Difference between papersided pre wound bobbins and magnetic bobbins
Paper-Sided Pre-Wound Bobbins
These bobbins have cardboard or paper sides that hold the thread in place. They are a common and economical choice for many embroidery machines.
Construction: They feature a small plastic core with paper sides that contain the wound thread.
Tension: The tension of the thread is controlled by the bobbin case itself. As the bobbin gets smaller (less thread), the weight and balance can change, which may sometimes require a slight adjustment to the bobbin case tension to maintain consistent stitching.
Pros: They are generally more affordable and are widely available.
Cons: The paper sides can sometimes get flimsy or deform, especially if they are exposed to moisture or oil. This can lead to tension inconsistencies, particularly as the bobbin nears its end.
Magnetic Bobbins
Magnetic bobbins are designed to provide more consistent tension throughout the entire life of the bobbin. They are often the preferred choice for high-speed, multi-needle, and commercial embroidery machines.
Construction: These bobbins have a magnetic core at their center instead of paper sides. This magnetic core is attracted to the metal in the bobbin case.
Tension: The magnetic attraction between the bobbin and the bobbin case creates a self-regulating tension system. This force slows the rotation of the bobbin, preventing over-spinning and backlash, which can cause thread tangles or “bird nesting.” This magnetic braking effect keeps the tension stable from the first stitch to the last, without the need for manual adjustments.
Pros: They offer superior, consistent tension control, reduce thread breaks and tangles, and are ideal for high-volume or intricate projects.
Cons: Magnetic bobbins are typically more expensive than paper-sided bobbins. They may require removing the anti-backlash spring from the bobbin case for optimal performance, which means you might need a dedicated bobbin case for them if you also use regular bobbins.
In summary, the key difference is the method of tension control: paper-sided bobbins rely solely on the mechanical tension of the bobbin case, while magnetic bobbins use a magnetic force to provide a consistent braking action that leads to more reliable and trouble-free stitching.