What is a Circular Knitting Machine?
Circular knitting is a process of converting strands of yarn into a fabric by making several loops. This step of manufacturing t-shirts comes after spinning and before cutting, this is an important step in the process of manufacturing t-shirts as the fabric quality is derived in this process, which aids wholesalers and retailers to buy t-shirts in bulk. A circular knitting machine is a commonly used knitting machine. The process in this machine starts from hanging the yarn on the creel [a yarn holder] to collecting the finished fabric from the take-up roller. The machine helps in the mass production of fabric. In this blog, we will learn about parts of the circular knitting machine and their function, and we will also learn about two types of knitting machines: single-jersey knitting machines and double-jersey knitting machines.
Circular Knitting Machine Parts and their Function
1- Legs, 2- Cylinder, 3- Dial, 4- Needle, 5- Cam Parts, 6- Feeder Guide, 7- Cam, 8- Supply Package, 9- Creel, 10- Top Stop Motion, 11- Anti Snarl Device, 12- Tensioner, 13- Positive Feeder, 14- Knitted Fabric, 15- Fabric Spreader, 16- Fabric Withdrawal Roller 17- Fabric Winding Roller
Creel:
This is the holder for the yarn, this is where the yarns are hung, and from here, the thread enters the knitting process. At the time of hanging yarn we need to make sure that the yarn is properly fed through an aluminum tube and then to the positive feeder. This step should be carefully performed.
Positive Feeder:
There is a knot catcher in the positive feeder. This knot catcher detects the knot in the yarn. A magnetic tensioner is present inside the positive feeder, which ensures proper tension on the thread. The yarn pulley is where some yarn is stored. This part is right after the magnetic tensioner, and if there’s any breakage in between, we have a magnetic tensioner to ensure the unstoppable feeding of yarn. A breakage detector is an important part required of the machine. If it is not present, then the fabric might get improperly knitted in case of a yarn breakage, but this breakage detector ensures this does not happen. Then, the tread goes to the needle for knitting.
Cam Box:
This cam box is responsible for the movement of the needle. There are 2 cams present in the machine. First, the needle cam aids in the movement of the needle to make the desired pattern. Sinker cam helps in the movement of sinker in single jersey machines. Cam is the part that controls the design of the fabric.
Sinker:
This part pulls down the thread and holds it, which helps the needle to make the loop. The sinker coordinated with the needle to make the loop. The needle goes up and pulls the thread, making the loop, and then the sinker pushes the loop and passes the new thread to make the loop.
Cylinder:
This is the part where all the needles are fed. The size of the cylinder is dependent on the size of the machine. Base plate is the part in the machine on which the cylinder is kept.
Take Up Roller:
This is the part from where the fabric is collected once it is made. This take-up roller also helps in maintaining the tension of the fabric in the machine.
VDQ Pulley:
This is the part responsible for the quality of the fabric. If the pulley is moved to the positive direction, then the GSM decreases, and if it moves to the negative direction, then the GSM increases.
Above are the different parts of a circular knitting machine and their function. After the fabric is made, then it goes to the printing unit, and prints are designed accordingly, and then bulk-printed t-shirts are made out of it.
Two Major Types of Circular Knitting Machine
Single Jersey Knitting Machine
This machine has a single cylinder, and the diameter of the cylinder is around 30 inches. The thickness of the fabric made out of it is comparatively less than the double jersey knitting machine. Wool production on this machine is limited to 20 gauge. Plain fabric has been made since the invention of knitting. Plain fabric can be made with both hand and machinery. We can use plain fabric in manufacturing various garments such as t-shirts, blouses, tops and casual dresses. This machine has needle fed vertically and the knitting is done only in one direction. Sinkers play an important part in making the loops for knitting. The fabric made out of this machine has curling ends.
Advantages Of Single Jersey Knitting Machine
A- This machine is a good choice for mass production
B- This machine can manufacture a variety of products from lightweight to heavy-weight fabric.
C- Single jersey machine is easy to maintain and repair
D- Less expensive compared to double jersey knitting machine
E- It can switch between colors easily
Double Jersey Knitting Machine
A double jersey knitting machine is a single jersey knitting machine only. There is one additional dial that is equipped with needles that move horizontally adjacent to the vertical needles. The extra needles help in making the thicker fabric. This machine knits in 2 directions perpendicular to each other. Sinkers are not required in this machine as there are 2 sets of needles that coordinate to knot the fabric. The garments that are made out of the end product of this machine are hoodies, sweatshirts, layettes and high-end t-shirts. The end product does not curl, unlike in a single jersey knitting machine.
Advantages Of Double Jersey Knitting Machine
A- Can produce fabric with different textures such as terry and pique
B- It can produce multiple patterns, such as stripes and jacquards
C- It can produce thicker fabric with higher insulated properties
A T-Shirt Manufacturing Company
Catcheyes is a t-shirt manufacturer in Tirupur. We are serving wholesalers and retailers across India. If you are a wholesaler or a retailer, buy t-shirts in bulk from our website. Our manufacturing is based in the t-shirt city of India that is Tirupur. We believe in providing the best quality to our customers at the best price possible. We are manufacturing half sleeves, full sleeves, round neck, collar, and blank t-shirts. Visit our website to know more.
Originally Written By Catcheyes
