The Role of Circular Knitting Machines in Modern Textile Manufacturing

Fabric manufacturing is the core of the business of some knitted apparel companies. Unlike many manufacturers who only focus on the production of ready-to-wear garments, they do not just source fabrics, but also personally convert raw materials into high-quality fabrics. To achieve this, they rely on advanced circular knitting machines. And we offer high quality circular knitting machines to provide a cost-effective choice for knitting companies.

The machines look impressive, as if they were sophisticated devices straight out of a science fiction movie. In this article, we will take you deep into how circular knitting machines work and uncover the mysteries behind them. First, please follow us to the inside of the knitting factory. The following video will show you how circular knitting machines in our factory work.

How Does a Circular Knitting Machine Work?

In short, circular knitting machines convert yarn into fabric. Each of these machines is equipped with about 5,000 needles and can produce about 23 kilograms of interlocking fabric in eight hours. Our "Video section" shows in detail the entire process of moving yarn from the conical stand to the machine, and you will clearly see how yarn is transferred at each step and finally woven into fabric. The video will also introduce more about the functions and effects of the various parts of the circular knitting machine.

The Main Parts and Their Functions

Cotton drum: Storage and supply of cotton yarn for knitting machines.
Expansion tube: orderly guide the yarn into the next step to ensure smooth running of the yarn.
Cotton dust: Cotton dust produced during the processing of yarn, which is why knitting mills are equipped with air guns. In the video, you will see our knitting experts using an air gun to clean the machine to keep it running properly.
Positive feed device: This is a multi-part device that is responsible for introducing yarn into the needle, controlling yarn tension, and monitoring yarn breakage through sensors.
Top and bottom stoppers: When the yarn breaks, the yarn moves upward, triggering the sensor and stopping the machine to prevent further damage.
Yarn guide: Provides yarn tension between the forward feed device and the needle, ensuring quality and consistency of the fabric.
Feed rail: This is where the yarn reaches the needle and is finally woven into the fabric, which is the last stop for yarn conversion into fabric.
Cylinder: An assembly consisting of a needle, CAM box, CAM and sinker. Different weaving patterns can be achieved by adjusting the cylinder.
Remove the motion roller: Before the fabric comes out of the machine and is wound to the winding roller, firmly grasp the fabric to ensure the flatness and quality of the fabric.

Troubleshooting and Daily Maintenance of Circular Knitting Machine

Like all equipment that contains a large number of moving parts, circular knitting machines are subject to various failures after prolonged use. Common problems include broken needles, lost or broken yarn tension, and cotton dust clogging cylinders or openings. When these problems occur, the machine will automatically stop running, which is to avoid creating waste products or causing confusion in the weave pattern of the fabric. Ensuring proper operation of the machine is essential to save time and materials.

Circular Knitting Machine for Fabric Texturing Production

The flexibility of circular knitting machines allows them to produce a wide range of fabric textures and patterns, from basic to complex designs. These machines can not only produce standard fabric textures, but can also be adjusted and customized to achieve a variety of variants to meet a variety of textile needs. Here are the main fabric texture types we are able to produce and their characteristics:

Single Side Knitting

Single-sided knitting is one of the most common fabric textures and is commonly used to make T-shirts, underwear and sportswear. This texture forms a weave on only one face of the fabric, leaving the other side smooth. Single-sided knitted fabrics are soft and lightweight, suitable for close-fitting wear, and also have good breathability.

Interlock

Interlocking fabric is an upgraded version of double-sided knitting, with higher density and thickness. Its construction gives it the same woven texture on both sides, and this fabric is commonly used to make heat-retaining clothing such as winter underwear, sweatpants, and high-end sportswear. Interlocking fabric not only has good heat retention, but also has good elasticity and durability.

Rib

Rib fabric is a kind of elastic knitted fabric, usually used to make necklines, cuffs and waist elastic bands. It is woven in a way that allows the fabric to have good transverse stretch, while maintaining the original shape and avoiding slack. Rib fabric can be fine rib, can also be coarse rib, a wide range of applications.

Milano Rib

Milan rib is a thicker rib fabric, woven in a tight and regular texture, often used in high-end clothing and outerwear. This fabric has excellent drape and shape retention ability, suitable for making coats, dresses and suits that need to maintain the shape of the garment.

Ottoman

The surface of the Ottoman fabric presents a distinct horizontal strip texture, which has a unique visual effect and touch. The fabric is woven in a way that gives it a certain thickness and elasticity, and is commonly used to make high-end suits, coats and home decor. Ottoman fabric has both three-dimensional and good durability.

Double Jersey Wool

The double-thread wool fabric is composed of two layers of knitted structure, which has excellent heat retention and comfort. This fabric is commonly used to make winter clothing such as sweaters, wool coats and scarves. Its double-layer structure not only keeps you warm, but also effectively insulates you from wind chill, providing additional protection.

French Terry

French loop fabric is a lightweight loop knitted fabric commonly used in sportswear and casual wear. The back of the fabric forms a small ring, and the surface is smooth and flat, with good sweat absorption and comfort. French wool is perfect for casual wear, hoodies and children's clothing, which is both comfortable and practical.

Bird's Eye

Bird's eye fabric is named after its unique knit pattern, which looks like a bird's eye, distributed evenly and tightly. Bird's eye fabric can be used to make high-end underwear, but also can be used to make special texture requirements of fashion clothing. It breathes well and feels soft, making it a very popular fabric choice.

Learn More

With circular knitting machines, we are able to meet a wide range of fabric design needs, both basic and custom, and can be finely manufactured. If you are interested in other textile machinery we use, please visit our textile machinery page for more information. If you have any questions or special needs, please feel free to fill out the form below to contact us, we will be happy to provide you with the best solution.