Industrial Knitting Machine

2023-09-19T02:10:15Z

174.249.148.210:

{{sewing}}

Noisebridge has a [https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/2023-New-Fully-Automatic-Sweater-Flat_1600063265178.html CHJX-1-52] [https://www.raynen.cn/en/hengjidiankongxitong883/225.html Raynen F4000] based flat knitting machine sourced from Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd. It's in our [[Hackitorium]].

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Current Status

September 2023: 2/24 yarn acquired and first successful jacquard knit. We are refining our methods and working on documentation.

This machine will require training to use. Stay tuned!
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[[File:Machine2.jpg|600px|||Knitting Machine]]

== Machine Operations ==

[[File:knit1.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Knitting Machine]]

=== Manuals ===

* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ubc_aJjvSap3zNg8jYIAmtbF3YKVGhWx/view?usp=sharing Raynen F4000 Intelligent Control Of Flat Knitting Machine Manual] - Instructions and details for operating the Raynen F4000 flat knitting machine.

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDIjpAPG02CD8vXO0j7pJUfr_nEQhUGxU Machine operations] - A YouTube playlist with how-tos for on machine operations.

* [https://www.youtube.com/@flat-knitting-machine/videos Dozens of videos on a manufacturer’s YouTube including some on repair and machine adjustments]

=== Yarns you can use ===

* The yarn HAS to be spooled on a cone
* This is a 7 gauge machine. The yarn/thread used should be between 4.5 - 8 NM (2232 YPP to 3968), or around 4 NeC ([https://www.crescentwoolenmills.com/yarn-size-conversion/ Yarn size conversion calculator])
* Coming soon: recommended seller

=== Tips & Tricks ===

* This machine is large, complicated, potentially dangerous if misused. It will require a training like the laser.
* This machine runs on 240V. Use the included transformer.
* ALWAYS keep your hands clear of the bed and carriage while the machine is running or injury may occur. Give machine operator clearance.
* If this machine is not knitting the pattern you expect check if F2 Crose Lock is locked -- if this is engaged the machine will just knit as if everything is waste yarn.

=== Maintenance ===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxUcjn5Oek Replacing needles]
* For replacement buy Gold-Beamlight VOSASPEC 80.119D(C) needles
* Oil the machine often!

== Design Software ==

Knitting machine pattern design software is Windows based. It's installed on the computer located in the Noisebridge print shop. You can also download it to run locally.

* [http://en.hqcnc.com/about212.html HQPDS Software Download]

* [https://www.raynen.cn/ruanjianxiazai.html Raynen CAD download]

* [http://knitskel.csail.mit.edu/ MIT software demo]

=== Software Tips & Resources ===

* Choose H1-1 (simple/roll) when selecting a machine model.

* If HQPDS throws an error when you try to start it, you may need to install some supporting libraries. Navigate to the application's folder within Program Files and install the MS Access Database Engine.

There are dozens of helpful YouTube tutorials on HQPDS and Raynen KnitCAD. Some may be in languages other than English but the provided steps are easy enough to follow along with. A helpful selection:

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGVDooI-kJAlUEhRyhs1a9idOpG05B2LT Stitches Library]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ypW0_GJIB4 Insert and map an image for jacquard]

Manuals

* [http://down.zjhqtech.com:800/admin/smallpic/HqPDS16_en.pdf Operation Manual of the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software] - Manual provides instructions for using the Hengqiang Pattern Designing Software for machine knitting.

* [https://jrrorwxhnipimp5m.ldycdn.com/3.16+Instruction+in+English-aidolBppKqnRmiSlrmkqklik.pdf Raynen KnitCAD manual] - Manual for KnitCAD

=== Compiler and File Format ===

Knit CAD software has a compiler, de-compiler, and knitting simulation tools.

After compilation, five files (CNT, PAT, PRM, SET and YAR) are created (you can also generate another file type .001 for some machines). These files are described by the manual as follows:

* 001 file is knitting files for new machine and the CNT\PAT\YAR\SET\PRM is for older machine.
* CNT: Consisting of knitting parameters of the machine. Therefore, it must be imported before knitting.
* PAT: Consisting of needle action information, the needle will act according to it. Therefore, it must be imported before machine running.
* PRM: Consisting of pattern cycle information, it must be imported before machine running.
* SET: Pattern expansion file.
* YAR: Consisting of the information of the yarn carrier, such as corresponding No. and
knitting range of the yarn carrier.

== Projects & Research ==

=== Noisebridge Projects ===

[[File:Testknit.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A test knit]]

Coming soon. Your project could be here!

=== Other Projects ===

* [https://github.com/fbz/knityak Knityak]

* [https://github.com/GameOfKnowing/QuineScarf QuineScarf]

* [https://fabacademy.org/2019/labs/zoi/students/danny-imbaquingo/project17.html Knitting machine project by Danny Imbaquingo]

=== Research ===

* [https://studios.disneyresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/A-Compiler-for-3D-Machine-Knitting.pdf A Compiler for 3D Machine Knitting]

* [https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3559400.3565584 Fabricating Accessible Designs with Knitting Machines]

* [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wonseok-Choi/publication/237482349_Three_dimensional_seamless_garment_knitting_on_V-bed_flat_knitting_machines/links/0a85e53c9c4164a96f000000/Three-dimensional-seamless-garment-knitting-on-V-bed-flat-knitting-machines.pdf Three Dimensional Seamless Garments On V-Bed Flat Knitting Machines]

* [https://textiles-lab.github.io/publications/2019-visualknit/ Visual Knitting Machine Programming]

== General Knitting Machine Learning Resources ==

* [https://akaspar.pages.cba.mit.edu/machine-knitting/ Introduction to Machine Knitting]
* [https://www.meetup.com/noisebridge/events/ Machine Knitting 101 at Noisebridge]

It can be helpful to compare to manuals for other industrial-style knitting machines:

* [https://nfc.stoll.com/faq/268533_00_bedan_en.pdf Operating manual for a Stoll machine]
* [https://support.kniterate.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360009727217/Manual_v2.1.6.pages.pdf Operating manual for Kniterate]

== Maintenance Log ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Date
! Notes
|-
| 2023-08-03
| test
|-
| 2023-07-24
| machine unpacked
|}

== Acquisition Process ==

[[File:Container1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Container ship MOL Celebration at the Port of Oakland]]

[[File:Forklift1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A Noisebridge member using a forklift to move the knitting machine crate]]

Noisebridge's sewing guild raised money to purchase an automatic, industrial knitting machine for the space. Shima Seiki and Stoll machines were out of our budget and our initial plan was to buy from a start-up, [https://www.kniterate.com/product/kniterate-the-digital-knitting-machine/ Kniterate], which came out of the [https://hackaday.com/2014/02/20/openknit-the-open-source-knitting-machine/ OpenKnit] project.

Those machines were facing production delays and increased cost, so we turned to manufacturers in China for a similar spec-ed machine. We asked 5 vendors for bids via Alibaba/Made-In-China.com/the internet at large and settled on a single system, 52” 7 gauge automatic knitting machine with a controller by Raynen.

We engaged with [https://changshusxd.en.alibaba.com/ Changshu Shengxingda Co, Ltd] for a machine (model [https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/2023-New-Fully-Automatic-Sweater-Flat_1600063265178.html CHJX-1-52]) at a cost of ~$4000. The base cost of shipping and delivery from China to SF was ~$2000; we incurred some additional fees during this process due to time in port, a customs inspection, forklift rental, and the need for a second delivery attempt.

Here's the timeline of how everything played out.

* April 10 - Initial research starts.
* April 27 - May 5 - Decision-making and engagement with the vendor.
* April 27 - May 5 - Discussions and paperwork with the freight forwarder.
* May 5 - Deposit paid for the machine, production begins; freight shipper contracted.
* May 24 - Machine delivered to the freight forwarder at Shanghai Port. The sailing vessel is MOL Celebration, with an estimated arrival on June 22 in Oakland.
* June 29 - Ship arrival at the Port of Oakland.
* June 29 - July 14 - Container stuck in Port due to a holiday, port backlog, and a customs inspection.
* July 19 - First delivery attempt.
* July 24 - Machine delivered to Noisebridge successfully.

Noisebridge - User contributions [en]

Industrial Knitting Machine