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Melco Bravo Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Melco Bravo Review was origibnally written in 2014, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar altrnatives such as Janome Memory Craft 500E, Janome MB-7, and Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E.
It isn’t often that I get a chance to review a computerized 16 thread industrial embroidery machine like the 16 thread Melco Bravo.
I had one of those rare opportunities and immediately took advantage of it.
Melco Bravo Overview
The Melco Bravo is a high-performance embroidery machine that is designed for commercial use. It features a 16-needle system that can simultaneously sew multiple colors, making it perfect for large-scale production. The machine is equipped with a user-friendly LCD touchscreen that allows you to easily navigate through the various features and functions.
The Melco Bravo comes with a range of built-in embroidery designs, as well as the ability to import your own designs via USB. The machine also includes automatic thread trimming, which can help to increase efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the Melco Bravo has a wide embroidery area of up to 14" x 14", allowing you to create large designs with ease.
Other features of the Melco Bravo include an automatic needle threader, an adjustable presser foot, and a laser trace function that allows you to easily preview your designs. The machine also includes a range of accessories, such as hoops and needles, to help you get started with your embroidery projects.
The Melco Bravo is one of those machines that catch your eye, which is exactly what happened when I stepped though the door.
It has a rather small footprint, but when mounted on its roll-about cabinet, stands about five feet tall.
I don’t think it takes up as much floor space as one of my sewing tables – and I’ve got three. There is a control panel on the right side with a quick reference guide that pulls out on the side.
It can hold up to 16 extra large cones of thread, 16 needles and has a bobbin chamber beneath the needle bar.
The cabinet is great for storing accessories, fabric and stabilizer as well as other essential machine embroidery supplies. There are USB ports on the side to allow for easy computer connection.
What are some alternatives for Melco Bravo?
While reviewing the Melco Bravo, we also found several other embroidery machines that we think, would make good alternatives for the Melco Bravo.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
MB7 is a very high end industrial grade device that has got it all. There is not much that it can not do. You think, and it does it. For features, the MB7 comes with an impressive 6 LED lamps built over the needle area. It also packs 50 inbuilt designs and 10 different fonts for monogramming. You can transfer your designs via USB. There are three different formats available for your embroidery designs and the device runs at a decent 800SPM.
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
What are the features on Melco Bravo?
- 16 threads and needles
- Programmable sequencing
- Color matching
- Automatic tension adjustment
- Enhanced symbols for entry and exit points
- 2500 built in embroidery designs
- Stitches shown in 3D
- Unlimited undo/redo
- Show/hide stitches
- Print design
- Slow-fast drawing/redrawing speeds
- Color mapping
- Wireframe editing
- Expanded stitching editing
- Automatic borders
- Satin/walk/bean stitch
- Measurements in English/metric/points
- On screen lettering
- Multi-color monogramming
Working on the Melco Bravo
Something I really liked when reviewing the Melco Bravo is that it is threaded easily on the right side. The process is very simple. The thread is guided through only two thread guides.
The fun really begins after the Melco Bravo is threaded. With 2500 on board designs and computer connectivity, the embroidery options and possible color combinations are literally endless.
The keypad has a quick reference guide that can guide you through the entire design selection and set up process.
The designs show up on the computer screen where you can select and sequence the thread settings to assure that the Bravo automatically changes threads and executes your designs exactly as you want them.
There is a laser light which lets you know where the center point and outer edges appear to assure that your design is placed exactly where you want it.
The position of your thread colors is immaterial because as you select the colors and sequence them for your design, you can assign the position number during the sequencing process, making the completion of your project as easy as possible.
If there is a thread break or if there is not enough thread on the bobbin to complete a portion of the project, the Melco Bravo will beep, signaling you to rethread the needle or rewind the bobbin.
I watched in awe as the Melco Bravo zipped through production of a red, white and blue star in less than five minutes.
According to the manual and all of the promotional material I saw, this machine sews 1100 stitches per minute. If you ask me, however, this machine goes much, much faster than that.
At the end of each color sequence, the Bravo stopped a few seconds… just long enough to tie off and cut the threads and move on to the next color. The finished product was truly professional in appearance.
There were no gaps or puckers and the stitches were dense, but not so dense that they were not well defined.
The owner’s manual for this industrial embroidery is the most detailed manual I have seen for a machine designed for commercial use in a very, very long time.
The manual recommends continuous filament spun polyester thread for the bobbin. In the manual, you will also find a chart describing the best needle size and stabilizer to use for specific fabric types and tasks.
Anyone who wants to take a look at the manual before actually seeing the Bravo in action can find it online.
Which fabrics work on the Melco Bravo?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Leather/suede Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Canvas/Twill Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Fur Reptile skin Plastic/Rubber Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) |
What are the accessories that come with the Melco Bravo?
The list of standard accessories that come with the Melco Bravo at no additional cost are:
- DesignShop V9 Digitizing Software, (2500 Designs)
- Auto Digitizing (Vector Art) /operating system v10 Software, (Applique software and designs).
- 3 embroidery hoops
- 16.1 x 15.7
- 17.25 x 11.25
- 14.25 x 3.23
Seven additional optional embroidery hoops are available for an additional cost.
- 2 x 4
- 2.5 x 4
- 3 x 4
- 5 x 4
- 6 ½ radius hat hoop
- 7 x 5
- 4 ½ x 11
How to maintain the Melco Bravo?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Summary: Melco Bravo Review
To conclude my review, the Melco Bravo is definitely a professional-grade embroidery machine. It is, however, easy enough to operate that the Broward County school system has incorporated it into its curriculum.
That’s right. High school students are learning to use this machine as part of their official school curriculum.
After watching it go through its paces and going through the owner’s manual, it is easy to see why the Melco Bravo is the choice for training potential sewing professionals.
The relatively small footprint makes this machine an ideal choice for the individual who is starting their own embroidery business or expanding a home sewing business to include precision embroidery.
The quality of the stitches and the work produced on the Melco Bravo rivals any professional embroidery machine on the market and the affordable MSRP is a major plus.
It costs less than many of the sewing and embroidery machines designed for home use that I have reviewed, yet it doesn’t take up nearly as much space and is in some ways much simpler to operate.
The downside, if you want to call it that, is the fact that this is an embroidery only machine. In my opinion, this is a plus, not a negative.
Because this machine does only one thing, it does it exceptionally well, faster and with far more precision and accuracy than many other machines that are designed to embroider as well as sew.
I don’t recommend the Melco Bravo for everyone. In fact, if you are not very heavily involved in machine embroidery, this machine would be a waste of your time and money.
If, however, you specialize in machine embroidery – and if you have or are seriously considering starting your own embroidery business, you owe it to yourself and your potential clients to take a very serious look at the Melco Bravo.
Melco Bravo Review
Summary
The Melco Bravo is a high-end, computer-controlled embroidery machine that is perfect for serious embroiderers. It features a variety of features that make it easy to use, such as a large touch screen display, a built-in needle threader, and a variety of stitches to choose from. The Bravo is also compatible with a variety of accessories, including a hooping system, a cutting mat, and a variety of embroidery fonts.
The Melco Bravo is a great option for those who are looking for a high-end, computer-controlled embroidery machine that is easy to use and produces professional results. It is perfect for serious embroiderers who want a machine that can handle a variety of projects.
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Happy Stitching.
anybody with a Bernina 750 of Bernina 770 ? The plan is to buy one of them. Are there any comments. Thank you
I have a B790. it does not give the professional results I want. And the thread cutter is fussy. I leaves a nest of thread ends on the bottom which is undesirable sometimes. Functions of the machine other than embroidery are fantastic, however. I am looking at new Amaya Bravo mostly to get more professional results without the hassle, but will keep my B790.
Hi , This Todd I used to be with ace sew vac , With a new company in huston Tx , Please call me when you get time at 954-816-9353
I have a B790. it does not give the professional embroidery results I want. And the thread cutter is fussy. I leaves a nest of thread ends on the bottom which is undesirable sometimes. Functions of the machine other than embroidery are fantastic, however. I am looking at new Amaya Bravo mostly to get more professional results without the hassle, but will keep my B790.
What kind of deal can I get with you? Needs to be shipped to 81403.
I’m looking for someone that knows how to use this machine. Detroit Michigan area.
313-883-2277 ext 203
what file formats does the Bravo use?
Do not buy any Bernina. Any repair cost more than the machine is worth. Owned an 830 (same family as 750 & 770) gone in a year.