Circular Knitting Machines: Complete Types and Parts

Textile Tricks — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:15:39 +0000

Introduction to Circular Knitting Machine:

Circular knitting machines are specialized types of knitting machines used in the textile industry for producing seamless tubular fabrics or garments. Unlike flat knitting machines, which produce flat panels that need to be sewn together, circular knitting machines create fabrics in a continuous tube. The needles in these machines are arranged in a circular configuration, allowing for the simultaneous creation of stitches in a circular pattern.

Circular knitting machines are versatile and can be used to produce a variety of fabric types, including single jersey, double jersey, rib knits, and more. They are designed for high-speed production and are widely used in the manufacturing of T-shirts, socks, underwear, sportswear, and other seamless garments.

Parts of Circular Knitting Machines:

Types of Circular Knitting Machine:

There are several types of circular knitting machines, each designed for specific purposes and fabric types. The Main two types include:

1. Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine:

The single jersey circular knitting machine is the simplest and most common type. It operates with a single set of needles, typically arranged in a circular configuration on the cylinder. The fabric produced is a single jersey, which is a lightweight and stretchy fabric with a smooth surface. Single jersey fabrics are commonly used for T-shirts, underwear, and other lightweight garments.

Features:

Basic design with one set of needles.
Suitable for producing plain and simple fabrics.
High-speed production with a continuous knitting process.
Limited in pattern complexity compared to more specialized machines.

2. Double Jersey Circular Knitting Machine:

Double jersey circular knitting machines have two sets of needles – one set on the dial and one set on the cylinder. This dual-needle arrangement allows for the creation of double jersey fabrics, which are thicker and more stable than single jersey fabrics. The resulting fabric has a smoother surface on both sides and enhanced dimensional stability. Equipped with two sets of needles on the cylinder and dial, double jersey machines produce a double-knit fabric. These machines are suitable for creating thicker fabrics and more intricate patterns.

Features:

Dual sets of needles for increased fabric thickness.
Produces a double-faced fabric with a smooth surface on both sides.
Offers better fabric stability compared to a single jersey.
Suitable for a wide range of applications, including casual wear and sportswear.

The further types of double jersey knitting machines includes:

Rib Circular Knitting Machine:

Rib knitting machines produce ribbed fabrics with alternating raised and lowered columns of stitches. They are often used for creating cuffs, collars, and other stretchy components in garments.

Interlock Circular Knitting Machine:

Interlock machines produce a double-faced fabric that is thicker and more stable than single jersey. It has two sets of needles that knit in a manner that creates a reversible fabric with a smooth surface on both sides.

Jacquard Circular Knitting Machine:

Jacquard machines are equipped with a mechanism that allows for intricate pattern designs and the creation of fabrics with various textures. They can produce complex patterns and designs by controlling individual needles.

Terry Circular Knitting Machine:

Terry machines are designed to produce terry fabrics, which have loops on one or both sides. These loops create a soft and absorbent fabric, often used for towels and bathrobes.

Fleece Circular Knitting Machine:

Fleece machines are used for producing fleece fabrics, which are warm and soft. These machines have features for creating raised surfaces and textures in the fabric.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the circular knitting machine stands as a powerful tool in the textile industry, streamlining the production of seamless garments and fabrics. Its unique circular design allows for continuous and efficient knitting, making it an invaluable asset in mass production. From basic fabrics to intricate patterns, the machine’s versatility caters to a wide range of textile applications. With automated processes and high-speed capabilities, circular knitting machines contribute significantly to modern textile manufacturing, ensuring precision, speed, and quality in the creation of diverse knitwear and fabrics.