Large Diameter Machinery

Learn more about large diameter circular technology and what it has to offer!

In this showcase we will cover the characteristics and benefits of large diameter circular knitting machines, its numerous application possibilities, and the products and fabrics which can be achieved with this technology.

Before we begin with the technology, let’s cover some basic elements of knitting technology:

Knitted Loop structures

Loop: The very basic element of a knitted structure is a loop, which is a meshed yarn at its base with previously formed basic units (stitches).

Needle loop: This is the part of a stitch, drawn through the head of the preceding stitch. It consists of the head and the two shanks of the stitch.

Head: Technical back
Limbs/pillar: Technical front
Sinker loop: The piece of yarn which joins one weft of a knitted needle loop to the next
Sinker loop or underlap: Technical back

Basic loops can be classified into:

Knit
Tuck
Miss stitch or float stich

Knitted Fabric

Knitted fabric consists of forming yarn(s) into loops, each of which is typically only released after a succeeding loop has been formed and intermeshed with it so that a secure ground loop structure is achieved. The loops are also held together by the yarn passing from one to the next.

If you would like to learn more about knitting structures, you can visit our showcase “Knitting Tech and Applications” here.

The construction of large diameter knitting machine

Large diameter machines come in two different models: single and double jersey. Depending on the model, they range from 26”- 42” in diameter. Large diameter machines are characterized by their high efficiency, capability of achieving a very fine gauge, and user-friendly software. These machines are excellent for fleece and stretch materials with elongation. Common applications of garments made using this machinery include underwear, swimwear, and outerwear among many others.

Knitting system

The knitting system includes a cylinder (dial), needle, sinker, cam, cam box, sinker ring, sinker cap, yarn feeder, and more. It is the heart of circular knitting machines, where a yarn is formed into loops and meshed together in a continuous way.

There are two packaging methods:

Tube
Open width

You can select a suitable method to avoid folds according to the fabric. It is either cut open and becomes a fabric panel (on a roll) or it stays in tube form (on a roll).

Knitting principle of large diameter knitting machine

The knitting capabilities of large diameter machines vary for single jersey and double jersey. Here we will explore knitting with each machine type:

Knitting principle of single-jersey knitting machine

In single-jersey machines, the process starts in the transmission system. The yarn unreels from the bobbin and is sent to the knitting area via the yarn feeding system. Then, the yarn is caught by the needles, which move around the track consisting of cams. The yarn is then formed into loops on the needle step by step:

latch closing → casting-on → sinking → knock over → loop formation → take-up.

During the clearing process, the sinker holds the old loop and prevents it from rising.

Knitting principle of double-jersey knitting machine

The knitting principle of the double-jersey knitting machine is similar to the single-jersey knitting machine. The main difference is that double-jersey fabric is produced by two sets of needles (cylinder needle and dial needle) being alternately set or gated between each other. Double-jersey fabric has the appearance of plain fabric on both sides.

Single Jersey Knitting Machines

ZENIT:

Product Capabilities: plain fabric with elastane, striper fabric with elastane, color jacquard fabric, pique, lacoste, and fleece fabric.

Common Applications: underwear, sportswear, swimwear, medical textiles.

ATLAS (without sinker):

Product Capabilities: plain fabric with elastane, striper fabric with elastane, color jacquard fabric, pique, lacoste, and fleece fabric.

Common Applications: apparel, intimates, activewear, industrial textiles, outerwear.

Double-jersey knitting machines

ORION

Product Capabilities: double-jersey fabric with elastane, striper double-jersey fabric with elastane (rib), color jacquard fabric.

Common Applications: underwear, intimate wear, sportswear, activewear, home wear, nightwear.

PULSAR

Product Capabilities: double-jersey fabric with elastane, striper double-jersey fabric with elastane (rib), color jacquard fabric.

Common Applications: underwear, intimate wear, sportswear, activewear, home wear, home textiles, loungewear.

MEC-MOR

Product Capabilities: single jersey fabric, double-jersey fabric, stripe fabric (rib).

Common Applications: underwear, outerwear, footwear, activewear, swimwear.

Summary

As you can see, large diameter machinery is highly versatile. Its wide variety of stitches and structures can produce fabric for all kinds of applications, which makes it a favorite among knitters and designers.

Take a deep dive into all of the different swatches and products large diameter machinery can offer by visiting our Library.