Pfaff 3811-3/55 User manual

This instruction manual applies to machines
from serial number 2 710 276 and software
version 0352/011 onwards.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
296-12-18 591/002
Betriebsanleitung engl. 03.12
3811
-3/55, -15/65, -16/65

This Instruction Manual is valid for all models and subclasses listed
in the chapter "Specifications".
The reprinting, copying or translation of PFAFF Instruction Manuals, whether in whole
or in part, is only permitted with our previous authorization and with written reference
to the source.
PFAFF Industriesysteme
und Maschinen AG
Hans-Geiger-Str. 12 - IG Nord
D-67661 Kaiserslautern

Contents
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
1Safety ........................................................................................................................... 1 - 1
1.01 Regulations ................................................................................................................... 1 - 1
1.02 General notes on safety ................................................................................................ 1 - 1
1.03 Safety symbols ............................................................................................................. 1 -2
1.04 Important notes for the user ......................................................................................... 1 - 2
1.05 Notes for operating and technical staff ......................................................................... 1 - 3
1.05.01 Operating staff .............................................................................................................. 1 - 3
1.05.02 Technical staff............................................................................................................... 1 - 3
1.06 Danger warnings........................................................................................................... 1 - 4
2Proper use.................................................................................................................... 2 -1
3Specificationss ............................................................................................................ 3 - 1
4Disposal of Machine ................................................................................................... 4 - 1
5Transportation, packing and storage......................................................................... 5 - 1
5.01 Transportation to customer's premises ........................................................................ 5 - 1
5.02 Transportation inside the customer's premises ............................................................ 5 - 1
5.03 Disposal of packing materials........................................................................................ 5 - 1
5.04 Storage ......................................................................................................................... 5 - 1
6Explanation of symbols .............................................................................................. 6 - 1
7Controls ....................................................................................................................... 7- 1
7.01 Main switch ..................................................................................................................7- 1
7.02 Pedal ............................................................................................................................. 7 - 1
7.03 Presser bar lifter............................................................................................................ 7 - 2
7.04 Knee Switch..................................................................................................................7- 2
7.05 Edge guide (only on the PFAFF 3811-3/55 and PFAFF 3811-15/65)............................... 7 - 3
7.06 Reverse-feed control lever ............................................................................................ 7 - 3
7.07 Keyboard....................................................................................................................... 7 - 4
7.08 Control panel................................................................................................................. 7 - 5
8Mounting and commissioning the machine ............................................................. 8 - 1
8.01 Mounting....................................................................................................................... 8 - 1
8.01.01 Adjusting the table-top height ....................................................................................... 8 - 1
8.01.02 Tightening the V-belt ..................................................................................................... 8- 2
8.01.03 Fitting the upper belt guard ........................................................................................... 8 - 2
8.01.04 Mounting the bottom V-belt guard ................................................................................ 8 - 3
8.01.05 Fitting the synchronizer................................................................................................. 8 -3
8.01.06 Connecting the plug-in connections and earth cables ................................................... 8 - 4
8.01.07 Fitting the reel stand .....................................................................................................8- 5
8.02 Commissioning ............................................................................................................. 8 - 6
8.03 Switching the machine on/off ....................................................................................... 8 - 6

Contents
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
9Preparation .................................................................................................................. 9 - 1
9.01 Inserting the needle...................................................................................................... 9 - 1
9.02 Threading the needle thread and regulating its tension ............................................... 9 - 2
9.03 Threading the looper thread and regulating its tension................................................ 9 - 3
9.04 Selecting the program number..................................................................................... 9 - 4
9.05 Inputting fullness.......................................................................................................... 9 -5
9.06 Entering / altering the code number ............................................................................. 9 - 6
9.07 Adjusting the control panel........................................................................................... 9 - 8
10 Sewing ....................................................................................................................... 10 -1
10.01 Manual sewing ........................................................................................................... 10 - 1
10.01.01 Selecting the material type ........................................................................................ 10 - 2
10.02 Sewing with fixed programs ...................................................................................... 10 - 3
10.03 Programmed sewing .................................................................................................. 10 - 5
10.03.01 Program interruption .................................................................................................. 10 - 7
10.04 Error messages .......................................................................................................... 10 - 7
11 Input ...........................................................................................................................11- 1
11.01 Seam program input ................................................................................................... 11 - 2
11.01.01 Basic settings for seam program input ..................................................................... 11 - 2
11.01.02 Seam program input with the "Creating/adjusting a program" function .................... 11 - 4
11.01.03 Entering the actual and required length of the seam section .................................... 11 - 5
11.01.04 Seam program input with the "Creating/adjusting a program" function .................... 11 - 6
11.01.05 End of seam section input during seam programming .............................................. 11 - 8
11.02 Examples of how to create a seam program ............................................................ 11 - 9
11.02.01 Example of a seam program input with the "creating/adjusting a program" ............. 11 - 9
11.02.02 Example of a seam program input using the "teach-in" function............................... 11 -13
11.03 Seam program administration.................................................................................... 11 -17
12 Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................. 12 - 1
12.01 Cleaning ......................................................................................................................12- 1
12.02 Machine oil level ......................................................................................................... 12 - 2
12.03 Cleaning/lubricating the top feed joints ....................................................................... 12 - 2
12.04 Checking/adjusting the air pressure ............................................................................ 12 - 3
12.05 Cleaning the air filter of the air-filter/lubricator............................................................. 12 - 3
13 Adjustment................................................................................................................ 13 - 1
13.01 Notes on adjustment.................................................................................................. 13 - 1
13.02 Tools, gauges and other equipment ........................................................................... 13 - 1
13.03 Abbreviations.............................................................................................................. 13 -1
13.04 Control and adjustment aids ...................................................................................... 13 - 2
13.05 Adjusting the basic machine ...................................................................................... 13 - 3
13.05.01 Basic position of the machine.................................................................................... 13 - 3

Contents
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
13.05.02 Needle to needle hole ................................................................................................. 13 - 6
13.05.03 Preliminary adjustment of the needle height ............................................................. 13 - 7
13.05.04 Neutral position of the main feed dog........................................................................ 13 - 8
13.05.05 Neutral position of the differential feed dog .............................................................. 13 - 9
13.05.06 Feeding motion of the main feed dog and the differential feed dog .......................... 13 - 10
13.05.07 Lifting motion of the main feed dog and differential feed dog................................... 13 -11
(only on the PFAFF 3811-3/55).................................................................................... 13 -11
13.05.08 Lifting motion of the main feed dog ........................................................................... 13 - 12
13.05.09 Lifting motion of the differential feed dog ................................................................. 13 -13
13.05.10 Position of the main and the differential feed dog on the PFAFF 3811-3/55.............. 13 -14
13.05.11 Position of the main and the differential feed dog on the.......................................... 13 - 15
PFAFF 3811-15/65 and -16/65 ..................................................................................... 13 -15
13.05.12 Neutral position of the top feed dog .......................................................................... 13 - 16
13.05.13 Front linkage rod to top feed drive ............................................................................. 13 -17
13.05.14 Aligning the presser foot ............................................................................................ 13 -18
13.05.15 Feeding motion of the top feed dog ........................................................................... 13 -20
13.05.16 Top feed stroke .......................................................................................................... 13-21
13.05.17 Lifting motion of the top feed dog.............................................................................. 13 -22
13.05.18 Stitch length limitation ............................................................................................... 13 -23
13.05.19 Basic setting of the differential adjustment mechanism .......................................... 13 - 24
13.05.20 Setting the standard stitch length (not on the PFAFF 3811-3/55) .............................. 13 -25
13.05.21 Looper avoiding motion .............................................................................................. 13 -26
13.05.22 Looper motion............................................................................................................. 13 - 27
13.05.23 Looper height and looper angle .................................................................................. 13 - 28
13.05.24 Looper-to-needle clearance in sewing direction......................................................... 13 -30
13.05.25 Looper-to-needle clearance crosswise to sewing direction ...................................... 13 - 31
13.05.26 Final adjustment of the needle height ........................................................................ 13 -32
13.05.27 Height of rear needle guard........................................................................................ 13 -33
13.05.28 Clearance between rear needle guard and needle ..................................................... 13 - 34
13.05.29 Position of the front needle guard (does not apply to all machines) ......................... 13 -35
13.05.30 Guard of looper-avoiding-motion eccentric ................................................................ 13 -36
13.05.31 Take- up lever .............................................................................................................13-37
13.05.32 Basic setting of the needle thread regulator and the thread guide............................ 13 -38
13.05.33 Looper thread regulator and looper thread take-up.................................................... 13 - 39
13.05.34 Looper thread puller.................................................................................................... 13 -40
13.05.35 Top feed dog and sewing foot pressure..................................................................... 13 -41
13.06 Adjusting the edge trimming mechanism .................................................................. 13 -42
13.06.01 Knife stroke ................................................................................................................ 13 -42
13.06.02 Neutral position .......................................................................................................... 13 - 43
13.06.03 Starting position of the cylinder ................................................................................. 13 - 44
13.06.04 Knife height................................................................................................................. 13 -45
13.06.05 Knife position crosswise to sewing direction ............................................................ 13 -46
13.07 Parameter settings..................................................................................................... 13 - 47

Contents
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
13.07.01 Overview of the parameter functions........................................................................ 13 -47
13.07.02 Example of a parameter input.................................................................................... 13 -48
13.07.03 List of parameters...................................................................................................... 13 -49
13.08 Sewing motor errors .................................................................................................. 13 - 51
13.09 Explanation of the error messages ............................................................................ 13 - 52
13.10 Table of inputs ............................................................................................................ 13 -53
13.11 Table of outputs.......................................................................................................... 13 - 53
13.12 Service menu.............................................................................................................. 13 - 54
13.13 Carry out a cold start ................................................................................................. 13 -55
13.14 Internet update of the machine software .................................................................. 13 -56
14 Wearing parts ........................................................................................................... 14 - 1
15 Circuit diagrams ....................................................................................................... 15 - 1

1 - 1
Safety
1 Safety
1.01 Regulations
This machine is constructed in accordance with the European regulations indicated in the
conformity and manufacturer's declarations.
In addition to this instruction manual, please also observe all generally accepted, statutory
and other legal requirements, including those of the user's country, and the applicable pol-
lution control regulations!
The valid regulations of the regional social insurance society for occupational accidents or
other supervisory authorities are to be strictly adhered to!
1.02 General notes on safety
●The machine must only be operated by adequately trained operators and only when the
instruction manual has been fully read and understood!
●All notices on safety and the instruction manual of the motor manufacturer are to be read
before the machine is put into operation!
●All notes on the machine concerning danger and safety must be observed!
●The machine must be used for the purpose for which it is intended and must not be
operated without its safety devices; all regulations relevant to safety must be adhered to.
●When part sets are changed (e.g. needle, presser foot, needle plate, feed dog or bob-bin),
during threading, when the workplace is left unattended and during maintenance work,
the machine must be disconnected from the power supply by turning off the on/off
switch or removing the plug from the mains!
●Daily maintenance work must only be carried out by appropriately trained persons!
●Repairs and special maintenance work must only be carried out by qualified technical
staff or persons with appropriate training!
●During maintenance or repairs on the pneumatic system the machine must be
disconnected from the compressed air supply! The only exception to this is when
adjustments or function checks are carried out by appropriately trained technical staff!
●Work on the electrical equipment must only be carried out by technical staff who are
qualified to do so!
●Work on parts or equipment connected to the power supply is not permitted! The only
exceptions to this are specified in regulations EN 50110.
●Conversion or modification of the machine must only be carried out under observation of
all relevant safety regulations!

1 - 2
Safety
●Only spare parts which have been approved by us are to be used for repairs! We draw
special attention to the fact that spare parts and accessories not supplied by us have not
been subjected to testing nor approval by us. Fitting and/or use of any such parts may
cause negative changes to the design characteristics of the machine. We shall not ac-
cept any liability for damage caused by the use of non-original parts.
1.03 Safety symbols
Danger!
Special points to observe.
Danger of injury to operating or technical staff!
1.04 Important notes for the user
●This instruction manual belongs to the equipment of the machine and must be available
to the operating staff at all times.
This instruction manual must be read before the machine is operated for the first time.
●Both operating and technical staff must be instructed on the safety devices of the mach-
ine and on safe working methods.
●It is the duty of the user to operate the machine in perfect running order only.
●The user must ensure that none of the safety devices are removed nor put out of work-
ing order.
●The user must ensure that only authorized persons operate and work on the machine.
For further information please refer to your PFAFF agency.
I
Caution
Do not operate without finger guard and safety devices.
Before threading, changing bobbin and needle, cleaning
etc. switch off main switch.

1 - 3
Safety
1.05 Notes for operating and technical staff
1.05.01 Operating staff
Operating staff are the persons responsible for setting up, operating and cleaning the mach-
ine and for removing any disturbances in the sewing area.
The operating staff are obliged to observe the following points, and must:
●always observe the notes on safety in this instruction manual!
●avoid using any working methods which adversely effect the safety of the machine!
●avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing or jewelry such as necklaces or rings!
●also ensure that only authorized persons are allowed near the danger area of the
machine!
●immediately report to the user any changes to the machine that may affect its safety!
1.05.02 Technical staff
Technical staff are persons who have been trained in electrical engineering, electronics,
pneumatics and mechanical engineering. They are responsible for lubricating, servicing,
repairing and adjusting the machine.
The technical staff are obliged to observe the following points, and must:
●always observe the notes on safety in this instruction manual!
●switch off the on/off switch before carrying out adjustment and repair work and ensure it
cannot be switched on again unintentionally!
●never work on parts or equipment still connected to the power supply! Exceptions to this
are only permissible according to regulations EN 50110;
●disconnected the machine from the compressed air supply when carrying out
maintenance or repair work on pneumatic equipment!
Exceptions to this are only permissible for function checks;
●replace all safety covers after carrying out maintenance or repair work!

1 - 4
Safety
1.06 Danger warnings
A working area of 1 m must be kept free both in front of and behind the mach-
ine, so that easy access is possible at all times.
Never put your hands in the sewing area during sewing!
Danger of injury by the needle!
While setting or adjusting the machine do not leave any objects on the table nor
in the needle plate area! Objects may be trapped or slung out of the mach-ine!
Do not operate the machine without take-up lever guard 1!
Danger of injury from the movement of the take-up lever!
Do not operate the machine without finger guard 2!
Danger of injury by the needle!
Do not operate the machine without belt guard 3and 4!
Danger of injury by running drive belts!
Do not operate the machine without tilt lock 5!
Danger of crushing between the sewing head and table top!
Do not operate machines with edge trimming device without finger guard 6!
Do not place fingers in the cutting area between needle plate and knife!
Danger of injury from the cutting motion of the knife!
3
1
2
54-66a
5
68-007
6
Fig. 1 - 01
4
117-007
6
2

Proper use
2 - 1
2 Proper use
The PFAFF 3811-3/55 is an integrated workplace used in the shoe industry for applying
fullness to one material ply.
The PFAFF 3811-15/65 is an integrated workplace used in the upholstery industry for the
application of fullness in one material ply.
The PFAFF 3811-16/65 is an integrated workplace used in the upholstery industry for the
application of fullness in one material ply with the simultaneous trimming of the material
edge.
Any use of these machines which is not approved by the manufacturer shall be
considered as improper use! The manufacturer shall not be liable for any dam-
age arising out of improper use! Proper use shall also be considered to include
compliance with the operation, adjustment, service and repair measures speci-
fied by the manufacturer!

Specifications
3 - 1
3 Specifications▲
Stitch type:.............................................................................. 401 (two-thread chainstitch)
Max. speed: ......................................................................................... 3200 stitches/min.◆
Basic stitch length
3811-3/55: ............................................................................................................... 2,2 mm
3811-15/65;3811-16/65: ................................................................................3,0 + 4,0 mm
Differential feed stroke
3811-3/55: ....................................................................................................... 2,2 - 6,5 mm
3811-15/65;3811-16/65: ................................................................................. 4,0 - 8,0 mm
Needle system
3811-15/65;3811-16/65: .........................................................................................4463-35
3811-3/55: ............................................................................................................4463-KKD
Needle size in 1/100 mm:........................................................................................80 - 110
Presser foot clearance:
3811-3/55: .................................................................................................................. 7 mm
3811-15/65,3811-16/65: .......................................................................................... 11 mm
Connection data:
Operating voltage:............................................ 230 V ± 10%, 50/60 Hz,alternating voltage
Max. power:............................................................................................................. 400 VA
Fuse protection: ............................................................................................ 1 x 16 A, inert
Working air pressure: .................................................................................................. 6 bar
Air consumption:.................................................................................0.3 - 0.5 l/work cycle
Noise data:
Emission sound pressure level at the workplace with
a sewing speed of 2600 spm: .................................................................... LpA < 79 dB(A) ■
(Noise measurement in accordance with DIN 45 635-48-A-1, ISO 11204, ISO 3744, ISO 4871)
Machine dimensions:
Length:.................................................................................................... approx. 1250 mm
Width (value for 3811-14/71 in brackets).......................approx. 600 mm (approx. 800 mm)
Height (with reel stand):.......................................................................... approx. 1700 mm
Weight (net). ............................................................................................... Approx. 140 kg
▲Subject to alterations
◆Dependent on material, work cycle and stitch length
■KpA = 2,5 dB

Disposal of Machine
4 - 1
4 Disposal of Machine
●Proper disposal of the machine is the responsibility of the customer.
●The materials used for the machine are steel, aluminium, brass and various plastic mat-
erials.
The electrical equipment comprises plastic materials and copper.
●The machine is to be disposed of according to the locally valid pollution control regula-
tions; if necessary, a specialist ist to be commissioned.
Care must be taken that parts soiled with lubricants are disposed of separately
according to the locally valid pollution control regulations!

Transportation, packing and storage
5 - 1
5 Transportation, packing and storage
5.01 Transportation to customer's premises
All machines are delivered completely packed.
5.02 Transportation inside the customer's premises
The manufacturer cannot be made liable for transportation inside the customer's premises
nor to other operating locations. It must be ensured that the machines are only transported
in an upright position.
5.03 Disposal of packing materials
The packing materials of this machine comprise paper, cardboard and VCE fibre. Proper dis-
posal of the packing material is the responsibility of the customer.
5.04 Storage
If the machine is not in use, it can be stored as it is for a period of up to six months, but It
should be protected against dust and moisture.
If the machine is stored for longer periods, the individual parts, especially the surfaces of
moving parts, must be protected against corrosion, e.g. by a film of oil.

Explanation of symbols
6 - 1
6 Explanation of symbols
In this instruction manual, work to be carried out or important information is accentuated by
symbols. These symbols have the following meanings:
Note, information
Cleaning, care
Lubrication
Maintenance, repairs, adjustment, service work
(only to be carried out by technical staff)

7 - 1
Controls
7 Controls
7.01 Main switch
●The machine is switched on or off by
turning main switch 1.
7.02 Pedal
0= Neutral position
+1 = Lower presser foot / Feed bridle tape
+2 = Sewing
-1 = Raise presser foot
-2 = Thread cutting (optional) / needle
raised /edge knife out (when
parameter 210 is set at "ON", see
Chapter 13.07 Parameter settings)
Fig. 7 - 02
0
-1 -2
+1
+2
Fig. 7 - 01
1

Controls
7 - 2
68-002
7.03 Presser bar lifter
●The presser foot is raised by turning
lever 1.
Fig. 7 - 03
1
7.04 Knee Switch
When sewing with fixed programs:
●By operating knee switch 1it is possible
to alternate between two pre-set
amounts of fullness.
In programmed sewing:
●By operating knee switch 1the amounts
of fullness are changed according to the
program selected.
Fig. 7 - 04
1

7 - 3
Controls
7.05 Edge guide (only on the PFAFF 3811-3/55 and PFAFF 3811-15/65)
●By pressing down lever 1the edge guide
is engaged.
●By raising lever 1the edge guide is
disengaged.
5
4-042
1
Fig. 7 - 05
7.06 Reverse-feed control lever
●To sew condensed stitches, press
lever 1down.
Fig. 7 - 06 1

Controls
7 - 4
9
3
8
7
5
1
6
2
4
0
111
2
1
3
1
4
1
5
1
0
1
1
7.07 Keyboard
The keyboard 1is used for quick operation of the machine during sewing. An individual
amount of fullness can be allocated to each key, see Chapter 9.05 Inputting fullness.
Activated key functions are shown with the respective LED of the 20 keys (function
activated - LED on).
Fig. 7 - 07
Number keys (0 – 15)
●The previously allocated amount of fullness is called up by pressing a key.
●By simultaneously pressing two neighbouring number keys, the corresponding average
amount is selected.
In the basic setting of the keyboard, the set fullness is divided from "0" to "max."
in 15 steps. The basic setting is set e.g. after a cold start, see Chapter 13.13
Carry out a cold start.
Tape brake(option)
●By pressing a key, the tape brake is engaged or disengaged.
When the tape brake is engaged, the gathering of the material is increased.
Edge trimming mechanism
●By pressing a key the edge trimming mechanism is engaged or disengaged.
Corrective value + / corrective value –
●By pressing a key the fullness value is increased or reduced in 2 steps.
11
1

7 - 5
Controls
2 GB
max.
7.08 Control panel
The current operating conditions are displayed on control panel 1. Operation takes place in a
constant dialogue between the control unit and the operator. For this purpose, depending on
the operating condition of the machine, different symbols and/or texts are displayed. If the
symbols or texts are framed, these show functions which can be selected by pressing the
appropriate position on the monitor. By pressing the corresponding function this is carried
out or switched on or off immediately, or a further menu appears, e.g. for entering a value.
Activated functions are shown with inverted symbols. Unframed symbols or texts are only
used for display purposes and cannot be selected by pressing.
To read sewing programs or install machine software, use the sd-card 2in the control
panel.
Description of the functions
Normal symbol = function switched off (inactive)
Inverted symbol = function switched on (active)
Fig. 7 - 08
1
2