stands in the way of your next perfect embroidery project!