Study on Factors Affecting Knit Productivity

Abstract

Knit fabric is well known for its comfortability, better texture, comparatively good wrinkle resistance, well-breathability, a good fit for the wearer’s body, more elasticity, lower labor cost for manufacturing, more elasticity & stretchability, and so on. The Quality parameter of knit fabric is greatly influenced by its Physical or Dimensional Properties, Mechanical & Chemical Properties. The thermal conductivity of knit fabric is influenced by Loop Shape Factor & Tightness Factor. If the loop shape factor and tightness factor both are similar, a minimum thermal conductivity can be obtained. But if the Tightness factor is constant, but the loop shape factor decreases, thermal conductivity increases, and if the loop shape factor is constant, the tightness factor decreases thermal conductivity decreases. The WPI, CPI, GSM, and Thickness factors are related to air permeability, stretchability, elasticity, and water absorbency. Stitch Length and Yarn Count help to control the GSM of the knit fabric. They are inversely proportional to the GSM. A Compressor, Motor, Aluminum Tubes, Yarn Guide, VDQ Pulley, Feeding Devices, Needle, Cam, Sinker, Oiling & Lubricating Pipe, Cylinder, take up roller & cloth roller are the basic parts of a knitting machine. The proper functioning of these parts helps to obtain the best outcome. Knitting productivity increases by increasing technical parameters i.e., Cylinder RPM, Cylinder Diameter, No of Feeders, No of Needles, Stitch length, & Fabric Width. And if the count of yarn increases, the thickness of the yarn reduces, and yarn breakage tendency increases due to yarn tension and machine speed. But Risk factors appear when mismatched knit programming and wrong technical parameters are set in the knitting machine. For example, If 30 count of yarn is allocated to 18 gauges machine, it will cause a disastrous situation in the machine, and production will be hampered. For required GSM fabric, the proper Count of yarn & Stitch length should have functioned in the machine otherwise production time will be loss for higher machine maintenance time due to several yarn breakage & tensioning of yarn. Even the mental stress of a worker & employee can affect the knitting productivity. Sustainability, Safety & Compliance is a must for better knit productivity. Non-compliance factory is underrated nowadays. So, Besides technically improving, worker training, workplace safety, overhead stress removed from employee & worker, fire safety, environment-friendly, worker-friendly, and supportive action is must necessary at this moment to improve the quality of goods and enhance productivity.