Knitting Technology Part 2

Elaboration of different controlling parameters having significant impact on knitting technology Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Mangat www.mushtaqmangat.org

Process control in weft knitting

Fabric elasticity depends upon: Type of fibers
Number of wales per inch Stitch length Relaxation/finishing route Yarn linear density Planner weight

Tightness Factor

L is stitch length, K ranges from 1.29-1.6 [1]

Quality control in weft knitting

Off machine by using HATRA course length

tester and Shirley crimp tester. meter

On machine by yarn speed and length Issues: Variation in tensions Variation in yarn thickness

Production Calculation

Gauge of machine= 20 Diameter of machine=30 Number of feeders= 90 Stitch length 4mm Total number of needles=20*30*3.14=1884 RPM= 20 Yarn count= 20s Production day (20 hr) *.85 (efficiency)= =((((1884*90*20*60*20*4*.85)/1000)*1.0936)/(840*20))/ 2.2046=408 Kgs per day

Knitting Hal Requirements

Controlled environment in knitting hall (moisture and temperature) Machine maintenance, Quality of compressed air Skill of workers Yarn storage place and methods Fabric storage Lubricants quality Quality of needles and sinkers Fluff level in the environment

Knitting hall temperature and moisture

Mayer and Cie, one of the largest and most aggressive knitting machine manufactures recommends maintaining 20 C temperature and 65 % RH humidity in knitting hall. It is expected that 20-25% production of the knitting mill can be improved by putting an air conditioning plant. In addition to that 50% less faults and 50% less consumption (breakage) of needles and sinkers is expected. A healthy environment to workers, which keeps them healthy. And finally we have a neat, clean, free from fly and healthy environment, which definitely improver our productivity.

Cont

No tripping of electronic parts, which is quite common at high temperature Less breakage of needles due to low temperature Satisfied operator since environment is neat and clean along with suitable temperature and humidity Better knitted fabric quality due to less yarn breakage and low machine stoppage frequency Better health of workers Less yarn wastage Conducive environment for creativity

Moisture Free Compressed Air

Cool and moisture free compressed air for

knitting is required

We can have following advantages of cool,

free from contaminant in and dry air:

Helps reduction in needle breakage Avoiding rust on machine Smooth running of machine Reduction in accidents

References
[1] Anand, S.C., Technical fabric structures 2. Knitted
fabrics, in Handbook of Technical Textiles A.R. Horrocks, Anand, S. C., Editor 2000, Woodhead Publishing Ltd Cambridge.