Brother BE-438FX User Manual

KE-430FX
KE-430FS
BE-438FX
Please read this manual before using the machine.
Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference.
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DRIVE LOCKSTITCH
BAR TACKER
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DRIVE LOCKSTITCH BUTTON SEWER
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

Brother BE-438FX Specifications

General

Maximum Stitch Width	7 mm
Maximum Stitch Length	5 mm
Display	LCD
Automatic Needle Threading	Yes
Sewing Speed	850 stitches per minute
Free Arm	Yes

Summary

Safety Instructions

Safety Indications and Meanings

Explains the meanings of safety indications and symbols used in the manual and on the machine.

Safety Notes

Environmental Requirements

Details environmental conditions for machine operation, including electrical noise, voltage fluctuations, temperature, and humidity.

Installation Safety Precautions

Covers safety precautions and requirements for installing the sewing machine, including grounding and cord securing.

Operational Safety

Sewing Safety Precautions

Provides safety precautions specific to the sewing operation of the machine.

Cleaning and Maintenance Safety

Outlines safety measures for cleaning and performing maintenance procedures.

Warning Labels

Warning Labels Explained

Explains the meaning and importance of various warning labels found on the sewing machine.

Major Parts Identification

Machine Component Overview

Identifies and labels the main components and safety devices of the sewing machine.

Machine Specifications

Technical Specifications List

Lists detailed technical specifications for the KE-430FX/FS and BE-438FX models.

Sewing Patterns (KE-430FX-FS)

Preset Pattern List

Provides a comprehensive list of preset sewing patterns for the KE-430FX-FS, including stitch counts and sizes.

Sewing Patterns (BE-438FX)

Preset Button Sewing Patterns

Details the preset sewing patterns for the BE-438FX model, including button hole specifications.

Installation Guide

Table Processing Diagram

Illustrates the required dimensions and layout for the sewing machine table installation.

Installation Procedures

Control Box and Oiler Installation

Steps for installing the control box and the oiler assembly.

Machine Head Installation

Securing the Machine Head

Details the process of placing and securing the sewing machine head onto the table.

Operation Panel Installation

Mounting the Operation Panel

Instructions for mounting the operation panel onto the sewing machine table.

Component Installation

Cotton Stand, Button Tray, and Eye Guard Installation

Steps for installing the cotton stand, button tray (BE-438FX), and eye guard.

Electrical Connections

Connecting the Cords

Detailed steps for routing and connecting various electrical cords through the work table.

PC Board Connections

Main P.C. Board Wiring

Illustrates connections to the main P.C. board and lists corresponding connectors and cord clamps.

Motor PC Board Connections

Motor P.C. Board Wiring

Shows connections to the motor P.C. board, listing connectors and cord clamps.

Grounding and Safety

Connecting the Ground Wire

Instructions for properly connecting the ground wire for electrical safety.

Rear Cover Installation

Installing the Rear Cover

Steps for attaching the rear cover of the sewing machine.

Lubrication Procedure

Machine Lubrication Steps

Detailed instructions on how to lubricate the sewing machine with oil.

Power Cord Connection

Connecting the Power Cord

Guide on connecting the power cord and plug according to specifications.

Power Cord Connection (200V)

200V System Power Connection

Specific instructions for connecting the power cord for the 200V system.

Power Cord Connection (100V/400V)

100V/400V System Power Connection

Instructions for connecting the power cord for 100V/400V systems, including transformer box.

Initial Setup and Checks

Machine Head Switch Check

Procedure to check the machine head switch for correct operation.

Starting Up the Machine

Initial steps to power on the machine and prepare it for operation.

Preparation for Sewing

Needle and Upper Thread Setup

Step-by-step guide for correctly installing the sewing needle and threading the upper thread.

Threading Mode Operation

Using Threading Mode

Explains how to use the threading mode for easier thread path access.

Lower Thread Winding

Winding the Lower Thread

Instructions for winding the lower thread onto the bobbin.

Bobbin Case and Thread Tension

Bobbin Case Installation

Guide for correctly inserting the bobbin case into the rotary hook.

Lower Thread Tension Adjustment

Specific instructions for adjusting the lower thread tension.

Upper Thread Tension Adjustment

Adjusting Upper Thread Tension

Details on adjusting upper thread tension using digital controls and manual nut.

Sewing Performance Tuning

Maximum Sewing Speed Guide

Provides a guide to maximum sewing speeds based on material type and hook size.

Thread Nipper Device Usage

Explains the function and use of the thread nipper device.

Thread Nipper Device Notes

Using the Thread Nipper Device Safely

Provides important notes and recommendations for using the thread nipper device correctly.

Button Handling (BE-438FX)

Button Insertion and Clamp Adjustment

Instructions for inserting buttons and adjusting the button clamp for the BE-438FX model.

Operation Panel Basics

Panel Item Identification and Functions

Identifies and explains the function of each button and indicator on the operation panel.

Operation Panel Functions

Further Panel Item Descriptions

Continues the explanation of operation panel items, including displays and keys.

Operation Panel: Basic Operations

Program Setting Method

Step-by-step guide on how to set and record programs for sewing patterns.

Operation Panel: Parameter Changes

Changing Program Parameters

Details on how to select, change, and apply parameter settings within a program.

Operation Panel: Program Settings Reference

Parameter List for Program Setting

Lists parameters, their setting ranges, initial values, and display formats for program setting.

Operation Panel: Advanced Settings

Slow Start Pattern Settings

Explains how to set slow start patterns and provides speed values for different models.

Operation Panel: Program Management

Copying Programs

Instructions for copying existing programs to create new ones with similar settings.

Operation Panel: Pattern Testing

Checking Sewing Patterns (KE-430FX-FS)

Guide on using test feed mode to check needle movement and pattern accuracy for KE-430FX-FS.

Operation Panel: Pattern Testing (BE-438FX)

Checking Sewing Patterns (BE-438FX)

Instructions for checking sewing patterns using test feed mode for the BE-438FX model.

Operation Panel: Tension Adjustment

Correcting Upper Thread Tension

Details on how to adjust upper thread tension using basic and overall correction methods.

Operation Panel: Advanced Operations

Setting Memory Switches

Step-by-step guide for configuring memory switch settings for advanced operations.

Operation Panel: Memory Switch Reference

List of Memory Switches

A comprehensive list and explanation of available memory switches and their functions.

Operation Panel: Advanced Functionality

Memory Switch Functions Explained

Details the functions and default settings for various memory switches, including F-key assignments.

Operation Panel: Function Key Selection

Direct Selection via Function Keys

How to use function keys (F1-F4) for direct selection of programs and cycle programs.

Operation Panel: Counters

Using the Lower Thread Counter

Instructions for setting and using the lower thread counter to monitor thread usage.

Operation Panel: Production Tracking

Using the Production Counter

Guide on setting and using the production counter to track output.

Operation Panel: Cycle Programs

Using Cycle Programs

Instructions for creating and using cycle programs to sequence sewing patterns.

Operation Panel: Cycle Program Usage

Executing Cycle Programs

Explains how to select and run cycle programs, including step navigation.

Operation Panel: Program Sequence Settings

Program Selection Order by Memory Switch

Illustrates how memory switch settings affect the order of program selection.

Operation Panel: System Reset

Resetting All Settings to Defaults

Procedure for resetting all machine settings to their default factory values.

Sewing Operations

Performing a Basic Sewing Operation

Basic instructions on how to start and perform a sewing operation.

Sewing Operation Adjustments

Changing Sewing Conditions

How to adjust sewing parameters like X-scale, Y-scale, and speed during standby.

Sewing Performance Tuning

Adjusting Sewing Speed and Slow Start Patterns

Details on changing sewing speed and setting slow start patterns for optimal sewing.

Maintenance Procedures

Cleaning the Rotary Hook

Step-by-step guide for cleaning the rotary hook assembly.

Routine Maintenance Tasks

Control Box Air Inlet, Oil Draining, Eye Guard, Needle Check, Lubrication

Covers cleaning air ports, draining oil, cleaning eye guard, checking needle, and referring to lubrication.

Grease Application Procedures

Applying Grease to Work Clamp and Indicating Grease Needs

Guide for applying grease to the work clamp and instructions when the "GREASEUP" notification appears.

Grease Application Details

Applying Grease to Rock Gear Shaft F

Detailed procedure for applying grease to the rock gear shaft F.

Eccentric Wheel Grease Application

Applying Grease to Eccentric Wheel Assembly

Instructions for applying grease to the eccentric wheel assembly.

Grease Up Counter Reset

Resetting the Grease Up Counter

How to reset the grease notification counter after applying grease.

Standard Thread Tension Settings

Standard Thread Tension Values

Table showing standard thread tension values for different materials and models.

Thread Take-Up Spring Adjustment

Adjusting Thread Take-Up Spring Height and Tension

Adjusting thread take-up spring height and tension for proper thread control.

Needle and Hook Timing Adjustments

Arm Thread Guide and Needle Bar Bush Guide

Standard position and checks for arm thread guide C and needle bar bush thread guide D.

Needle Bar Height Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the needle bar height relative to the rotary hook.

Needle Bar Lift and Clearance Adjustments

Needle Bar Lift and Driver Needle Guard Adjustment

Adjusting needle bar lift and driver guard for proper hook timing and needle clearance.

Adjusting Needle Clearance

How to adjust the clearance between the needle and the rotary hook.

Thread Guide and Hook Lubrication

Shuttle Race Thread Guide Position

Instructions for positioning the shuttle race thread guide to prevent thread issues.

Rotary Hook Lubrication Amount

Adjusting the oil level for the rotary hook lubrication system.

Knife Replacement Procedure

Replacing Movable and Fixed Knives

Detailed steps for replacing the movable and fixed knives for thread trimming.

Clamp Lift Amount Adjustments

Work Clamp Lift Adjustment (KE-430FX-FS)

How to adjust the work clamp's maximum lift height for KE-430FX-FS.

Button Clamp Lift Adjustment (BE-438FX)

How to adjust the button clamp's maximum lift height for BE-438FX.

Various Adjustments

Holding Pressure, Clamp Position, and Thread Wiper Adjustment

Adjusting holding pressure, button clamp position, and thread wiper.

Final Adjustments and Checks

Thread Wiper Racking Width Adjustment

Details on adjusting the lateral movement (racking) of the thread wiper.

Checking Machine Head Switch Installation

Re-checks the machine head switch installation and function.

Error Code Troubleshooting

Error Codes and Remedies

Lists error codes, their causes, and remedies for malfunctions.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem Diagnosis and Solutions

A table listing common problems, their causes, remedies, and reference pages.

Troubleshooting Specific Issues

Thread Breaks and Skipped Stitches

Addresses issues like upper/lower thread breaks and skipped stitches.

Further Troubleshooting

Thread Trimming, Jamming, Seam Finish, and Tightness Issues

Addresses thread trimming, jamming, poor seam finish, and incorrect thread tightness.

7-Segment Display Reference

7-Segment Display Character Chart

Provides a visual reference for characters displayed on the 7-segment display.