1. Code numbers of subclasses

The variants of the subclasses are marked by two-digit numbers which are added to the corresponding subclass with an oblique stroke (/).

2. Seam-type independent subclasses

This subclass coding refers to the type of part set, the shape and version of which is determined by the workpiece. The subclasses involved here are: 2/.., 3/.., 6/.., 8/.., 34/.. and 55/..

3. Seam-type dependent subclasses

A seam-type dependent subclass refers to an attachment which is fitted to the machine and in connection with the part set belonging to it produces a certain type of seam. Subclasses belonging to this category all have numbers from 1 to 499, with exception of the above-mentioned seam-type independent subclass numbers.
For example: Subclass -19/19 or -40/01

4. Special design versions

These subclasses pertain to sewing heads on which certain parts are missing;
subclasses numbers 650 to 655.
For example: Subclass -650/01 = without part set

5. Design-dependent subclasses

Due to their design, these subclasses require a special housing, and therefore they generally cannot be fitted to existing machines.
Subclass numbers 700 to 799.
For example: Subclass -716/06 or -720/04

Subclass Description -704/.. large needle-plate cutout -712/.. Machines without feed mechanism -716/.. Zigzag control (with 1 cam) -720/.. Needle-bar control mechanism -725/.. Horizontal edge trimmer (driven from below) -726/.. Horizontal edge trimmer (driven from top) -731/.. Vertical edge trimmer (cutting at right side of needle) -734/.. Gathering attachment (driven from top) -739/.. Parallel differential bottom feed -771/.. Undertrimmer -798/.. Sewing-head extension -948/.. Puller feed

6. Stitch-type dependent subclasses

These subclasses designate the stitch type in the 5480 (chainstitch) Series, and the last digit before the stroke together with the two digits after the stroke indicate the international stitch type.
Subclasses 800 to 899.
For example: -811/01 = stitch type 101 or -814/01 = stitch type 401

7. Mechanical subclasses

Mechanical subclasses comprise devices that can be fitted to an existing assembled sewing head, usually with not much work involved.
Subclasses 900 to 999.
For example -909/04 or -964/03.

Subclass Beschreibung -900/.. Thread trimmer -906/.. thread-tension control -908/.. Thread pulling mechanism -909/.. Thread wiper -910/.. Automatic presser foot lift -911/.. Backtacking system -913/.. Needle positioning system -914/.. pleating unit -915/.. Cording- and double seams -917/.. Stitch condensation system -918/.. Switch control -920/.. Airblast -921/.. Visual top feed indicator -925/.. Air filter/regulator for pneumatic systems -926/.. Thread monitor -940/.. Needle plates for sewing convex articles -944/.. Roller presser -958/05 Servo motor drive (cycling machines) -964/.. Seam-pattern size quick-adjustment -971/.. Sensor control for backtack and stitch condensation -980/.. Edge detection by sensor (for Sensomat)

8. Shape and function of feeding elements (on seam-type independent subclasses)

On machines with a normal feed type (e.g. PFAFF 244, 483)
Subclass numbers: /01 = standard shape of part set
/02 = bridge-type part set
/03 = same as /01, but with two-part foot
/04 = same as /01, but with three-part foot
/05 = same as /02, but with two-part foot
/06 = same as /02, but with three-part foot
/07 = reduced size part set
/08 = same as /07, but with two-part foot (intended)
/09 = same as /01, but with tandem foot (intended)
/10 = same as /02, but with tandem foot
/11 = extended-length part set
/12 = same as /02, but presser foot with lock
/13 = same as /11, but two-part foot
/14 = (not in use)
/15 = same as /02, but two-part foot (special compensating presser)
/16-19 = intended for further versions
/21-39 = generally the same as /01 to /19, but with different features.

On machines with variable top feed (e.g. PFAFF 937 or 487-G-)
On these machines the feeding effect is for the greater part achieved by the shape and arrangement of the sewing parts (viewed from the point of entry of the needle).

Pushing-type feed
For shift-free joining of workpiece plies, particularly for applying fullness (top feed engages workpiece in front of the needle).
Subclass numbers: /41 to /59 = pushing-type part sets

Pulling-type feed
For shift-free sewing of assembly seams. Very suitable for machines with auxiliary equipment (top feed engages workpiece behind the needle).
Subclass numbers: /61 to /79 = pulling-type part sets

All-round feed
For sewing problem materials such as smooth or coated materials (top feed engages before, at the side of and behind the needle).
Subclass numbers: /81 to /99 = all-round feed part sets

9. Letter codes

For indicating machine models, stroke lengths and stitch lengths.

A = Machine equipment for light materials B = Machine equipment for medium materials B/C = B refers to the material (fabric, leather) C refers to the thread size (fancy thread), needle thickness, needle hole size (2.2 mm) and tooth pitch of the feed dog (1.8 mm) C = Machine equipment for medium-heavy materials C/D = C refers to the material (fabric, leather) D refers to the thread size (fancy thread), needle thickness, needle hole size (2.6 mm) and tooth pitch of the feed dog (2.2 mm) D = Machine equipment for heavy materials In the different machine equipment types the above-mentioned letters (for machine models) refer to: A (1.0) = Needle hole size 1.0, tooth pitch 1.0, needle size 60 A = Needle hole size 1.2, tooth pitch 1.3, needle size 60 - 70 B = Needle hole size 1.6, tooth pitch 1.5, needle size 80 - 100 B/C = Needle hole size 2.2, tooth pitch 1.8, needle size 110 - 140 C = Needle hole size 2.2, tooth pitch 1.8, needle size 110 - 140 C/D = Needle hole size 2.6, tooth pitch 2.2, needle size 160 - 180 D = Needle hole size 2.6, tooth pitch 2.2, needle size 160 – 180 as well as hook, take-up, thread tension and presser system. G = Hook with large bobbin capacity H = Stroke indication for presser foot and needle bar Needle bar stroke: H = needle bar stroke 33 mm (on PFAFF 5483 and 5489) L = Machine equipment for leather operations M = Overload clutch (safety clutch) N == Indication of stitch length The maximum stitch length is generally 4.5 mm and is not indicated separately in the machine classification. The letter „N“ stands for a maximum stitch length of 6 mm. All other stitch lengths are indicated with the letter N and a number number which indicates the maximum stitch length in millimetres. Number Max. stitch length N 2.5 2.5 mm N 3.5 3.5 mm N 3.6 3.6 mm N 5 5.0 mm N 6.0 mm N 7 7.0 mm N 8 8.0 mm N 10 10.O mm On machines with differential feed types, the lengths of all feed elements are indicated in the case of stitch length variants. The sequence is as follows: Stitch-length determining feed dog (Main feed dog) = back feed dog on machines with differential feed, e.g. PFAFF 487/489-G-, 489 or feed dog on machines with drop feed and top feed, e.g. PFAFF 437-706/81 or 487-G. Auxiliary feed dog = front feed dog on machines with differential feed, e.g. PFAFF 487/489-G-706/83, 489, or vibrating presser (top feed dog) on machines with drop feed and top feed, e.g. PFAFF 437-706/81 or 487-G. Top feed dog = vibrating presser on top feed machines with differential bottom feed, e.g. PFAFF 487/489-G Examples: N 24 4.5 mm max. feed stroke of auxiliary feed dog 2.5 mm max. stroke length of stitch length determining feed dog N 244 4.5 mm max. stroke of Obertransporteur 4.5 mm max. stroke of auxiliary feed dog 2.5 mm max. stroke length of stitch length determining feed dog P = Four-motion drop feed on top feed machines R = Round eccentric S = Machine equipment for operations on fabric

10. Requirements for machine orders

The use of modern facilities for handling and scheduling orders means that fulfilment of certain requirements is indispensable.
For this reason the following sequence must be strictly adhered to:

1. Machine main class
   
2. Stroke version (706/..) on top feed machines, needle bar stroke (H) on chainstitch machines or hook version (G = hook with large bobbin capacity), Rundexzenter (R)
   
3. Design-dependent or stitch-type dependent subclasses for chainstitch machines and mechanised sewing units
   
4. Seam-type dependent or independent subclass
   
5. Mechanical subclass
   
6. Machine model (A; B; B/C; C; C/D; D)
   
7. Application type(S; L)
   
8. Needle gauge or overedge gauge
   
9. Trimming or top-stitching depth
   
10. Key code for feed type (P)
    
11. Key code for overload clutch (M)
    
12. Key code for stitch length (N)
    

Examples:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 242     -06/01 -900/56 B S X4,8       N 487 G- -731/11 -6/41   B S   X5,0       1245     -6/01 -900/56 C L     P M N 5487   -811/01 -2/47 -900/75 B S         N10 3588     -02/01                 3811     -11/45