Errors and Solutions, Ricoma

Ricoma CHT Series: Common Problems and Fixes Guide

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Quick answer: Most Ricoma CHT series issues stem from thread path problems or maintenance neglect. Regular cleaning, proper tension adjustments, and using quality supplies resolve many common faults.

Difficulty: moderateTime: ~30 minTools: Small flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, Tweezers, Small brush (for cleaning), Lint-free cloths

The Ricoma CHT series embroidery machines are workhorses in many shops, known for their reliability and multi-head capabilities. However, like any precision equipment, they can encounter issues. This guide is designed for operators and technicians to quickly diagnose and resolve the most common problems, keeping your production running smoothly. We'll cover everything from thread breaks to color change errors, providing actionable steps and identifying the parts most likely involved.

Two-minute checks before you open anything

  • Is the machine threaded correctly?
  • Is the needle inserted correctly and not bent or dull?
  • Is the bobbin wound correctly and inserted properly?
  • Is the fabric hooped tightly and correctly?
  • Are the upper and bobbin tensions set correctly?
  • Is the machine clean, especially the rotary hook and thread path?

1. Frequent Thread Breaks high likelihood

How to tell

Thread snaps repeatedly during embroidery, often at the needle, tension discs, or take-up lever. Stitch quality may be poor or incomplete.

Fix

  1. Re-thread the machine completely, ensuring the thread passes through all guides and tension discs correctly.
  2. Check thread quality; old, brittle, or poor-quality thread can break easily. Replace with fresh thread.
  3. Inspect the needle for burrs, bends, or dullness. Replace the needle if any damage is found.
  4. Clean the thread path, including tension discs, take-up lever, and rotary hook area, removing any lint or debris.
  5. Adjust thread tension. Start with the bobbin tension, then the upper thread tension. Consult your machine manual for recommended settings.
  6. Ensure the bobbin is wound correctly and inserted properly. Check for lint in the bobbin case.

While not always a part replacement, proper thread and needle selection are crucial. Worn tension springs or a damaged rotary hook can contribute to breaks.

Parts involved: Thread path & tension → Needles & needle bars → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases → Threads & supplies →

2. Skipped Stitches or Looping high likelihood

How to tell

Stitches are missing from the design, or loops of thread appear on the top or bottom of the fabric.

Fix

  1. Check the needle for proper insertion, orientation, and size for the fabric and thread. Replace if bent or dull.
  2. Verify upper and bobbin thread tension. Incorrect tension is a primary cause of looping.
  3. Ensure the fabric is properly hooped and taut. Loose hooping can cause fabric movement and skipped stitches.
  4. Clean the rotary hook area thoroughly, removing any lint or thread fragments that might interfere with hook timing.
  5. Check the presser foot height. If too high or too low, it can affect stitch formation. Adjust according to your manual.

A worn or damaged rotary hook can lead to inconsistent stitch formation. Needles are a common consumable.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars → Thread path & tension → Hoops & frames → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases → Presser feet & sewing parts →

Parts you may need for Ricoma

In stock, tested before dispatch, Buyer Protection on every order. Part types for this problem: Rotary hooks & bobbin cases, Needles & needle bars, Thread path & tension, Presser feet & sewing parts.

161815-b11c51.jpeg20HS24 NEMA 8 Stepper Motor for Tajima, Barudan, Brother, Happy, Ri...$ 55.29View part →163082-dc5bfd.jpegGroz-Beckert DBxK5 RG Embroidery Needles (500 Pcs) for Tajima Barud...$ 85.99View part →161807-87e151.jpeg42HS60 Nema 17 Stepper Motor for CNC 3018 3040 6040, 3D Printers, L...$ 33.49View part →BC-DBZ(3)-NBL Small L Pigtail Embroidery Bobbin Case for Barudan, Melco, SWF, Tajima, Ricoma MT-1501BC-DBZ(3)-NBL Small L Pigtail Embroidery Bobbin Case for Barudan, M...$ 16.09View part →161848-79343f.jpegNema 23 Stepper Motor 57HS5628 23HS5628 2.8A 126N.cm 4-Lead for Taj...$ 53.49View part →GATYZTORY 60x75cm Colorful Cat Paint by Numbers Kit with Frame for Tajima, Barudan, Brother, Janome, Bernina, Ricoma, MeGATYZTORY 60x75cm Colorful Cat Paint by Numbers Kit with Frame for ...$ 15.99View part →

All Ricoma parts → Rotary Hooks & Bobbin Cases → Needles & Needle Bars → Thread Path & Tension →

3. Poor Stitch Quality (Puckering, Gaps, Uneven Stitches) high likelihood

How to tell

Embroidery appears distorted, fabric puckers, stitches are uneven, or there are noticeable gaps in the design.

Fix

  1. Verify proper hooping. The fabric must be drum-tight in the hoop without distorting the weave.
  2. Use appropriate stabilizer for the fabric and design density. Too little or incorrect stabilizer can cause puckering.
  3. Check thread tension (upper and bobbin). Adjust as needed to achieve balanced stitches.
  4. Ensure the correct needle type and size are used for the fabric and thread. A dull or bent needle can cause issues.
  5. Reduce machine speed for very dense designs or delicate fabrics.
  6. Clean the machine, especially the thread path and bobbin area, to prevent debris from affecting stitch formation.

While often related to supplies and settings, worn tension components or a damaged needle plate can contribute.

Parts involved: Hoops & frames → Threads & supplies → Thread path & tension → Needles & needle bars → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases →

4. Needle Breaks medium likelihood

How to tell

The needle snaps during embroidery, often with a loud crack. Can be accompanied by a 'thunk' if it hits the rotary hook.

Fix

  1. Replace the needle with the correct type and size for your machine, fabric, and thread. Ensure it's inserted fully and correctly oriented.
  2. Check for proper hooping. If the fabric is loose or shifts, the needle can hit the hoop or presser foot.
  3. Inspect the needle plate hole for burrs or damage. A damaged hole can deflect or break needles.
  4. Verify the rotary hook timing. If the hook is out of sync with the needle, they can collide. This usually requires a technician.
  5. Ensure the presser foot is not too low, causing the needle to strike it.
  6. Reduce machine speed, especially for dense designs or thick materials.

Needles are consumables. Repeated breaks may indicate a deeper mechanical issue like timing or a bent needle bar.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars → Hoops & frames → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases → Presser feet & sewing parts →

5. Color Change Malfunctions medium likelihood

How to tell

The machine fails to change to the next color, changes to the wrong color, or makes grinding noises during a color change.

Fix

  1. Check for any obstructions in the color change mechanism, such as tangled threads or debris.
  2. Inspect the color change stepping motor. Listen for unusual noises or lack of movement. A faulty motor may need replacement.
  3. Ensure all cables connected to the color change mechanism are secure and undamaged.
  4. Verify that the machine's software settings for color changes are correct for the design.
  5. Lubricate the color change rail and moving parts as per your machine's maintenance schedule to ensure smooth operation.

The Ricoma 17H2059-12-6B Color Change Stepping Motor for EM, MT, TC, SWD, CHT Series is a common replacement part for this issue.

Parts involved: Motors & drivers → Cables & wiring → Lubrication & maintenance → Head & mechanical parts →

6. Hoop Not Detected / Frame Error low likelihood

How to tell

The machine displays an error message related to the hoop or frame, or fails to recognize that a hoop is attached, preventing embroidery from starting.

Fix

  1. Ensure the hoop is correctly attached and fully seated in the hoop arms. Wiggle it slightly to confirm it's secure.
  2. Inspect the hoop sensor (often a small switch or optical sensor) for obstructions, damage, or lint buildup. Clean gently.
  3. Check the hoop arms for any bends or damage that might prevent proper seating or sensor activation.
  4. Verify that the correct hoop size is selected on the machine's control panel, matching the physical hoop in use.
  5. If using a hooping station, ensure the hoop is correctly transferred and seated on the machine's arms.

Damaged hoop arms or a faulty hoop sensor are possible culprits. The Ricoma Cap Frame for EM-1010, TC, MT, SWD, CHT2, CHT3 Series Embroidery Machines or other hoops can become damaged over time.

Parts involved: Hoops & frames → Sensors & switches → Head & mechanical parts →

Maintenance schedule

WhenWhat to doWhy
DailyClean the bobbin case, rotary hook area, and thread path.Removes lint and debris that can cause thread breaks and poor stitch quality.
Weekly / Every 40-50 hoursPerform a more thorough cleaning, including under the needle plate and tension discs. Lubricate as per manual.Prevents buildup, ensures smooth operation, and extends part lifespan.
Monthly / Every 150-200 hoursCheck for loose screws, inspect belts, and clean/lubricate all moving parts as recommended in your manual.Maintains machine stability, prevents wear, and identifies potential issues early.
AnnuallyConsider professional servicing for comprehensive inspection, timing checks, and calibration.Ensures optimal performance, extends machine life, and addresses complex issues.

Stop and call a technician if

  • If you suspect a rotary hook timing issue.
  • If the machine displays persistent error codes after basic troubleshooting.
  • For complex electrical issues or motor replacements beyond a simple swap.
  • If you hear grinding noises from internal components that don't resolve with cleaning or lubrication.
  • For issues requiring specialized tools or in-depth mechanical adjustments.

Prevent it coming back

  • Always use high-quality needles, threads, and stabilizers appropriate for your project.
  • Ensure proper hooping techniques to prevent fabric movement and puckering.
  • Regularly clean the machine, especially the thread path, bobbin area, and under the needle plate.
  • Perform routine lubrication as specified in your Ricoma CHT series manual.
  • Inspect needles frequently for dullness, bends, or burrs, and replace them proactively.
  • Keep your workspace clean to minimize dust and lint accumulation on the machine.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Ricoma CHT machine keep breaking needles?

Needle breaks are often caused by incorrect needle type/size, improper insertion, loose hooping, or a dull/bent needle. Check these first. If persistent, it could indicate a timing issue or a damaged needle plate.

How often should I clean my Ricoma CHT embroidery machine?

Daily cleaning of the bobbin case, rotary hook area, and thread path is recommended. A more thorough cleaning, including under the needle plate, should be done weekly or after every 40-50 hours of operation. Consult your manual for specifics.

My stitches look loose or messy. What's wrong?

Loose or messy stitches usually point to incorrect thread tension. Adjust your upper and bobbin tensions. Also, check for proper hooping, appropriate stabilizer, and ensure your needle is not dull or bent.

Can I use any brand of thread on my Ricoma CHT?

While many brands are compatible, using high-quality embroidery thread designed for industrial machines is crucial. Poor quality thread can lead to frequent breaks, lint buildup, and inconsistent stitch quality.

From the Ricoma MT-1501 parts book

The assemblies involved in this problem, as the manufacturer lists them. Open a section to see every part number, which ones we stock, and get a price on the rest.

Reference book: Ricoma MT-1501. Part numbers differ by model - search yours below and we will confirm fit.

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After the fix

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