Brother PR1050X

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Machine embroidery
Module: Embroidery machine
◀▬▬▶
⚐ to improve ☸
⚒ 2020/06/30


  • Quality: to improve
Brother PR1050X

Introduction

Newly acquired machine being tested in DKS's office in 2017

The Brother PR1050X is a high-end consumer and professional entry level embroidery machine and we (TECFA) bought one in August 2017 in order to introduce our educational technology students to computerized embroidery and to organize outreach events.

In Switzerland, list price is 12'000 CHF, in Germany 11'000 Euros. Street prices can be less and even lesser for education. We got ours from Nähfox. Since there wasn't any reseller in Geneva or nearby and the one in St-Gallen (my home town and Switzerland's textile and embroidery capital) offered a really nice price and good service we decided to bear with the 8 hour drive forth and back from Geneva...

In 2020, TECFA offered another one to our university's new fablab ... and we plan to offer free courses if Covid allows - Daniel K. Schneider (talk) 01:26, 24 June 2020 (CEST)

See also:

Unpacking and installation

The machine is usually sold installed and with a training course, so pick up in the shop. That was the case for our 2017 acquisition. In January 2020 we bought a second machine for our fablab and managed to had it delivered in a huge impressive box. Unpacking, installing and configuring was easy. No calibration of thread tension was needed so far.

unpacking and installing (Faclab Unige, Mai 27, 2020

Specifications

  • The machine can stitch up to 10 different colors with one needle at the time
  • Size: 48 x 48 x 60cm ?
  • Size of the box: ?
  • Weight: 44 kg (60 kg in the box ?)
  • Size of a table (add-on): 70 - 100 cm height, 49 cm length, 80 cm width

Connectivity

  • USB host cable
  • USB media slot
  • SD card slot

Thread colors

  • Default colors
  • Each needle bar can be assigned a color through either the control panel or software (the latter is called manual color sequence).
  • Thread colors in a design can be sorted at the control panel (this may mess up order of printing of course)
  • Several manufacturers/makes color schemes are builtin. E.g. Madeira Poly, Sulky, R-A Poly.

Formats

The Machine can not directly stitch from design files like EMB or ART.

PES

  • The PES format is the most important native machine instruction format for both small and semi-professional Brother embroidery machines. Designs can be somewhat modified.
  • Several version of PES seem to exist. Newer versions may not work on older machines
  • PES is the default format to export from your embroidery software.

PEN

  • A Brother format that only works on some machines that can stitch "Disney" designs. Some machines can be registered to decrypt.

PEC

  • An older Baby Lock/Brother/Deco format. Avoid.

PHC

  • Older Brother format. Avoid.

DST

  • DST is a Tajima data file and it does not include color information (therefore avoid for this). However it includes cuts for jumpstitches of the same color (therefore use it). See p. 227 or the Brother Manual.

Hoops

The machine comes with several frames for each of which several hoops can be attached. By default you will get four standard frames that will attach on both sides. These are not suitable for repairing ellbow holes (one of my favorites) or stitching into a shirt or jeans pocket. Get the compact set for that. In addition, we recommend buying the long frame for arms/legs.

In addition to the for standard frames and hoop sets you can acquire, below are a few.

  • Border frame
  • Cap frame
  • Clamp frames (for shoes)
  • Clamp frames for delicate tissues (recommended)
  • Magnetic frames for fast hooping
  • Cylinder frames (legs and sleeves)
  • Jumbo frame (requires turning)
  • Quilt frame
  • Small size frame kit (recommended)
  • Sleeve frame (recommended)

Standard

You cannot stitch up the edges. Roughly speaking you can stitch the inner size minus 2cm vertically and minus 4cm horizontally.

Name Embroidery size (width x height) Physical Size inside (width x height) Frame holder Remarks
PRPH360 - Extra-large 36.0 x 20.0cm 39.5 x 22.0cm A Use the table
PRH180 - Large 18.0 x 13.0 cm 23.0 x 15.0 cm A none
PRH100 - Medium 10.0 x 10.0 cm 14.0 x 12.0 cm A
PRH60 - Small 6.0 x 4.0 cm 8 x 6.0 cm A

It is recommended to use the table (see the picture at the beginning) in when you use the extra-large hoop and/or a large tissue.

Compact frame set

These frames are attached with a single arm to the small E frame, i.e. they will stick out and are well suited for stitching inside sleeves and legs or pockets that are not too narrow. Make sure to understand that you cannot stitch up to the edges, e.g. frame 50 can only do 50 x 50mm and not 60 by 60 for example !

Name Embroidery size (width x height) Physical Size inside (width x height) Frame holder Remarks
Frame 70 (horizontal/landscape oval) 7.0 x 4.1 cm 9.0 x 5.5 cm E For small designs on anything that has enough space (e.g. trouser legs)
Frame 50 (square) 5.0 x 5.0 cm 6.8 x 6.8 cm E Good for embroidery on (larger) jeans pockets and larger gloves
Frame 55 ("round" oval) 4.4 x 3.8 cm 6.0 x 5.0 cm E
Frame V (vertical/portrait oval) 3.3 x 7.5 cm 5.0 x 9 cm E Good for embroidery on gloves and shirt pockets. Not sure that 7.5cm is correct.

Magnetic frame

(Bought in spring 2020, not yet tested)

Name Embroidery size (width x height) Physical Size inside (width x height) Frame holder Remarks
Magnetic frame PRMH50 50 mm (H) × 50 mm (W) E Very practical


Clamp frame

(Bought in spring 2020, not yet tested)

Name Embroidery size (width x height) Physical Size inside (width x height) Frame holder Remarks
Clamp frame M (PRCLPM1AP) 100 mm × 100 mm D Very practical, in particular to embroider on delicate cloth

Sleeve frame

The sleeve frame is attached on both sides. This means that the sleeves should not to too narrow. We got one, but I actually never used it.

Name Embroidery size (width x height) Physical Size inside (width x height) Frame holder Remarks
PRHSL200 Sleeve frame (vertical oval) 7.0 x 20.0 cm B


Cap frames

The cap frames allow embroidery of baseball caps and similar. They come with their own frame holder (?)

Name Embroidery size (width x height) Physical Size inside (width x height) Frame holder Remarks
PRCF3 Cap Frame 13 x 6 cm (5" x 2.4") Embroidery field
PRCF1 Cap Frame 60mm x 60mm (14"x 2 3/8") embroidery area

Regular maintenance

Oiling the hook

This should be done each time, i.e. when you turn the machine on. There are two methods:

Manual
  • Open the hook cover
  • Remove the bobbin case
  • Turn the handwheel until the the hook appears to the right
  • Add a drop of oil onto the hook
  • Turn the handwheel several times (this makes sure that the oil gets better distributed)
  • Insert the bobbin
  • Close cover
Assisted
  • Touch the maintenance icon, then the oil button
  • As above, remove bobbin and apply oil
  • Touch "OK" after that
  • Insert bobbin
  • Close cover

Cleaning the hook and bobbin case

To be done, each time a new bobbin is inserted. (Manual, p. 286)

Clean the hook

  • Open the hook cover and remove the bobbin case
  • Use the included cleaning brush to remove any lint and dust.
  • Put back bobbin (click) and close cover.

Clean the bobbin case

  • Remove the bobbin from the case
  • Now use a thick sheet of paper (e.g. a clean business card) to remove debris from the tension-adjusting spring
  • Use the brush to remove debris from the case.
  • Insert bobbin into the case, put back the case and close the cover.

Oiling the needle bars

Should be done every 40-50 hours of operation (for each needle, i.e. 10 times), pages 288-89 and 63 of the operations manual.

  • Remove the bobbin underneath (else you could create a mess while turing)
  • Select one needle bar at a time. To do so:
    • Select maintenance icon (second to the right)
    • Touch the key for the needle bar you want to oil (from 1 to 10)
    • Click OK
  • Turn the wheel counterclock wise to bring the needle to its lowest position
  • Apply a drop oil as high as possible on the needle bar, in any case, above the felt washer.

Repeat for each needle. After that, it probably is a good idea to stitch a little something that is not important, in case you spilled too much oil.

Cleaning around the needle plate

About once per month.

  • Turn of the machine
  • Remove the needle place (remove two screws)
  • remove the spacer
  • Use the brush to clean from the moving knife, the fixed knife, etc.
  • Put the spacer back.

Cleaning the thread paths of the upper threads

Periodically meaning ???

See p. 287 of the operations manual.

Firmware upgrades

Download and explanations:

As of Aug 2018, the last update was from 09/20/2017 (1.21)

Trouble shooting

To repair serious stuff, it is best to ask a service technician. Otherwise, you must get your hands on a service manual, which is probably not easy.

To put the machine in test mode (not yet tested)

  • Switch the machine on while pressing the start/stop, thread trimming and automatic needle threading buttons, i.e. the fist three buttons

The hook of the threading mechanism is bent

Since the hook is bound by two lateral sheets of metal we could not bend it back. The best solution is to replace the whole automatic needle threading mechanism piece or give the task to a service person.

Quoting brother: “If the hook of the automatic needle-threading mechanism is bent or damaged, contact your authorized Brother dealer.”

Second best solution is to adjust left/right position in test mode. Adjusting also can be useful if you did replace the threading mechanism. (not yet tested)

  • Put the machine in test mode (see just above)
  • Select #12: Needle threader under MAIN BOARD TEST MODE.
  • Press the L-R position and the standard needle bar for adjustment will be selected automatically. The needle bar case unit will move to the left and right.
  • Press CLOSE to return to the test mode selection screen and select #06: Threader test.
  • Press Manual move and move the hook to the front of the needle eye.
  • Loosen the black screw (see picture below) of hook holder. You may have to turn the shaft.
  • Now rotate the axis while holding the bush by hand to adjust left/right position
  • Tighten the little back screw once you are satisfied with the position
  • Re-press Manual move to return the hook to its original position.
  • Check that the hook passes through the needle eye for all needle bars

Third best solution (immediate repair) is to move the hooking mechanism into another position. We did test this procedure and it did work (however, the bent hook may not last for that long)

  • Remove one needle, e.g. #5
  • Move the head to this spot, e.g. #5
  • Push the needle threading button so that the threading mechanism comes out.
  • Loosen the black screw to the right with the little hex key used to change needle. You may have to turn it.
  • Now with small flat screwdriver loosen or tighten the screw that is to the right. If your hook is bent to left (from your point of view), the hook must be moved to the right, so open the screw.
  • Test if the hook enters by moving the head to another position, e.g. #6
"reparing" a bent hook

Warning: If the screw to the right sticks out too far, the threader can become stuck.

See also:

To order a spare part:

  • Look for part number XC5732151. It should cost around $20 Euros max (German: Einfädler, French: enfileur)

The Touch Screen Interface

Below we shall mention a few tips. For normal operations, consult the fine manual.

Embroidery Settings

(chapter 4 of the manual) Color settings (p 133, 143)

  • On page 5 of the settings screen, set manual color sequence to on

Machine Settings

The settings screen includes seven screens. There is not much to change for starters ...

Add a stop before a color

A stop/hand symbol next to a thread will stop the machine before (!) before it is stitched

When creating appliqués or embroidery patches, you should stop the machine when needed, e.g. for patches after stitching the border outline.

Use the following method to add Pause locations before a thread color is used: Select the "several pages symbol" (top left symbol in the picture) in the embroidery setting screen, i.e. the second screen you get when you load a design (after adjustments) and before you associate threads with colors. You then can select colors and click on the "hand" symbol. Import: The stop occurs before the color starts stitching the chosen thread. E.g. the picture shows a situation where we want the machine to stop after stitching a (black) line. We therefore select the (light blue) thread section that will be stitched next.

Tuning

Firstly, always check (1) if you oiled parts as explained above and (2) more importantly if the machine is correctly threaded. It is very "easy" to add an extra turn here and there ....

Too much white (bobbin color) on top

If this happens for all threads, it is probably best to tighten the screw of the bobbin.

If it is a single thread, then loosen the upper tension (after checking if it is correctly threaded)

Filament is breaking

Tension can be too tight or you got bad quality filament.

Links

Official

Manuals and Drivers
YouTube
Manuals in French

Other

You may want to contact other resellers for two reasons. (1) Buy cheaper compatible articles, e.g. we got a nicely working 10x10 cm frame. (2) Get spare parts as quickly as possible, e.g. a threading mechanism. Below a few links we found (no guarantee).

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