Condition monitoring of key elements in high speed textile machinery

Abstract

Knitting machines convert yarn into fabric using a latch-needle-cam system. The latch needles, cams and yarn are the key elements. The forces that arise in this system are critical in limiting machine speed and fabric quality due to either needle or yarn breakage. Typical high speed commercial knitting machines have between 2000 and 4000 needles of approximately 0.45mm in thickness. Just one damaged needle will severely affect the fabric quality therefore knowledge of needle condition is vital to maximise machine productivity.