What is the working principle of Double Knit Machine

A double knit machine is a type of knitting machine that is used to produce double-knit fabrics. It operates based on the principle of interlocking loops formed by two sets of needles and two sets of yarns. Here is a breakdown of the working principle of a double knit machine:

1. Needle Bed: A double knit machine has two needle beds, one above the other. Each needle bed consists of a series of latch needles arranged in a straight line. The upper and lower needle beds are offset from each other to create the interlocking loops.

2. Yarn Feeding: Two sets of yarns, typically different in color, are used in a double knit machine. One set of yarn is threaded through the needles in the upper needle bed, and the other set is threaded through the needles in the lower needle bed. These yarns are held on separate yarn carriers or yarn feeders.

3. Knitting Process: The knitting process begins with the lower needle bed. The needles in the lower bed move forward and create loops by catching the lower set of yarn, forming the bottom layer of the fabric. Simultaneously, the upper set of yarn is held by the upper needle bed.

4. Needle Transfer: After a row of loops is formed by the lower needle bed, a transfer mechanism operates to transfer the loops from the lower needle bed to the upper needle bed. This transfer mechanism involves the manipulation of the needle loops to shift them from one needle bed to the other without breaking the yarn.

5. Interlock Formation: Once the loops are transferred to the upper needle bed, the upper set of yarn is released, and the upper needles move forward to catch the upper set of yarn. The upper needles form loops that interlock with the loops from the lower needle bed, creating a double-knit fabric.

6. Repeating the Process: The process of knitting, transferring loops, and interlocking is repeated row by row to produce the desired fabric length. The knitting machine is controlled by a mechanical or electronic system that coordinates the movement of the needles and yarn feeders to create the desired fabric pattern and texture.

Double knit machines offer advantages such as producing a reversible fabric with two distinct faces and better fabric stability compared to single knit machines. They are commonly used in the production of various double-knit fabrics, including jerseys, interlock fabrics, ribbed fabrics, and more.