Circular Knitting Machine (CSM)
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This OpenSCAD file describes my version of a circular knitting machine. This is an original design, but some details and ideas were obtained from various sources . User RoundandRound (https://www.thingiverse.com/RoundandRound) very gracefully produced an assembly guide which can be found in the files section.
Design criteria:
- Bi-directional (for heel and toe knitting);
- Minimal moving parts;
- Low friction;
- Minimal contact of yarn with printed parts (no snagging);
- Minimal sanding;
- Low cost: budget under 50 Euro
The machine is driven by side-by-side pullies with a 2GT timing belt to reduce friction. Also the machine runs on three ball-bearings, using 4.5mm steel BB's as balls.
There are 2 push-up cams, leaving the needles normally in the up position. They can be pushed down to do maintenance; eg. to pick up dropped stitches. This eliminates having to use mechanical "flippers" to push the needles up. (Usually the needles are pushed up (to clear the needle latches) just before the stitch is made. Here the needles are also pushed up right after the stitch is made. This makes no difference for the knitting, it just looks differently)
All cams have a groove to glue in a soft metal wire (1mm) as a bearing surface for the needles. I use common annealed galvanized steel wire. This eliminates steel on plastic contact, which reduces friction and wear. Also this eliminates the need for sanding of the cams (see picture).
The machine uses cut-down KR830-KR850 needles.…
