Abstract

This project contains a study of speed factor and its effect on the production and efficiency of the weft knitting machine, and achieving fabric with fewer defects. The speed of the machine plays a crucial role in fabric defects, so maintaining an optimum speed is essential for production. In this project, alterations to the machine speed were made, and various process parameters were recorded. The machine speed was incrementally increased, and the negative impact on various parameters like fabric defects, yarn breakages, and needle defects was observed.

Introduction

The efficiency of a weft knitting machine is influenced by knitting parameters, yarn quality, and human skill. Poor yarn quality and improper machine parameters can lead to fabric faults, yarn breakages, and impact overall efficiency. In this project, the machine type, machine diameter/gauge, yarn quality, and various process parameters were carefully selected. These process parameters, including cam setting, speed, yarn tension, sinker setting, stitch length, etc., play a vital role in determining fabric quality.

During the trial period, the machine speed was adjusted daily, and observations were made on machine efficiency, yarn breakages, and fabric faults. Analysis of fabric faults, including weight of the roll, fault type, fault range, and rejection percentage, was conducted based on Quality Control reports. The objective of the study is to improve machine efficiency, production, and fabric quality by selecting an optimum speed.

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The authors are associated with the Centre for Textile Functions (CTF), NMIMS MPSTME Shirpur campus, Shirpur, Dist- Dhule, Maharashtra.