Circular knitting:
Circular knitting is a form of knitting that creates a seamless tube. This knitting is worked in rounds in a spiral. Originally, circular knitting was done using a set of four or five double-pointed needles. Later, circular needles were invented, which can also be used to knit in the round. Circular knitting is also used for stock manufacturing. Process Flow Chart of Circular Knitting Section is as follows:
Flow Chart of Circular Knitting Section:
Sample Fabric
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Design analysis
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Machine Selection
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Machine Setting for the Required Design
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Knitting of the Fabric
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Conform Required Quality
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Withdraw the Rolled Fabric and Weighting
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Inspection
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Delivery
In this machine, yarn count basically dependent on the needle pitch. As the diameter of yarn is proportional to its yarn count in the direct system, a relationship exists between the range of optimum counts of yarn that could be knitted on a particular machine and the gauge of the machine. Machine gauge could play an influential role in the choice of yarn count and can have an effect on fabric properties. Thus it’s essential to obtain an optimal balance of yarn count and machine gauge in order to ensure the best knitting performance for a specific machine gauge and structure, with a high machine efficiency and minimum fabric fault rate.
Circular knitting machines always produces a tube-shaped fabric. It exists in different sizes or diameters, though it’s depending on the field of application. The needles & sinkers in the machine are arranged in a circle.
Circular Knitting Machines may divide into two different types. Depending on the number of sets of needles:
- 1. Single set: plain.
- 2. Two sets: rib, interlock, spacer fabric.
Both single set and double set machines have also existed as Jacquard machines. Those needed for special designs. In these machines, the movement of each needle could control by each cam. Common products that might produce with circular knitted fabric are T-shirts. For production, nearly every material could use. The form varies from the filament to staple fiber yarn.
Author of this Article: Raju Tex Knitting Technologist, B.J.Group Chittagong Textile Engineering College Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ERZRAZU