Ricoma SWD Series: Essential Maintenance Guide

1. Needles high likelihood

How to tell

Skipped stitches, frequent thread breaks, fabric damage, dull or bent needle point, excessive noise during stitching. Inspect the needle point for burrs or bends.

Fix

1. Regularly inspect needles for dullness, burrs, or bends.
2. Replace needles after a set number of sewing hours (check your machine manual for recommendations) or immediately if any damage is observed.
3. Always use the correct needle type and size for your fabric and thread.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars →

2. Rotary Hook medium likelihood

How to tell

Poor stitch quality (e.g., looping, loose stitches), frequent thread breaks, unusual noise from the hook area, visible burrs or nicks on the hook point or race. Bobbin case may not sit correctly.

Fix

1. Daily: Remove the bobbin case and clean the rotary hook area of lint and debris using a brush and compressed air.
2. Weekly/Monthly: Inspect the hook point and race for burrs or damage. Gently polish minor burrs with fine emery cloth, or replace the hook if damage is significant.
3. Lubricate the rotary hook as per your machine's manual.

Parts involved: Rotary hooks & bobbin cases →

3. Trimmer Blades (Moving and Fixed) medium likelihood

How to tell

Inconsistent thread cuts, long thread tails after trimming, thread jams in the trimmer mechanism, audible 'snapping' sound instead of a clean cut. Blades may appear dull or nicked.

Fix

1. Regularly clean the trimmer area of lint and thread scraps.
2. Inspect both the moving and fixed trimmer blades for dullness, nicks, or damage.
3. If blades are dull or damaged, replace both the moving and fixed blades simultaneously for optimal performance. Refer to your machine manual for specific replacement instructions.

Parts involved: Cutters & trimmers →

4. Thread Tension Discs and Springs low likelihood

How to tell

Inconsistent thread tension, leading to looping on top or bottom, frequent thread breaks, or visible damage/corrosion on the tension discs or springs. Thread may not pass smoothly through the tension assembly.

Fix

1. Regularly clean lint and debris from between the tension discs using a thin piece of fabric or dental floss.
2. Inspect tension springs for deformation or breakage.
3. If tension issues persist after cleaning and adjustment, inspect discs for nicks or burrs. Replace damaged discs or springs as needed.

Parts involved: Thread path & tension →

5. Drive Belts (X/Y Axis, Color Change) low likelihood

How to tell

Inaccurate embroidery registration, unusual noises (squeaking, grinding) during machine movement, visible cracking, fraying, or stretching of the belts. Color change mechanism may be sluggish or inaccurate.

Fix

1. Periodically inspect all drive belts for signs of wear, cracking, fraying, or looseness.
2. Ensure belts are properly tensioned according to your machine's manual (do not overtighten).
3. Replace any belt showing significant wear or damage. For color change issues, inspect the Ricoma 17H2059-12-6B Color Change Stepping Motor and its associated belt.

The Ricoma 17H2059-12-6B Color Change Stepping Motor is a critical component for color changes. While motors generally have a long lifespan, the associated belts can wear.

Parts involved: Belts, pulleys & gears → Motors & drivers →

6. Hoops and Frames low likelihood

How to tell

Fabric slipping during embroidery, difficulty hooping, bent or broken hoop components, visible cracks or deformation in the hoop. Poor registration or skipped stitches can also be a symptom of a faulty hoop.

Fix

1. Inspect hoops and frames regularly for damage, especially after any machine collision or accidental drop.
2. Ensure hoop screws and clamps are functioning correctly and provide adequate tension.
3. Replace bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged hoops. Consider using a Sewtalent Hooping Station Kit for Ricoma SWD Series to reduce hoop stress and improve hooping consistency.

We stock the Ricoma Cap Frame for EM-1010, TC, MT, SWD, CHT2, CHT3 Series Embroidery Machines and the Sewtalent Hooping Station Kit for Ricoma EM1010, MT, TC, SWD, CHT Series Embroidery Machines.

Parts involved: Hoops & frames →