Cam Distance
Vertical adjustment of the knitting cam track controls the downward draw distance of needles to dictate loop length during stitch formation. Machine operators adjust stitch cam depth to fine-tune fabric weight, width and density on industrial circular and flat knitting machinery. Deeper cam positions draw longer yarn loops, producing lighter, looser fabric structures.
Knitting Dynamics
When the needle butt travels down the inclined stitch cam, the needle head draws yarn through the previous loop held by the sinker. Altering stitch cam depth directly dictates the maximum loop length drawn into each stitch, setting the primary structural parameter for the entire fabric roll. Shallower cam depth draws short loops, yielding heavy, tight fabric constructions with high yarn consumption per revolution.
However, excessively shallow cam settings cause excessive yarn tension peaks that can break needles or sever weak spun yarns. Deeper cam settings reduce peak knitting tension but increase the risk of loose loops, uneven fabric appearance and snagging. Precision micrometer screws or stepper motors allow fine cam depth adjustments across all knitting feeds to maintain uniform stitch length across the entire cylinder circumference.
Feeder Equalization
Multi-feeder knitting machines require identical cam settings across all feeds to prevent horizontal striping or barré defects in finished fabric. Adjusting stitch cam depth precisely across all knitting stations ensures uniform loop length and consistent areal mass. Regular calibration prevents density variations across long production runs.
Fabric Customization
Knitting mills modify cam depth settings to meet precise weight specifications using the same yarn linear density. Measuring loop length from knitted samples confirms correct stitch cam depth calibration following machine needle changes or style changeovers. Accurate cam adjustment optimizes fabric yield and minimizes yarn waste.
