Full Version: Digitizing
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1]
20 Dec 2004
To: ALL
Ok, Ok, This whole new embroidery section has piqued my interest.
Would someone please explain "digitizing" to me? I am assuming it means scanning a logo and making a digital copy of it? Is this not what we do in corel for engraving?
I'm so confused.....although at last nights Christmas Party I was simply fused. Somebody help me. ( insert laugh here)
Chuck Burke
Pacific LaZer Works.
From: UncleSteve [#2]
20 Dec 2004
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 21 Dec 2004
As an observer, not an embroiderer, I believe the digitizing process includes taking the original image an converting it/defining it in terms of stitch placement and length as well as which color thread to use for each stitch to duplicate the original image.
From what I have seen, the software runs from expensive to VERY expensive and the quality of the output does not always relate to the cost of the software but significantly to the skills of the operator.
HTH
From: JayBeeOz [#3]
21 Dec 2004
To: UncleSteve [#2] 21 Dec 2004
You are right on all points Uncle Steve.
The basic process is to import a bitmap image into the digitizing software adjust to the required size and "overlay" stitch data by means of tracing the bitmap with different stitch generating tools. Once tracing is completed, stitches are automatically generated by the software, depending on preset parameters like Stitch type, underlay, density & stitch length. Although colors are assigned to the different elements during digitizing, these can be easily changed via the automat of the embroidery machine. Functions like, Jumps, Trims, Colour Changes, and Tie in, tie offs are also added during digitizing. Some high end Digitizing software can accept Vector images as well, and convert the vector objects directly to stitch data, sometimes very well but mostly not. Professional Digitizers that I have spoken to generally use the trace method, or a combination of both. In the time that I have been doing it, I have only digitized around 600 - 700 logos/designs and certainly don't consider myself in the same league as the professionals. I still use the services of a professional when we have to digitize a complex logo for a customer. Good digitizing software starts at around $US3000 and
can cost as much as $US17,000.
I hope this helps.
John
From: Michael [#4]
27 Dec 2004
To: JayBeeOz [#3] 6 Jan 2005
John,
The price range I've seen for embroidrey digitizing software is from $1800.00 to $4500.00. Who is marketing it in the range above what I've found and the high end you quoted? What companies are producing it?
Michael
From: chuck (SCS_CHUCK) [#5]
27 Dec 2004
To: Michael [#4] 27 Dec 2004
Located across the river from you, we use Wilcom ES65, on the high end of the price scale. This is our third brand of digitizing software and Vivian considers it the best. Most of the time you get what you pay for and there are some programs out there that may look good until you try to sew out the design or compare features with another brand.
If you go to the trade shows you will hear salespeople say, "It's just as good as Wilcom"... The most important thing is don't even think about digitizing until you've run a machine for a year. You will, however, need a good editing software while you are learning how to sew.
From: Michael [#6]
28 Dec 2004
To: chuck (SCS_CHUCK) [#5] 28 Dec 2004
Hello, neighbor!
Thanks for the information.
From: JayBeeOz [#7]
6 Jan 2005
To: Michael [#4] 7 Jan 2005
Hi Michael
The top level Wilcom ES65 with all options, and the top level apS-Ethos software with all options retail in Australia for $20,000 - $22,000AU. Converted to US at current exchange rates equals $15,000 - $17,000US
Entry level Wilcom which is only really good for lettering is around $3500AU or $2600US
Wilcom also produce the Janome Software for home sewing machines. The Digitiser 10000 which is equivalent in functionality to Wilsom ES45 with a couple of extra stitching options retails for $2500AU or $1800US. It does an OK job, not quite as good as the professional software, and the files it produces can be directly imported into the Wilcom Software.
John
From: Michael [#8]
7 Jan 2005
To: JayBeeOz [#7] 8 Jan 2005
Wow!! That's a bunch-o'-bucks!
I did a netsearch for the Wilcom software after the last response and the highest price I found was about $9k, I think.
Of course, there's all the "machine specific" digitizing software that runs the gamut from $2k to $6k (that I've seen so far)
What features does Wilcom have that make it worth so much more than its competitors such as Tajima's DG/ML or Happy's iPUnch, or Prodigy's IDS (and others)? Some of these are pretty pricey but all seem to have pretty much the same features which are presented differently on screen.
To date I've looked at 2 machines and have two more to see next week. Looks like one isn't interested because they never followed through with a quote as they said they would. Number two took great pains to show the machine and the software. Numbers 3 and four will be asked to digitize and stitch out an image I'll be taking with me (and taking back to number 2, as well).
Anyway, I'm about to the end of my research but would really like to see some straight-forward comparisons.
Michael
From: shari (APPLIK) [#9]
8 Jan 2005
To: Michael [#8] 8 Jan 2005
Michael,
I have been in this business since 1980. Digitizing is what I do for a living, and I use Wilcom (ES65 V9). I have had different software brands over the years and spent a very long time looking at a lot of different software packages to find one I wouldn't "outgrow". I have never been sorry for one minute. Yes, it was pricey; BUT IT WORKS! If I can dream it up, this software can help me make it come to life.
No matter what system you buy, you will have to spend a lot of time using it to become a proficient digitizer. Automatic digitizing is not what it's said to be. Some of the "pros" spent time with a machine first, then learned to edit, then just naturally went on to digitizing. There are really good digitizers and there are some really bad ones too. Just be patient with yourself while you are learning. ;)
Good luck,
Shari
Arizona
From: Michael [#10]
8 Jan 2005
To: shari (APPLIK) [#9] 8 Jan 2005
Hi, Shari,
Based on my research and what I've been told 3rd hand, everything you say is true.
I went straight to the Wilcom website before my last post, took time to view the video presentations and read what was there. I really don't see what it is that Wilcom software does (or doesn't do) that makes it worth even 4, 5, even 6 times what other brands of digitizing software cost. Perhaps some day I'll be able to take a look for myself, but until then I'll be using something considerably less expensive and, if/when problems arise make use of professionals, like you, that do know what Wilcom provides. If you provide your services via the internet drop me a line with all your contact information and I'll start my list of digitizers with you.
The decision whether or not to buy will be made by the end of next week.
Keep smilin',
Michael
From: shari (APPLIK) [#11]
8 Jan 2005
To: Michael [#10] 9 Jan 2005
Michael,
Be sure and download the free TrueSizer program at the Wilcom site. That way if your digitizer does a design for you in the emb format, you can resize it keeping the stitch integrity (within reason), view it in true view, change thread colors on screen, etc.
Good luck on your added venture. Embroidery is a very exciting medium to work with.
Shari
Arizona
From: UncleSteve [#12]
8 Jan 2005
To: shari (APPLIK) [#11] 8 Jan 2005
From: JayBeeOz [#13]
8 Jan 2005
To: Michael [#8] 9 Jan 2005
Michael
from what I've been told Wilcom write alot of the 'Machine Specific' software, the frontend has just been changed to Manufacturers Specs.
Barudan Punchant Software is Rebadged Wilcom. Janome Digitizer 10000 Home embroidery Software was written by Wilcom. Most software have different levels and 'Options' that can be purchased seperately. The higher the level, the more expensive. Cheap software may have the options, but the stitch quality may not be as good, and ultimately cost more in production with increased thread breaks and poor stitch registration.
With Wilcom (and I'm sure the other big ones) you can start ofF with the entry level, and upgrade later to the next level when you are comfortable. All you will pay for the upgrade will be the difference in price between the two levels. ie if you have level A and it cost you $2000, and level B costs $3000.00, for you to upgade to level B will cost $1000. There is no time frame on this either. You could upgade two years later, and it will only cost what the difference is at the time. (At least thats how it works here in Australia, and I'm sure thats how it would work elsewhere)
John