Brother Z-8550B User manual

Instruction Manual
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DRIVE ZIGZAG LOCK STITCHER
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DRIVE ZIGZAG LOCK STITCHER WITH
THREAD TRIMMER
Z-8550B
Z-8560B
Please read this manual before using the machine.
Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference.

Safety Instructions
Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER sewing machine. Before using your new machine, please read the
safety instructions and the explanations given in the instruction manual.
With industrial sewing machines, it is normal to carry out work while positioned directly in front of moving parts such
as the needle and thread take-up, and consequently there is always a danger of injury that can be caused by these
parts. Follow the instructions from training personnel and instructors regarding safe and correct operation before
operating the machine so that you will know how to use it correctly.
Safety indications and their meanings
This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are used on the machine itself are provided in order to
ensure safe operation of this machine and to prevent accidents and injury to yourself or other people.
The meanings of these indications and symbols are given below.
Indications
DANGER
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the instructions will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the instructions could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the instructions may result in
minor or moderate injury.
Symbols
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you should be careful of.
The picture inside the triangle indicates the nature of the caution that must be taken. (For example, the
symbol at left means “beware of injury”.)
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must not do.
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must do.
The picture inside the circle indicates the nature of the thing that must be done. (For example, the
symbol at left means “you must make the ground connection”.)
i

Notes on safety
Notes during use
DANGER
• Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the
wall outlet before opening the control box cover. Touching areas where high voltages are present
can result in severe injury.
WARNING
• Do not allow the machine to come into contact with liquids. Otherwise it may cause fire, electric
shocks, or operating problems.
• If any liquid gets inside the sewing machine (machine head or control box), immediately turn off the
power and disconnect the power plug from the electrical outlet, and then contact the place of
purchase or a qualified technician.
Notes on the operating environment
CAUTION
• Do not connect anything to the USB port other than the USB media. Otherwise, problems with
operation may result.
• Use the sewing machine in an area which is free from sources of strong electrical noise such as
electrical line noise or static electric noise. Sources of strong electrical noise may cause problems
with correct operation
• Any fluctuations in the power supply voltage should be within ±10% of the rated voltage for the
machine.Voltage fluctuations which are greater than this may cause problems with correct operation.
• The power supply capacity should be greater than the requirements for the sewing machine's power
consumption. Insufficient power supply capacity may cause problems with correct operation.
• The ambient temperature should be within the range of 5℃ to 35℃ during use.Temperatures which
are lower or higher than this may cause problems with correct operation.
• The relative humidity should be within the range of 45% to 85% during use, and no dew formation
should occur in any devices.Excessively dry or humid environments and dew formation may cause
problems with correct operation.
• In the event of an electrical storm, turn off the power and disconnect the power cord from the wall
outlet. Lightning may cause problems with correct operation.
Notes during installation
CAUTION
• Do not connect the power cord plug until installation is complete. The machine may operate if the
treadle is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
• Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting back the machine head. If the table moves, it
may crush your feet or cause other injuries.
• Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
ii

• Machine installation should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
• When securing the cords, do not bend the cords excessively or fasten them too hard with staples.
Otherwise, fire or electric shocks may occur.
• Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when handling the lubricating oil and grease so that
they do not get into your eyes or onto your skin. Otherwise inflammation can result. Furthermore, do
not drink the oil or eat the grease under any circumstances. Diarrhea or vomiting may result. Keep
the oil and grease out of the reach of children.
• Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician for any electrical work that may need to be
done.
• The sewing machine weighs approximately 49kg (77lb).The installation should be carried out by two
or more people.
• Turn off the power switch before inserting or removing the plug. Otherwise damage to the control
box may result.
• If using a work table which has casters, the casters should be secured in such a way so that they
cannot move.
• Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur.
Notes during sewing
CAUTION
• Turn off the power switch while threading and replacing the bobbin, and when not using or going
away from the sewing machine. The machine may operate if the treadle is depressed by mistake,
which could result in injury.
• If the hand switch is pressed by mistake when using the correction sewing function, the needle will
move in a zigzag motion while the machine is operating, and injury may result.
• Attach all safety devices before using the sewing machine. If the machine is used without these
devices attached, injury may result.
• Do not touch the face plate knives when opening the thread take-up guard cover. Otherwise it may
result in injury.
• Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any objects against the sewing machine while sewing.
Otherwise, it may result in injury or damage to the sewing machine.
• Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting back the machine head. If the table moves, it
may crush your feet or cause other injuries.
• Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
• Do not hold the machine head by the panel when tilting it back or returning it to its original position.
Otherwise, it may result in injury or damage to the sewing machine.
• To prevent problems, do not use objects with sharp points to operate the operation panel.
• This sewing machine should only be used by operators who have received the necessary training in
safe use beforehand.
• The sewing machine should not be used for any applications other than sewing.
• Be sure to wear protective goggles when using the machine. If goggles are not worn, there is the
danger that if a needle breaks, parts of the broken needle may enter your eyes and injury may result.
• If using a work table which has casters, the casters should be secured in such a way so that they
cannot move.
• If an error occurs in machine operation, or if abnormal noises or smells are noticed, immediately turn
off the power switch. Then contact your nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.
• If the machine develops a problem, contact your nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.
iii

Notes during cleaning
CAUTION
• Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord before carrying out these operations. The
machine may operate if the treadle is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
• When cleaning the rotary hook, do not touch sharp parts such as the tip of the rotary hook directly
with your fingers. Otherwise injury may result.
• Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting back the machine head. If the table moves, it
may crush your feet or cause other injuries.
• Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
• When removing the needle plate, auxiliary needle plate and knife unit, use a screwdriver that
matches the size of the screw heads. If a screwdriver that does not match the size of the screw
heads is used, it may damage the screw heads and result in injury to the operator or damage to the
articles being sewn.
• Do not hold the machine head by the panel when tilting it back or returning it to its original position.
Otherwise, it may result in injury or damage to the sewing machine.
• Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when handling the lubricating oil and grease so that
they do not get into your eyes or onto your skin. Otherwise inflammation can result. Furthermore, do
not drink the oil or eat the grease under any circumstances. Diarrhea or vomiting may result. Keep
the oil and grease out of the reach of children.
Notes during maintenance and inspection
CAUTION
• Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord plug before carrying out inspection,
adjustment or repairs, or when replacing consumable parts such as the rotary hook or knives. The
machine may operate if the treadle is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
• If the power switch needs to be left on when carrying out some adjustment, be extremely careful to
observe all safety precautions.
• Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting back the machine head. If the table moves, it
may crush your feet or cause other injuries.
• Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
• Do not touch the face plate knives when opening the thread take-up guard cover. Otherwise it may
result in injury.
• When removing the needle plate, auxiliary needle plate and knife unit, use a screwdriver that
matches the size of the screw heads. If a screwdriver that does not match the size of the screw
heads is used, it may damage the screw heads and result in injury to the operator or damage to the
articles being sewn.
• Do not hold the machine head by the panel when tilting it back or returning it to its original position.
Otherwise, it may result in injury or damage to the sewing machine.
• Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine should only be carried out by a qualified
technician.
• To prevent accidents and problems, do not modify the machine by yourself. Brother will not be held
responsible for any accidents or problems resulting from modifications made to the machine.
• Always be sure to turn off the power switch and then wait one minute before opening the motor
cover. If you touch the surface of the motor, it may cause burns.
iv

• Ask your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician to carry out any maintenance and inspection of the
electrical system.
• When replacing parts and installing optional parts, be sure to use only genuine Brother parts.
Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents or problems resulting from the use of non-
genuine parts.
• If any safety devices have been removed, be absolutely sure to re-install them to their original
positions and check that they operate correctly before using the machine.
v

Warning labels
The following warning labels appear on the sewing machine. Please follow the instructions on the labels at all times
when using the machine. If the labels have been removed or are difficult to read, please contact your nearest
Brother dealer.
vi

(1)
(2)
1 Moving parts may cause injury.
2 Operate with safety devices installed. 1
3 Turn off the power before carrying out
operations such as threading, changing the
needle, bobbin, knives or hook, cleaning and
adjusting.
(3)
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems
with correct operation may also occur.
(4)
Direction of operation
(5)
If the hand switch is pressed by mistake when
using the correction sewing function, the needle
will move in a zigzag motion while the machine is
operating, and injury may result.
(6)
Do not touch the thread take-up or the knife. If
they are touched, injury may result.
(7)
(8)
High temperature warning indication
(9)
Be careful not to get your hands caught when
returning the machine head to its original position
after it has been tilted.
(10)
Spare ground
1Safety devices:
(A) Finger guard
(B) Thread take-up guard cover
(C) Motor cover
(D) Zigzag motor cover
vii

Names of major parts
(1) Bobbin winder
(2) Hand switch
(3) Lifting lever
(4) Presser foot
(5) Control box
(6) Cotton stand
(7) Operation panel
(8) Machine pulley
(9) Stitch length dial
(10) Reverse lever
(11) Condense dial
(12) Oil gauge window
(13) Power switch
(14) Knee lifter assembly
(15) Upper thread feeding device (Z-8560B)
(16) Knife unit (Z-8560B)
(17) Thread take-up guard cover
(18) Finger guard
(19) Thread wiper(Z-8560B)
viii

Machine specifications
8550B 8560B
0 A 4
Thread trimmer - - ○
Upper thread feeding device - - ○
Back tack/condense device 2 - ○ ○
Thread wiper - - ○
8550B 8560B
-031, -A31 -431
Application For light-weight to medium-weight materials
Max. stitch length 2.0 mm 3
Max. sewing speed 5,000 sti/min 4
Sewing pattern 14 sewing patterns of eight types built-in
(Up to 99 custom patterns can be stored. 5)
Max. zigzag width 10 mm (Factory default 8 mm)
Thread take-up lever Rotary thread take-up
Needle bar stroke 33.3 mm
Feed dog height 1mm
Presser foot height Lifting lever 6mm
Knee lifter 10mm
Presser foot pressure 10-35N
Needle Schmets 134SUK Nm70/10
Motor AC servo motor (450W)
Power supply Single-phase 200V-230V
3-phase 200V-230V
Power consumption 400 VA
Control circuit Microprocessor
2Can be used for sewing condensed stitches and backtack stitches.
3If replacing gauge parts and then changing the maximum feed amount setting, the maximum setting is 5 mm.
4At the time of shipment from the factory, the maximum sewing speed is set to 4,000 sti/min. If using a sewing speed higher than this, use the
memory switches to change the setting. (Ask the place of purchase for details.)
Furthermore, the maximum sewing speed may be limited by the type of sewing pattern and the zigzag width.
5The maximum number of custom-made patterns that can be stored is 99 patterns with a total of 49,500 stitches, at 500 stitches or less per
pattern.
ix

1Installation ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Points to note before installation ........................................................................................................... 1
Table processing diagram............................................................................................................ 3
Installing the sewing machine...................................................................................................... 5
Lubrication ................................................................................................................................... 9
Connecting the cords................................................................................................................. 10
Turning on the sewing machine power ...................................................................................... 15
Carrying out test sewing ............................................................................................................ 16
2Preparation before sewing ......................................................................................................... 17
Installing the needle............................................................................................................................. 17
Removing the bobbin case.................................................................................................................. 17
Winding the lower thread..................................................................................................................... 18
Installing the bobbin case.................................................................................................................... 19
Threading the upper thread................................................................................................................. 20
Adjusting the stitch length.................................................................................................................... 21
Backtack sewing.................................................................................................................................. 22
Using the knee lifter plate.................................................................................................................... 23
3Using the operation panel (Basic operations).......................................................................... 24
Name and function of each operation panel item................................................................................ 24
About the home screens...................................................................................................................... 25
About the detailed home screen ................................................................................................ 26
About the quick home screen .................................................................................................... 28
Types of icons............................................................................................................................ 30
Menu screen........................................................................................................................................ 30
Program setting method ...................................................................................................................... 31
Setting patterns.......................................................................................................................... 32
Program structure ...................................................................................................................... 45
Setting start backtacking............................................................................................................ 48
Main sewing settings ................................................................................................................. 49
Setting end backtacking............................................................................................................. 51
Using program individual functions and program common functions ........................................ 52
Using the production counter..................................................................................................... 55
Using the lower thread counter.................................................................................................. 56
Setting the home screen mode.................................................................................................. 58
Setting the illumination LED brightness ..................................................................................... 59
Adjusting the needle up stop position ........................................................................................ 60
4Using the operation panel (Advanced operations) .................................................................. 61
Adding and deleting steps ................................................................................................................... 61
Editing steps ........................................................................................................................................ 63
Setting main sewing parameters when several steps exist ....................................................... 64
Setting the sewing start step ............................................................................................................... 65
Copying programs ............................................................................................................................... 66
Initializing the currently-selected program ........................................................................................... 67
Setting the working pace ..................................................................................................................... 68
Table of Contents
x

Setting memory switches (standard) ................................................................................................... 69
List of memory switches ...................................................................................................................... 70
Hand switch ......................................................................................................................................... 76
Setting hand switch functions .................................................................................................... 78
Reading and writing data using USB media........................................................................................ 79
Data read/write items in USB media mode and media folder structure ..................................... 80
Initialization.......................................................................................................................................... 81
5Sewing.......................................................................................................................................... 82
Points to note before sewing ............................................................................................................... 82
Sewing ....................................................................................................................................... 82
Using the thread wiper............................................................................................................... 83
6Adjusting the stitch tension ....................................................................................................... 85
Adjusting the thread tension................................................................................................................ 85
Adjusting the upper roller pressure...................................................................................................... 87
7Daily cleaning procedures.......................................................................................................... 88
Points to note when cleaning............................................................................................................... 88
Cleaning..................................................................................................................................... 89
Lubrication ................................................................................................................................. 90
Checking the condition of the needle and upper thread ............................................................ 92
Adding grease (when the grease up warning screen is displayed) ........................................... 93
8Replacing parts ........................................................................................................................... 97
Points to note when replacing parts .................................................................................................... 97
Replacing the fixed knife and movable knife ............................................................................. 98
Replacing gauge parts (presser foot, needle plate and feed dog)............................................. 99
9Adjusting the sewing machine (Standard adjustments) ....................................................... 103
Points to note when making adjustments.......................................................................................... 103
Adjusting the position of the hand switch................................................................................. 104
Adjusting the safety switch position ......................................................................................... 105
Adjusting the thread tension spring ......................................................................................... 106
Adjusting the height of the presser foot ................................................................................... 107
Adjusting the height of the feed dog ........................................................................................ 108
Adjusting the feed dog angle ................................................................................................... 109
Adjusting the forward/back position of the feed dog ................................................................ 110
Adjusting the height of the needle bar ......................................................................................111
Adjusting the needle and rotary hook timing............................................................................ 112
Adjusting the position of the bobbin case holder position bracket ........................................... 114
Adjusting the rotary hook lubrication amount........................................................................... 115
Adjusting the presser foot floating amount (minute lifting amount).......................................... 117
Adjusting the treadle operation ................................................................................................ 118
Adjusting the thread trimming cam position............................................................................. 119
Adjusting the tension of the lower thread presser spring......................................................... 121
Adjusting the upper thread trailing length after thread trimming .............................................. 122
Adjusting the thread wiper ....................................................................................................... 124
10 Optional parts ............................................................................................................................ 125
Points to note when installing optional parts ..................................................................................... 125
Installing presser bar U and the presser bar tips ..................................................................... 125
11 Using a non-standard feed dog ............................................................................................... 128
Using a non-standard feed dog ......................................................................................................... 128
xi

12 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 129
Troubleshooting during sewing.......................................................................................................... 129
List of error codes.............................................................................................................................. 136
xii

Points to note before installation
CAUTION
• Do not connect the power cord plug until installation is complete. The machine may operate if the
treadle is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
• Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting back the machine head. If the table moves, it
may crush your feet or cause other injuries.
• Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
• Machine installation should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
• Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician for any electrical work that may need to be
done.
• The sewing machine weighs approximately 49kg (77lb).The installation should be carried out by two
or more people.
About the machine set-up location
• Do not set up this sewing machine near other equipment such as
televisions, radios or cordless telephones. Such equipment may
be affected by electronic interference from the sewing machine.
• The sewing machine should be plugged directly into an AC wall
outlet. Operation problems may result if extension cords are
used.
Carrying the machine
• The sewing machine should be carried by the arm and the motor
cover by two people as shown in the illustration.
• Hold the motor cover (A) by hand also so that the pulley does not
rotate.
• Do not hold the operation panel.
1Installation
1Installation
1

Tilting back the machine head
• Hold section (A) with your foot so that the table does not move,
and then push the arm with both hands to tilt back the machine
head.
• Do not hold the operation panel.
Returning the machine head to its original position
1. Clear away any tools, etc. which may be near the table holes.
2. While supporting the arm with both hands, gently return the
machine head to its original position.
• Do not hold the operation panel.
2

Table processing diagram
• The top of the table should be 40 mm in thickness and should be strong enough to hold the weight and with-
stand the vibration of the sewing machine.
• Drill holes as indicated in the illustration below.
• Select a method that is easy to carry out for the type of table used.
Standard type
(1) Control box mounting hole
(2) Head rest hole
(3) Cord hole
(4) Cotton stand hole
1Installation
3

Wide type
This type has a wider front/back dimensions at the front of the sewing machine.
(1) Control box mounting hole
(2) Head rest hole
(3) Cord hole
(4) Cotton stand hole
4

Installing the sewing machine
1Install the control box and the
connecting rod.
(1) Control box
(2) Bolt(s) [4 pcs.]
(3) Nut(s) [4 pcs.]
(4) Spring washer(s) [4 pcs.]
(5) Washer(s) [4 pcs.]
(6) Connecting rod
(7) Nut(s)
2Install the power switch.
(1) Power switch
(2) Screw(s) [2 pcs.]
(3) Staple(s) [5 pcs.]
(4) Power cord
Secure the power cord in a suitable
place depending on the position of
the wall outlet.
3Install the oil pan.
(1) Head cushion(s) [4 pcs.]
(2) Oil pan
(3) Cord
1Installation
5

4Install the rubber cushions and the
knee lifter complying bar.
(1) Rubber cushion(s) [2 pcs.]
(2) Nail(s) [4 pcs.]
(3) Knee lifter complying bar
5Install the machine head.
(1) Hinge(s) [2 pcs.]
(2) Machine head
(3) Head rest
CAUTION
Tap the head rest securely into the table
as far as it will go. If the head rest is not
tapped in as far as it will go, there is the
danger that the machine head will not be
sufficiently stable when it is tilted back.
6Install the operation panel.
(1) Operation panel
(2) Screw [2 pcs.]
(Use for tightening rear cover)
7Remove the seal.
(1) Sticker
6

8Install the cotton stand.
(1) Cotton stand
(2) Rubber cushion [2 pcs.]
(3) Washer(s)
(4) Nut(s)
Securely tighten the nut so that the
two rubber cushions and the washer
are securely clamped and so that the
cotton stand does not move.
9Install the knee lifter plate.
(1) Knee lifter assembly
(2) Bolt(s)
(3) Bolt(s)
• Loosen the bolt (3) and move the
knee lifter plate (1) to a position
where it is easy to use.
Adjusting the knee lifter
10 Turn the machine pulley so that the
feed dog is below the top of the
needle plate.
11 Lower the presser foot (4) by using
the lifting lever (5).
12 Loosen the nut (6).
13 Turn the screw (8) to adjust so that
the amount of movement (play) in
the knee lifter (7) is approximately 2
mm when the knee lifter plate (1) is
gently pressed.
After adjustment is completed,
securely tighten the nut (6).
14 Loosen the nut (9).
15 Turn the screw (10) until the distance between the end of the screw (10) and the knee lifter (11) is
approximately 4 mm.
1Installation
7