Pfaff 3834-14/11 User manual

This instruction manual applies to machines
from the following serial numbers onwards:
# 2 733 153
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
3834- 14/11, -14/31
296-12-18 936/002
Betriebsanleitung engl. 06.09

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

Index
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
1Safety ........................................................................................................................... 1 - 1
1.01 Directives...................................................................................................................... 1 - 1
1.02 General notes on safety ................................................................................................ 1 - 1
1.03 Safety symbols ............................................................................................................. 1 -2
1.04 Important points for the user ........................................................................................ 1 - 2
1.05 Operating and specialist personnel ............................................................................... 1 - 3
1.05.01 Operating personnel...................................................................................................... 1- 3
1.05.02 Specialist personnel ......................................................................................................1- 3
1.06 Danger .......................................................................................................................... 1 - 4
2Proper use.................................................................................................................... 2 -1
3Specifications .............................................................................................................. 3 - 1
3.01 PFAFF 3834-14/11 and -14/31 ....................................................................................... 3 - 1
3.02 Model, needle and thread ............................................................................................. 3 - 1
4Disposal of machine ................................................................................................... 4 - 1
5Transport, packaging and storage ............................................................................. 5 - 1
5.01 Transportation to customer’s premises ........................................................................ 5 - 1
5.02 Transport within the customer’s premises ................................................................... 5 - 1
5.03 Disposal of the packaging ............................................................................................. 5 - 1
5.04 Storage ......................................................................................................................... 5 - 1
6Explanation of the symbols........................................................................................ 6 - 1
7Controls ....................................................................................................................... 7- 1
7.01 On/Off switch ............................................................................................................... 7- 1
7.02 Pedal ............................................................................................................................. 7 - 2
7.03 Machine head keys ....................................................................................................... 7 - 1
7.04 Knee switch ..................................................................................................................7- 3
7.05 Lever for raising the roller presser ................................................................................ 7 - 3
7.06 Control panel................................................................................................................. 7 - 4
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 Fitting the tilt lock.......................................................................................................... 8 - 2
8.01.03 Fitting the machine cover.............................................................................................. 8 - 2
8.02 Mounting the flange motor ........................................................................................... 8 - 3
8.02.01 Mounting the flange motor to the bearing plate............................................................ 8 - 3
8.02.02 Mounting the flange motor to the machine................................................................... 8 - 3
8.02.03 Connecting the plug-in connections and earth cables ................................................... 8 - 4
8.02.04 Mounting the toothed belt / Basic setting of the machine drive.................................... 8 - 5
8.02.05 Mounting the belt guard of the flange motor ................................................................ 8 - 6
8.02.06 Connecting the safety switch ....................................................................................... 8 - 7
8.02.07 Checking the function of the start inhibitor ................................................................... 8 - 7
8.03 Mounting the spool holder ............................................................................................ 8 - 8

Index
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
8.04 Commissioning the machine......................................................................................... 8 - 8
8.03 Turning the machine on/off ........................................................................................... 8 - 8
9Preparation .................................................................................................................. 9 - 1
9.01 Inserting the needle ...................................................................................................... 9 - 1
9.02 Winding the bobbin thread, adjusting the thread tension .............................................. 9 - 2
9.03 Removing/inserting the bobbin case ............................................................................. 9 - 3
9.04 Threading the bobbin case / Adjusting the bobbin thread tension ................................. 9 - 3
9.05 Threading the needle thread / Adjusting the needle thread tension .............................. 9 - 4
9.06 Setting the needle thread function ................................................................................ 9 - 5
9.07 Selecting the program number...................................................................................... 9 - 6
9.08 Setting the stitch lengths .............................................................................................. 9 - 7
9.09 Entering the fullness area for the pedal adjustment...................................................... 9 - 8
9.10 Entering the start and end backtacks............................................................................ 9 - 9
9.11 Switching on / adjusting the bobbin thread control with the stitch count function ........ 9 -10
9.12 Entering / altering the code number .............................................................................. 9 -12
9.13 Adjusting the control panel............................................................................................ 9 -14
10 Sewing ....................................................................................................................... 10 -1
10.01 Manual sewing............................................................................................................ 10 - 1
10.02 Sewing with fixed programs ....................................................................................... 10 - 3
10.03 Programmed sewing................................................................................................... 10 - 5
10.03.01 Fullness adjustment .................................................................................................... 10 -7
10.03.02 Selecting the garment size.......................................................................................... 10 - 7
10.03.03 Program interruption ................................................................................................... 10 -8
10.04 Error messages........................................................................................................... 10 - 8
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 Seam program input with the "Teach-in" function........................................................ 11 - 6
11.02 Examples of how to create seam programs ............................................................... 11 - 8
11.02.01 Example of a seam program input using the
"Creating/adjusting a program" function....................................................................... 11 - 8
11.02.02 Example of a seam program input using the "Teach in" function................................. 11 -10
11.03 Seam program administration ..................................................................................... 11 -15
12 Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................. 12 - 1
12.01 Cleaning ...................................................................................................................... 12 - 1
12.02 Oiling the hook ............................................................................................................ 12- 2
12.03 Checking the oil levels ................................................................................................ 12 - 2
12.04 Lubricating the bevel gears ......................................................................................... 12 - 3
13 Adjustment ................................................................................................................ 13 - 1
13.01 Notes on adjustment................................................................................................... 13 - 1
13.02 Tools, gauges and other accessories .......................................................................... 13 - 1
13.03 Abbreviations .............................................................................................................. 13- 1

Index
Contents ................................................................................. Chapter - Page
13.04 Adjusting the basic machine ....................................................................................... 13 - 2
13.04.01 Positioning the needle in the direction of sewing........................................................ 13 - 2
13.04.02 Positioning the needle across the direction of sewing ................................................ 13 - 3
13.04.03 Preadjusting the needle height.................................................................................... 13 - 4
13.04.04 Needle rise, hook-to-needle clearance, needle height and needle guard..................... 13 - 5
13.04.05 Height and stroke of the bobbin case opener ............................................................. 13 - 7
13.04.06 Height of the feed wheel ............................................................................................ 13 - 8
13.04.07 Clearance between roller presser and feed wheel ...................................................... 13 - 9
13.04.08 Roller presser.............................................................................................................. 13 -10
13.04.09 Puller (only on the PFAFF 3834-14/31) ........................................................................ 13 -11
13.04.10 Roller presser height level switch ............................................................................... 13 -12
13.04.11 Automatic presser foot lift .......................................................................................... 13 -13
13.04.12 Retainer ...................................................................................................................... 13 -14
13.04.13 Thread check spring .................................................................................................... 13 -15
13.04.14 Bobbin winder .............................................................................................................13-16
13.04.15 Roller presser pressure ............................................................................................... 13 - 17
13.04.16 Locking the set value transmitter................................................................................ 13 -18
13.04.17 Lubrication .................................................................................................................. 13 -19
13.04.18 Re-engage safety coupling.......................................................................................... 13 -20
13.05 Adjusting the thread trimmer –900/81......................................................................... 13 -21
13.05.01 Resting position of the roller lever / radial position of the control cam ........................ 13 -22
13.05.02 Position of the thread catcher holder .......................................................................... 13 -23
13.05.03 Distance between thread catcher and needle plate .................................................... 13 -24
13.05.04 Position of the thread catcher ..................................................................................... 13 -25
13.05.05 Knife position and knife pressure ................................................................................ 13 -26
13.05.06 Bobbin thread retaining spring .................................................................................... 13 -27
13.05.07 Manual cutting test ..................................................................................................... 13-28
13.06 Parameter settings...................................................................................................... 13 -29
13.06.01 Overview of the parameter functions ......................................................................... 13 -29
13.06.02 Example of a parameter input ..................................................................................... 13 -30
13.06.03 List of parameters....................................................................................................... 13 -31
13.07 Explanation of the error messages.............................................................................. 13 -32
13.08 Warning messages ..................................................................................................... 13 -33
13.09 Carry out a cold start................................................................................................... 13 -34
13.10 Internet update of the machine software.................................................................... 13 -35
13.11 Service menu .............................................................................................................. 13 -36
14 Wearing parts ............................................................................................................ 14 - 1
15 Circuit diagrams ........................................................................................................ 15 - 1

Safety
1 - 1
1 Safety
1.01 Directives
This machine is constructed in accordance with the European regulations contained in the
conformity and manufacturer’s declarations.
In addition to this Instruction Manual, also observe all generally accepted, statutory and other
regulations and legal requirements and all valid environmental protection regulations!
The regionally valid regulations of the social insurance society for occupational accidents or
other supervisory organizations are to be strictly adhered to!
1.02 General notes on safety
●This machine may only be operated by adequately trained operators and only after having
completely read and understood the Instruction Manual!
●All Notes on Safety and Instruction Manuals of the motor manufacturer are to be read
before operating the machine!
●The danger and safety instructions on the machine itself are to be followed!
●This machine may only be used for the purpose for which it is intended and may not be
operated without its safety devices. All safety regulations relevant to its operation are to
be adhered to.
●When exchanging sewing tools (e.g. needle, roller presser, needle plate and bobbin),
when threading the machine, when leaving the machine unattended and during
maintenance work, the machine is to be separated from the power supply by switching
off the On/Off switch or by removing the plug from the mains!
●Everyday maintenance work is only to be carried out by appropriately trained personnel!
●Repairs and special maintenance work may only be carried out by qualified service staff
or appropriately trained personnel!
●Work on electrical equipment may only be carried out by appropriately trained personnel!
●Work is not permitted on parts and equipment which are connected to the power supply!
The only exceptions to this rule are found in the regulations EN 50110.
●Modifications and alterations to the machine may only be carried out under observance of
all the relevant safety regulations!
●Only spare parts which have been approved by us are to be used for repairs!
We expressly point out that any replacement parts or accessories which are not supplied
by us have not been tested and approved by us. The installation and/or use of any such
products can lead to negative changes in the structural characteristics of the machine.
We are not liable for any damage which may be caused by non-original parts.

Safety
1 - 2
1.03 Safety symbols
Danger!
Points to be observed.
Danger of injury for operating and specialist personnel!
1.04 Important points for the user
●This Instruction Manual is an integral part of the machine and must be available to the
operating personnel at all times.
The Instruction Manual must be read before operating the machine for the first time.
●The operating and specialist personnel is to be instructed as to the safety equipment of
the machine and regarding safe work methods.
●It is the duty of the user to only operate the machine in perfect running order.
●It is the obligation of the user to ensure that none of the safety mechanisms are removed
or deactivated.
●It is the obligation of the user to ensure that only authorized persons operate and work on
the machine.
Further information can be obtained from your PFAFF agent.
Caution
Do not operate without finger guard and safety devices.
Before threading, changing bobbin and needle, cleaning
etc. switch off main switch.
I

Safety
1 - 3
1.05 Operating and specialist personnel
1.05.01 Operating personnel
Operating personnel are persons responsible for the equipping, operating and cleaning of the
machine as well as for taking care of problems arising in the sewing area.
The operating personnel is required to observe the following points and must:
●always observe the Notes on Safety in the Instruction Manual!
●never use any working methods which could adversely affect the safety of the machine!
●not wear loose-fitting clothing or jewelery such as chains or rings!
●also ensure that only authorized persons have access to the potentially dangerous area
around the machine!
●always immediately report to the person responsible any changes in the machine which
may limit its safety!
1.05.02 Specialist personnel
Specialist personnel are persons with a specialist education in the fields of electrics,
electronics and mechanics. They are responsible for the lubrication, maintenance, repair and
adjustment of the machine.
The specialist personnel is obliged to observe the following points and must:
●always observe the Notes on Safety in the Instruction Manual!
●switch off the On/Off switch before carrying out adjustments or repairs, and ensure that
it cannot be switched on again unintentionally!
●never work on parts which are still connected to the power supply! Exceptions are
explained in the regulations EN 50110.
●replace the protective coverings afer all repairs or maintenance work and close the
electrical control box after all repairs or maintenance work!

Safety
1 - 4
1.06 Danger
A working area of 1 meter is to be kept free both in front of and behind the
machine while it is in operation so that it is always easily accessible.
Never reach into the sewing area while sewing!
Danger of injury by the needle!
Never leave objects on the table while adjusting the machine settings!
Objects can become trapped or be slung away!
Danger of injury!
Do not operate the machine without support 1!
Danger due to top-heavy sewing head!
Machine can tip over backwards when tilted!
Do not operate the machine without its take-up lever guard 2!
Danger of injury due to the motion of the take-up lever!
Do not operate the machine without belt guard 3!
Danger of injury by rotating drive belt!
Do not operate the machine without tilt lock 4!
Danger of crushing between sewing head and table!
3
2
Fig. 1 - 01
63-021
14

Proper use
2 - 1
2 Proper use
The PFAFF 3834-14/11 is a high-speed, single needle, postbed sewing machine (post to the
right of the needle) with forwards and reverse feeding feed-wheel .
The PFAFF 3834-14/31 is a high-speed, single needle, postbed sewing machine (post to the
right of the needle) with forwards and reverse feeding feed-wheel and driven puller.
This machine is used for sewing lockstitch seams in the clothing industry.
Any and all uses of this machine which have not been approved of by the
manufacturer are considered to be inappropriate! The manufacturer cannot be
held liable for any damage caused by the inappropriate use of the machine! The
appropriate use of the machine includes the observance of all operational,
adjustment, maintenance and repair measures required by the manufacturer!

Specifications
3 - 1
3 Specifications
3.01 PFAFF 3834-14/11 und -14/31 ▲
Stitch type:.................................................................................................. 301 (lockstitch)
Fabric clearance: ........................................................................................................ 9 mm
Clearance width: .................................................................................................... 245 mm
Clearance height: ................................................................................................... 115 mm
Post height:............................................................................................................ 180 mm
Dimensions of sewing head:
Length:...................................................................................................... approx. 615 mm
Width: ....................................................................................................... approx. 240 mm
Height (above table): ................................................................................. approx. 500 mm
Bedplate:...................................................................................................... 518 x 177 mm
Max. speed: ...................................................................................................... 3500 spm ◆
Electrical data:
Operating voltage:............................................230 V ± 10%, 50/60 Hz, alternating voltage
Max. output:............................................................................................................ 1.2 kVA
Fuse protection: .............................................................................1 x 16 A, delayed action
Noise data:
Noise emission level at workplace with a sewing speed of 2700 spm: ..... LpA < 80 dB(A) ■
(Noise measurement in accordance with DIN 45 635-48-A-1, ISO 11204, ISO 3744, ISO
4871)
Net weight of machine head: ......................................................................... approx. 61 kg
Gross weight of machine head: ..................................................................... approx. 71 kg
▲Subject to alternation
◆Varies according to material, work process and stitch length
■KpA = 2,5 dB
3.02 Model, needle and thread
Type of model: ..................................................................................................................A
Needle system:.........................................................................................................134-35
Needle thickness in 1/100 mm:....................................................................................... 80
Thread thickness:.......................................................................................................... 120

Disposal of machine
4 - 1
4 Disposal of machine
●The proper disposal of the machine is the responsibility of the customer.
●The materials used in the machines are steel, aluminium, brass and various plastics.
The electrical equipment consists of plastics and copper.
●The machine is to be disposed of in accordance with the locally valid environmental
protection regulations. If necessary, a specialist is to be commissioned.
Special care is to be taken that parts soiled with lubricants are separately
disposed of in accordance with the locally valid pollution control regulations!

Transport, packaging and storage
5 - 1
5 Transport, packaging and storage
5.01 Transportation to customer’s premises
All machines are delivered completely packed.
5.02 Transport within the customer’s premises
The manufacturer bears no liability for transport within the customer’s premises or to the in-
dividual locations of use. Always ensure that the machine is only transported upright.
5.03 Disposal of the packaging
The packaging of these machines consists of paper, cardboard and VCE fiber. The proper
disposal of the packaging is the responsibility of the customer.
5.04 Storage
The machine can be stored for up to 6 months if not in use. During this time it should be
protected from dust and moisture.
For longer storage the individual parts of the machine, especially the moving parts, should be
protected against corrosion, e.g. by a film of oil.

Explanation of the symbols
6 - 1
6 Explanation of the symbols
In the following section of this Instruction Manual, certain tasks or important pieces of
information are accentuated by symbols.
The symbols used have the following meanings:
Note, information
Cleaning, care
Lubrication, greasing
Servicing, repairing, adjustment, maintenance
(only to be carried out by specialist personnel)

7 - 1
Controls
77-005
Fig. 7 - 01
Controls
7.01 On/Off switch
●Turn the machine on/off by turning
On/Off switch 1.
1
7.02 Pedal
0= Neutral position
1= Sewing
2= Raise roller presser
3= Cut sewing thread and raise roller
presser
1 + 4 = Apply variable amount of fullness
The current fullness is shown
on a bar diagram on the display
of the control panel.
8
7-004
Fig. 7 - 02
401
32

7 - 2
Controls
7.03 Machine head keys
●When the respective key is operated, a
certain function is carried out.
Key 1: Sewing in reverse
As long as the key is operated,
the feed direction is reversed.
Key 2: The roller presser feed stroke is
reduced by pressing this key.
Key 3: The roller presser feed stroke is
increased by pressing this key.
Diode 4: Diode 4flashes when the pre-
selected number of stitches for
the bobbin thread control has
been reached, see Chapter 9.11
Setting the bobbin thread
control with the stitch count
function.
Key 5: The thread tension is released by
pressing key 5.
Fig. 7 - 03
5
3
241

7 - 3
Controls
7.05 Lever for raising the roller presser
●Raise the roller presser by turning
lever 1.
Fig. 7 - 05
7.04 Knee switch
●By operating the knee switch 1, in the
fixed programs and in programmed
sewing it is possible to signal the end of
the seam section.
To make it possible to switch
to the next seam section in
programmed sewing,
parameter "201" must be set at
"ON".
Fig. 7 - 04
1
1

7 - 4
Controls
2 GB
max.
7.06 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 - 06
1
2

Mounting and commissioning the machine
8 - 1
8 Mounting and commissioning the machine
The machine must only be mounted and commissioned by qualified personnel!
All relevant safety regulations are to be observed!
If the machine is delivered without a table, it must be ensured that the frame
and the table top which you intend to use can hold the weight of the machine
and the motor. It must be ensured that the supporting structure is sufficiently
sturdy, including during all sewing operations.
8.01 Mounting
The necessary electricity supply must be available at the machine’s location.
There must be a stable and horizontal surface and adequate lighting at the machine’s
location.
The method of packaging used requires that the table top be lowered for
transport. The following is a description of how to adjust the height of the table
top.
8.01.01 Adjusting the table-top height
●Loosen screws 1and 2and set the desired table-top height
●Tighten screws 1well.
●Adjust the position of the pedal so that you can operate it comfortably and tighten
screw 2.
Fig. 8 - 01
87-007
1
1
2
2

Mounting and commissioning the machine
8 - 2
Fig. 8 - 02
8.01.02 Fitting the tilt lock
Switch off the machine!
Danger of injury if the machine
is the machine is started
accidentally!
●Attach the tilt lock 1and 2from the
accessories with screws 3and 4.
Do not operate the machine
without tilt lock 1. Danger of
crushing between sewing head
and table top!
1
2
3
4
8.01.03 Fitting the machine cover
●Slide the slots of the lower section of the
cover 1behind the heads of screws 2
and attach with screws 3, then tighten
screws 2through the holes.
●Attach right and left cover sections with
screws 4.
4
1
2
3
4
4
Fig. 8 - 03