KNITTING
Circular knitting
Classification
DIAMETER
1 inch very small
2-7 inches small
7-36 inches large
>36 inches mammoth
RELATIVE MOVEMENT between needle beds and cam systems
o Needlebed stands still, cams rotate
o Needlebed rotates, cams stand still
CONSTRUCTION of the needlebed
o Cylinder (RL)
o Cylinder + Cylinder (LL) lower = front upper = back stitches
o Cylinder + Dial (RR)
RL LL RR
Gauge= Number of needles / inch x pi
FLAT VS. CIRCULAR
o Needlebeds are round
o Mostly tubular fabrics
o Mostly the needlebeds move, not the cams
o Multiple knitting systems (6 to 360)
o Higher production
# threads determines # rows
,RL KNITTING MACHINE
Sinkers move with the help of a cam.
Symmetrical allows the needles to turn both ways.
Asymmetrical does not do this. Needlebed turns
in 1 direction.
The cam
o Cams need to be able to work both ways
o Cams are asymmetrical
o 4 needle lanes (4-track)
o Short and long needles
Needles
Bouncing is a problem for needles in a cam. Improve by:
o Making the cam more smooth
o Providing the needle with shock absorber (meander
needle)
o Bent steel needles (needle shaft is bent in opposite
direction of cylinder’s direction of rotation)
Centrifugal force: makes the latches stand out
Lateral air resistance: needles are bent, therefor don’t
connect to needle head well.
, MEANDER NEEDLES
o Low friction
o Bouncing is reduced
o Energy savings
FULL SHANK NEEDLES
LOW PROFILE
Feeding systems
SIDE CREEL UPPER CREEL
When a lot of threads are used, an isolation room could be an option. Then the creel is placed in a
separate room from the other machines.
Mechanical systems
Mechanical systems use rubber bands or belts.
Tape Feeding System
Electronic system
Electronical individual systems.
Thread guide and feeding
2 functions: inlay of the yarns on the needles and plating.