Knitting cam system. Types of cam used in knitting machine
The knitting cam system is a mechanism in a knitting machine that controls the movement of the needles and determines the stitch pattern of the knitted fabric. It is typically composed of a set of metal disks or cylinders, called cams, which are designed with a specific pattern of bumps and grooves on their surface.
As the cams rotate around a central axis, they engage with the needles and cause them to move up and down in a predetermined pattern. The shape and arrangement of the cams determine the stitch pattern and design of the fabric being produced. The cam system can be adjusted or replaced to create different stitch patterns and designs.
Knitting Cam
The knitting cam system has traditionally been a mechanical component of knitting machines, but in modern machines, it is often replaced by electronic or computerized systems that offer greater flexibility and precision in controlling the movement of the needles.
The knitting cam system is still used in some older knitting machines and in specialized applications where a particular stitch pattern or design requires a custom cam.
The knitting cam system is an essential component of a knitting machine, allowing for precise control over the movement of the needles and the creation of a wide range of beautiful and complex fabrics
Types of knitting cam used in knitting machine
There are several types of cams used in knitting machines.
- Knit Cam
- Tuck Cam
- Miss Cam
- Transfer cam
- Intarsia cam
Each type of cam has a specific function and design that enables the machine to produce different stitch patterns and designs
Knit cam :
These cam are used to form knit stitches, which are the basic building blocks of knitted fabric. Knit cams have a smooth, rounded surface that allows the needles to move freely as they form each stitch.
Tuck cam:
Tuck cam are used to create tuck stitches, which are created by holding a loop of yarn in place on the needle while the next stitch is formed. Tuck cams have a series of bumps and grooves that control the movement of the needles, allowing them to hold the yarn in place while forming the next stitch.
Miss cam:
Miss Cam are used to create empty spaces in the fabric, where no stitches are formed. Miss cams have a flat surface that allows the needles to pass over them without forming a stitch.
Transfer cam:
Transfer cams are used to move stitches from one needle to another, allowing for the creation of complex patterns and designs. Transfer cams have a series of grooves that control the movement of the needles, allowing them to transfer stitches from one needle to another.
Intarsia cam :
Intarsia cams are used to create complex color patterns in the fabric. Intarsia cams have a series of bumps and grooves that control the movement of the needles, allowing them to knit with multiple colors of yarn at the same time.
The specific design and function of each cam will depend on the particular application and the desired stitch pattern or design.
What is needle ?Basic action of latch needle
Yarn feeding process in knitting machine
Why cam is important element in knitting machine
The knitting cam is an important element in knitting machines because it controls the movement of the needles and determines the stitch pattern of the fabric being produced. The cam system is responsible for translating the design of the fabric into a set of instructions that the machine can follow.
Without a cam the needles in a knitting machine would move randomly and produce a chaotic, uncontrolled fabric. The cam system provides a precise and predictable movement of the needles, allowing for the creation of complex patterns and designs.
The shape and arrangement of the cams determines the stitch pattern and design of the fabric being produced. Different cam shapes and arrangements can be used to create a wide range of stitch patterns, from simple knit and purl stitches to intricate cable and lace designs.
Cam system can be customized to create a specific fabric design. For example, a custom cam can be designed to produce a unique stitch pattern or design that cannot be achieved with standard cam shapes.