How to Properly Position the Sinker Cam on a Knitting Machine

To obtain excellent fabric quality on a single jersey knitting machine, it is necessary to precisely control the action of each component, among which the positioning of the sinker cam is particularly important. A small adjustment of the cam may significantly affect the stability and productivity of the knitting process. In this guide, we will explore in detail how to determine and optimize the placement of the sinker cam to improve fabric quality, and provide you with practical adjustment methods and tips.

The Key Role of The Sinker Cam

The sinker cam is an important component of the single jersey knitting machine, which is responsible for controlling the movement of the sinker. The settling plate supports the transfer and formation of the coil during the knitting process. Its precise movement is essential to ensure the stability of the yarn, the accuracy of the coil, and the quality of the final fabric.

Cam Positioning and Its Function

The positioning of sinker cam directly affects the management and control of yarn in the process of fabric formation. The jaws of the settler are similar to the needle slots on a double jersey knitting machine and are responsible for holding the yarn in place so that it forms a coil while preventing the old yarn from breaking off the needle hook. The position of the cam determines when the sinker makes contact with the yarn and how strongly it makes contact, and these factors work together to ensure the correct formation of the coil.

Adjusting Cam Position

It is very important to adjust the position of sinker cam properly to prevent yarn disturbance. cam positioning not only affects the release and formation of the coil, but also directly affects the uniformity and texture of the fabric. For example, positioning too high may cause the coil to become too large and loose, while positioning too low may cause the yarn to stretch too tight, causing the coil to deform or the fabric to wrinkle.

Factors that Affect Cam Position

Cam Curve Change

The curve design of the sinker cam is a key factor affecting its positioning. Different types of cam curves will produce different motion trajectories, which directly affect the way of yarn management.

Specification Changes

Changes in machine specifications, such as needle pitch and coil sink arc length adjustments, may require repositioning of the cam to ensure optimal yarn suitability and fabric construction.

Fabric Density

Changes in fabric density reflect changes in coil length, which has a direct impact on yarn release and tension management. If the density is too large or too small, it will affect the feel and appearance of the final fabric.

The Effect of Cam Position Adjustment

Changing the cam position can have a significant effect on the yarn path and tension. If the position is not properly adjusted, it may cause the coil to deform or the fabric to be uneven. This deformation not only affects the appearance of the fabric, but may also affect its strength and durability.

Spandex and Special Machines

Standard cam positioning may not be accurate enough when dealing with spandex or other highly elastic yarns. Due to the high elasticity of spandex yarns, special adjustments are often required to prevent yarn flipping or uncontrolled tension. In addition, some specialty knitting machines (such as wool knitting machines or towel knitting machines), due to their unique coil formation process, may require unique cam adjustment methods to ensure the best fabric quality.

Ideal Cam Position

The desired sinker cam position needs to be carefully adjusted according to machine specifications, yarn properties and fabric density. Appropriate adjustments can ensure the optimization of the knitting process and improve the uniformity, softness and strength of the fabric.

Why Do I Need Cam Positioning

Proper cam positioning increases productivity, reduces yarn waste, and improves the quality of the end product. Do not let sub-optimal cam positioning affect your fabric production, with careful analysis and tuning, you can optimize the performance of the single-sided knitting machine for more efficient and high-quality fabric production.

Contact us

If you have any questions about how to optimize your single-sided knitting machine, or want to learn more about techniques to improve fabric quality, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to providing the most professional advice and support to help you stay ahead of the market. Whether you need technical guidance or want to stay up to date with the latest industry developments, we are here to help.