Do you have a question about the PFM-4000 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Salvador arias
March 7, 2025
How to use control panel
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
May 14, 2025
The control panel on the Porter PFM-4000 is located in the metal control box mounted under the tabletop on the sewing motor. This box manages all system functions. For safety, do not open the control box yourself, as it poses an electrical hazard. Only an authorized service technician should open it. Use the external controls as instructed in the machine’s manual; internal components should not be accessed by the user.
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Installation, Operations, and General Maintenance 6Z8303 PFM-4000 PFM-4000 Flange Machine Flange Machine...
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This manual may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or converted to any electronic or machine readable form without prior written consent of Porter International, Inc. Details herein are subject to change without notice.
This manual is intended for operators, maintenance technicians, and supervisory personnel who are familiar with industrial sewing machines and basic sewing principles. Please review this manual periodically. The PFM-4000 Flange Machine arrives with the following documentation and tools: Installation, Operations, and General Maintenance Manual (part number •...
How to Get Additional Help We recognize there are times when you need additional help. Porter International is available to you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., eastern time. Our skilled personnel are able to help you with mechanical, electrical, electronic,...
In this situation, our technical staff will assess your problem and, if necessary, travel to your site. Please be aware that certain fees apply. Contact the Porter International Service Department manager at 1-800-343-8138 or 1-978-948-8288 for specific information on fees and services.
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About This Manual PFM-4000 Part Number 6Z8303...
Guards Safety guards are barriers that prevent entry to dangerous mechanical parts, providing protection to the operator. The guards typically found on the PFM-4000 Flange Machine are the belt guard and the eye guard. Inspect these guards daily to ensure all hardware is present and securely fastened.
Figure 2.4 Belt guard Electrical and Pneumatic Devices The PFM-4000 Flange Machine uses 220 VAC ±5%, alternating current, single phase, 15 amps. To ensure your safety during maintenance procedures and when you are away from the machine, always press the red OFF button located on the left side of the machine.
Safety PFM-4000 Personal Safety Personal safety is the action you take to ensure safe operation and maintenance of the flange machine. Only properly trained and authorized employees should operate or perform maintenance on this machine. WARNING: The following lists describe what you should and should not do while operating or performing maintenance on this machine.
Flange Machine Safety needle point Figure 2.6 Needle safety Using Personal Safety Items Personal safety items are attire specifically designed to protect you from injury while the flange machine is in operation. These items can include safety glasses, footwear, clothing, and particle masks (dust masks). The following list describes the personal safety items you must use while operating the flange machine.
Safety PFM-4000 Securing Your Work Area The following list describes what you need to do to secure your work area before operating the flange machine. WARNING: Never operate the flange machine with unauthorized or unsupervised personnel in the area. Always keep your work area clean and dry.
Unpacking the Flange Machine The PFM-4000 Flange Machine consists primarily of the sewing head and the sewing table. These are packed as separate units and are found within the same shipping carton. Upon receipt of the flange machine, inspect it for any damage.
Locate the box containing the sewing head. Open the box and remove any packing material from the sewing head. Remove the sewing head from the box. Installing the PFM-4000 Flange Machine Install the flange machine in the following order: Assemble the belt guard.
Flange Machine Installation and Setup Figure 3.1 Flange rack Assembling the Thread Stand Assemble the thread stand to complete the attachment of machine components. To assemble the thread stand: Loosen the screws indicated in Figure 3.2. Set the thread guide bar 80 mm (3.15 inches) above the top of the machine. Position the thread guide bar above and slightly in front of the oil sight window.
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The linkage lubricator regulator is factory set at 5 to 20 psi (.34 to 1.4 bars). Verify this setting each time you fill the linkage oil reservoir. If any adjustments must be made, contact a Porter International service technician. proper level oil cap...
This could cause the needles to bend. Continue threading each needle by hand. For further detail, see Section 6, Sewing Adjustments. Grounding the PFM-4000 Flange Machine ® Before connecting the power source, you must properly ground the flange National Electric Code;...
Connecting the Electrical Power The power requirement to operate the PFM-4000 Flange Machine is single phase, 220 VAC with a minimum current load of 15 amps. To connect, plug the machine receptacle into the electrical outlet. The flange machine does not require any warm-up time.
Connect the receptacle to the outlet. The flange machine is ready for operation. Making a Safety Check Before operating the PFM-4000 Flange Machine, walk around the perimeter and visually check for obstructions. Clear all moving parts and all surfaces of tools, Obstruction...
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Installation and Setup PFM-4000 Part Number 6Z8303...
What Is a PFM-4000 Flange Machine? The PFM-4000 Flange Machine is a high-speed flanger that is capable of serging Serging Overedging a single ply of fabric to and safety stitching edges of panels in addition to attaching the flange material.
415–480 V, 15 amps; transformer is required. air requirements 80 psi (5.5 bars) Overview of the PFM-4000 Flange Machine The primary components of the flange machine are the sewing head and the sewing table. Each of these units include several components, most of which are visible from one side of the machine.
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Flange Machine Machine Orientation Walking Foot Mechanism The walking foot mechanism is a mechanical bit with teeth that assists in the transport of material. The motion of the mechanism imitates that of your foot as you walk. The teeth go up, move forward, come down to contact the material, then move in a backward motion to move the fabric as you sew.
Machine Orientation PFM-4000 Needles The needles guide the top sewing thread. The parts kit includes a packet of the recommended 135 x 7 #24 needles for regular sewing. For more information on needles, see Section 6, Sewing Adjustments. WARNING: Do not attempt to replace a needle while the power is turned on;...
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Flange Machine Machine Orientation Thread Stand The thread stand is on the upper right corner of the sewing tabletop and has four round rods to hold four spools of thread. The thread stand requires assembly and attachment to the table. For assembly instructions, see “Assembling the Thread Stand”...
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This box controls all functions of your system. On the front of the control box, you will see a yellow caution decal. WARNING: Opening the control box poses a possible electrical hazard. Only an authorized service technician or a Porter International service technician should open the control box. Pneumatic Panel The pneumatic panel arrives attached to the table.
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80 psi (5.5 bars) Figure 4.5 PFM-4000 pneumatic panel regulator 5–20 psi (.34–1.38 bars) oil reservoir Figure 4.6 Linkage lubricator regulator Main Sewing Pedal The main sewing pedal is the large, square-shaped metal piece attached to the center of the pedal bar under the table.
The EDS T-100 Air Table provides nearly effortless manipulation of heavy materials during the flanging process. The air table works with, and enhances, the flange machine’s capabilities. For more information about this product, contact the Porter International Sales Department at 1-800-343-8138. Part Number 6Z8303...
PFM-4000 Flange Machine. How Does a PFM-4000 Flange Machine Work? The PFM-4000 Flange Machine overedge stitches a strip of flange to the edge of a Overedge Stitch Refers to stitch formations where mattress panel while simultaneously safety stitching the panel.
Operating the PFM-4000 Flange Machine This section is for operators who are new to the PFM-4000 Flange Machine. IMPORTANT! Read and understand the safety features and procedures found in Section 2, Safety before operating the machine.
Do not attempt to adjust them yourself. Setting the Sewing Speed The PFM-4000 Flange Machine sewing speed is set at 4000 rpm by the factory prior to shipping. Sewing speed is controlled manually by the main sewing pedal position. Pressing the main sewing pedal to its full forward position achieves the maximum speed of 4000 rpm.
Operating Procedures PFM-4000 “D” (increase speed) “C” (decrease speed) Figure 5.1 Setting the sewing speed Flanging a Mattress Panel The factory typically sets the stitch length at 3.5 to 4.5 stitches per inch. The factory also sets the correct tensions and timing positions prior to shipping the machine.
To sew on or off the fabric at the refers to this as “sewing off.” The PFM-4000 Flange Machine allows you to do this beginning or end of a seam at the regular speed. It is not necessary to slow the machine when sewing off without stopping.
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Operating Procedures PFM-4000 WARNING: The rotary flange cutter blade is extremely sharp. Observe decals and keep hands and fingers clear of the cutting area. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury. Pull the flange material toward you through the activated flange cutter.
Sewing Adjustments This section provides you with detailed instructions on how to fine-tune certain components of the PFM-4000 Flange Machine sewing head. After you read this section, you should fully understand the relationship between needles and loopers and their functions. This section is intended to serve as a complement to Section 7, Timing Procedures.
Guard, belt, Ex Series Thread The PFM-4000 Flange Machine arrives from the factory threaded with a minimal supply of thread. Order additional thread to suit your sewing needs. We recommend using only high-quality thread. For proper loop formation, use nylon bonded thread with the specifications of 46-69 Bonded Nylon, or T30-T40 Poly Spun.
Sewing Adjustments Needles The PFM-4000 Flange Machine typically has two needles, the overedge (right- hand) needle and the safety stitch (left-hand) needle. Unless otherwise specified when purchased, the spare parts kit includes a packet of 135 x 7 #24 needles.
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Sewing Adjustments PFM-4000 Figure 6.3 Loopers Figure 6.4 Chain stitch The PFM-4000 Flange Machine typically has two loopers, the safety stitch looper Safety Stitch Looper This looper is commonly and the overedge looper. Always verify the condition of the looper before referred to as the left-hand mounting to the looper base.
Figure 6.5 Mounting and replacing the needle Mounting the Loopers The PFM-4000 Flange Machine arrives with the loopers already mounted to the looper base. To replace a looper,: Remove the 8 mm screw located in front of the looper holder.
Sewing Adjustments PFM-4000 Threading the Sewing Head The factory partially threads the sewing head prior to shipping. To complete the threading process: Tie the ends of the threads in the machine with the ends of the threads from the thread spools.
Flange Machine Sewing Adjustments Figure 6.7 Thread path Setting Stitch Length The factory typically sets stitch length at 3.5 to 4.5 stitches per inch. IMPORTANT! The actual length of stitches made may vary with different types of materials. The factory sets seam width at 1 inch. This is not adjustable.
Adjusting Thread Tensioners Tensioners assist in controlling stitch tension. The PFM-4000 Flange Machine uses Tension Disc A metal disc specifically designed tension springs and tension discs, similar to a home sewing machine.
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Flange Machine Sewing Adjustments To increase thread tension, turn the tension knob or thumb screw clockwise. To decrease thread tension, turn the tension knob or thumb screw counterclockwise. Apply tension in the following order: Safety stitch looper thread tensioner Safety stitch needle thread tensioner Overedge looper thread tensioner Overedge needle thread tensioner Adjusting the Safety Stitch Looper Thread Tensioner...
Adjusting Thread Take-up Thread take-up recovers the amount of loose thread created by the loopers and the feeding motion. The PFM-4000 Flange Machine has two types of take-up, the needle thread take-up and the looper thread take-up. The needle thread take-up and thread guide may be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of thread pulled at the top of the needle bar stroke.
Flange Machine Sewing Adjustments Adjusting the Needle Thread Take-up Adjust the needle thread take-up and thread guide to increase or decrease the amount of thread pulled when needles are in their highest position. To increase the amount of thread pulled, loosen the thread take-up screw and raise the thread take-up or loosen the guide screw and lower the guide.
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Sewing Adjustments PFM-4000 Insert or remove the two adjustment shims as needed until the teeth of the Shims Metal spacers used to adjust the top feed dead lower main feed and the top feed have only a minimum space between band and prevent the top them.
Flange Machine Timing Procedures Timing Procedures This section provides detailed instructions for synchronizing and fine-tuning the components of the sewing head. After you read this section you should be able to set the proper timing of the primary components of the sewing head and understand their relationship to one another.
Timing Procedures PFM-4000 Setting the Needle Bar Height The PFM-4000 Flange Machine typically has two needles. The arm drives the needle bars. To set the needle bar height: Manually rotate the handwheel located on the right side of the sewing head until the needle bar is in its highest position.
Flange Machine Timing Procedures If the looper deflects the needle, use the centering screw to move the looper Centering Screw This front and back as needed. screw is found inside the sewing head, on the looper After this setting is correct, set the looper height. holder.
After the looper is correctly set, tighten the looper lever screw. Figure 7.4 Setting the overedge looper Timing the Spreader The spreader on the PFM-4000 Flange Machine is located on the right side of the Spreader The spreader on this flange machine is a looper, on the spreader rod.
Flange Machine Timing Procedures Setting the Spreader and Spreader Height To time the spreader and to set its height: Rotate the handwheel until the spreader is in its farthest left position. Check the measurement from the bottom point of the spreader to the center of the needle;...
Front overedge needle guard Setting the Safety Stitch Needle Guard The safety stitch needle guard on the PFM-4000 Flange Machine is a two-piece needle guard. To set the safety stitch needle guard, refer to Figure 7.6 and do the following: Rotate the handwheel clockwise until the needle is in its lowest position.
Flange Machine Timing Procedures Setting the Overedge Needle Guards The overedge needle guard on this machine is a two-piece needle guard. It has a front needle guard and a back needle guard. Adjust these guards in the following order: Rear overedge needle guard Front overedge needle guard Setting the Rear Overedge Needle Guard To set this guard, refer to Figure 7.7 and do the following:...
PFM-4000 Setting the Walking Foot Mechanism The walking foot design on the PFM-4000 Flange Machine combines the lower main feed and the differential feed into one unit. It has a presser foot and a top feed. The proper timing of these parts is essential to the performance of the sewing head.
Flange Machine Timing Procedures Facing the back of the sewing head, locate the screw at the top of the machine, and the screw at the middle of the machine. These screws will allow you to adjust the presser foot from front to back. Loosen the screws.
Figure 7.9 Walking foot components Adjusting the High-Speed Spring System The feature that separates the PFM-4000 Flange Machine from all others is the high-speed spring system. This unique spring system design allows the flange machine to operate at 4000 rpm with minimal vibration. Ensure the presser foot and top feed settings are correct before adjusting the spring system.
Flange Machine Timing Procedures air cylinder spring cylinder shaft housing unit jam nut (jn 3/8–24) clevis at base of housing unit link roller presser button needle plate presser foot Figure 7.10 Adjusting the high-speed spring system Setting the Lower Main Feed Height The standard height of the main feed measures 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm from its back tooth to the surface of the needle plate when the feeds are in their highest position.
PFM-4000 Setting the Synchronizer To sew properly, the PFM-4000 Flange Machine synchronizer has only one correct position. This is set by the factory prior to shipping and typically does not require adjustment. If an adjustment is necessary, refer to Figure 7.11 and do the following: Activate the main sewing pedal to turn the machine one revolution.
Flange Machine General Maintenance General Maintenance The PFM-4000 Flange Machine has many mechanical parts that require cleaning, lubrication, and occasional maintenance. This section is for trained maintenance personnel. It discusses the proper care and maintenance of the machine. For any maintenance procedures not listed in this section, contact Porter International for further assistance.
General Maintenance PFM-4000 Cleaning the Machine Clean the flange machine daily. Use these supplies: Lint-free rags or shop towels • Small brush • Mild spray cleaner or soap and water • A vacuum cleaner • Compressed air • CAUTION: Do not exceed 30 psi (2 bars) when using compressed air for cleaning purposes.
Flange Machine General Maintenance Keep all outside surfaces of the flange machine clean with soap, water, and lint- free rags. Pay particular attention to the table. Used compressed air to clean the following: Feed and looper areas (daily) • Under table (daily) •...
General Maintenance PFM-4000 oil plug proper level oil jet sight window sight gauge Figure 8.2 Checking the oil level Draining the Sewing Head Oil To ensure proper functioning of the machine and its components, maintain a consistent lubrication schedule. Drain the oil one month after the first use of the machine.
Flange Machine General Maintenance Replacing the Oil Filter Lubrication oil is filtered and delivered to all frictional surfaces of the sewing head. Replace the oil filter approximately every six months. Replace the oil filter immediately if you observe any of the following: The oil jet in the oil sight window is restricted or weak (Figure 8.2).
General Maintenance PFM-4000 Working with an Automatic Lubrication System The PFM-4000 Flange Machine has an automatic lubrication system. Apply two or Automatic Lubrication System A mechanism three drops to the indicated areas when you install the machine and when the that works by itself machine has been inoperative for long periods.
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Flange Machine General Maintenance The flange machine sewing head has a wicking system. Wicks (such as cotton Wick A cord or strand of loosely woven, twisted, or cord) carry the necessary amount of oil directly to an area requiring lubrication. braided fibers, as on a You will be able to see the wicks in the holes that have the wicking system.
Machines in heavy use may require more frequent lubrication. CAUTION: Porter International is not responsible for complications that may result from lubricating the pins with oil other than Hi-Performance Lucas oil. The bearings at the base of the spring housing have two grease fittings (Figure 8.8).
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Regulator This controls the cooling and lubrication linkage oil reservoir. If any adjustments must be made, of the linkage system. contact a Porter International service technician. linkage lubricator regulator linkage oil reservoir Figure 8.9 Linkage lubricator regulator and linkage oil reservoir...
Figure 8.10 Releasing condensation from the pneumatic system Setting the Knives The PFM-4000 Flange Machine has a top knife and a bottom knife. To adjust the knives, you must set them one at a time in the following order: Part Number 6Z8303...
Flange Machine General Maintenance Set the bottom knife Set the top knife Adjust the bottom knife left or right Adjust the top knife left or right Check the setting of the knives WARNING: Use extreme caution when handling knives. The blades are extremely sharp.
Replacing the Knives The PFM-4000 Flange Machine has a top knife and a bottom knife. These are included in the spare parts kit. Read the following paragraphs carefully to ensure that the knives function together properly after replacement.
Flange Machine General Maintenance Replacing the Top Knife To replace the top knife: Loosen the bottom knife holder screw. Push the bottom knife holder as far left as possible, and lightly tighten the screw. Remove the top knife screw. While wearing cut-resistant gloves, grasp the top knife and remove, pulling in a downward motion.
General Maintenance PFM-4000 serrated top knife top knife screw bottom knife bottom knife screw Figure 8.12 Top and bottom knives Sharpening the Knives Keep the knives sharp to ensure proper function. The bottom knife can be sharpened on a grinder. Maintain the correct angles as shown in Figure 8.13.
Flange Machine General Maintenance After the blade is sharpened, release the button and lift your foot from the flange cutter pedal. Place the flange cutter section of the table back into its proper position. WARNING: The rotary flange cutter blade is extremely sharp. Keep hands and fingers clear of the rotary flange cutter while sharpening the blade.
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General Maintenance PFM-4000 Part Number 6Z8303...
Main power does Faulty electrical Notify authorized electrical personnel or Do you have the machine’s not turn on. connection. Porter International Service Department. serial and model numbers? Is your telephone near the Flange machine Fuse blown. Replace fuse. machine?
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Troubleshooting PFM-4000 Problem Cause Solution (continued) Flange machine Call the Service Department at Porter does not start. International Flange machine Belt is too loose. Look for an E-8 on the control box, then turns off during tighten the belt. operation.
Flange Machine Troubleshooting Sewing Problems The following table contains a listing of sewing problems together with possible causes and solutions. See also Section 6, Sewing Adjustments. Table 9.2 Sewing Problems Problem Cause Solution Use 135 x 7 #24 needle. Irregular stitches Incorrect needle size Improper threading Rethread machine.
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Troubleshooting PFM-4000 Problem Cause Solution (continued) Use 135 x 7 #24 needle. Skipping stitches Incorrect needle size Bent or blunt needle Insert new needle. Incorrect position of Reset needle. Set needle with scarf side needle facing the back of the machine.
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Flange Machine Troubleshooting Problem Cause Solution (continued) Skipping stitches Incorrect timing Check the timing of the needle and between needle and looper. Reset if necessary. looper Incorrect needle If the thread is making a large loop, raise height the needle bar. If the thread is making a small loop, lower the needle bar.
Troubleshooting PFM-4000 Mechanical Problems The following table contains a listing of mechanical problems together with possible causes and solutions: Table 9.3 Mechanical Problems Problem Cause Solution Needle bar does Problem with power Check the motor connection to the not move.
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Flange Machine Troubleshooting Problem Cause Solution (continued) Handwheel will Belt slipping. Tighten the belt. not rotate. Machine is Check for material caught in knife area. obstructed. Presser foot will Air lines connected See Section 3, Installation and Setup, not lower. improperly.
Troubleshooting PFM-4000 Other Problems The following table contains a listing of other problems not covered in the previous tables, together with possible causes and solutions: Table 9.4 Other Problems Problem Cause Solution Material becomes Sewing head or table Clean flange machine.
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Flange Machine Index too noisy, 78 air regulator, 7 turns off during operation, problem, 74 control box, 24 will not turn on, 73 control buttons, 26 flange rack, description, 24 flange cutter, 23 flange, definition, 1 flange cutter pedal, 26 front of sewing head, thread tensioner locations, 41 flange rack, 24 front overedge needle guard, setting, 51...
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23 height, setting, 46 main sewing, 25 needle guard personal safety, 8, 9 description, 36, 50 PFM-4000 Flange Machine setting, 50 air pressure requirements, 20 types of, 36 documentation shipped with, 1 needle parts, description, 35 how to unpack the machine, 11...
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Flange Machine Index push button for stitch length setting, 39 stitch length, 39 top feed height, 53 walking foot mechanism, 52 quick start operation, 27 sewing a thread chain, 31 sewing head range of stitch sizes available, 19 description, 20 rear overedge needle guard, setting, 51 lubrication, 13, 59 recommended...
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23 tools troubleshooting, 78 Allen wrench, part number, 34 white needle oil, recommended lubricant, 63 shipped with the PFM-4000 Flange Machine, 1 wicking system lubrication, 62, 63 top feed width of machine, 19 dead band adjustment, 43 work area requirements, 11...
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Do you have a question about the PFM-4000 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
How to use control panel
The control panel on the Porter PFM-4000 is located in the metal control box mounted under the tabletop on the sewing motor. This box manages all system functions. For safety, do not open the control box yourself, as it poses an electrical hazard. Only an authorized service technician should open it. Use the external controls as instructed in the machine’s manual; internal components should not be accessed by the user.
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