Durable knitting machine cylinder assembly and method of making same

Abstract

A durable cylinder assembly for a circular knitting machine is described. The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder body including an upper face and an outer cylindrical face and having a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially radial slots. A plurality of first inserts are positioned within the slots and extend outwardly therefrom to define a series of needle-receiving channels. The first inserts are angled to define first and second legs. The first leg of each first insert is positioned within one of the slots and the second leg extends across the upper face of the cylinder body to define a bearing surface for reciprocating elements of the knitting machine, e.g. the sinkers and/or needles. The second legs are spaced apart from each other to define passages therebetween. A plurality of second substantially T-shaped inserts is provided with the stem of each insert extending within one of the passages formed by the first inserts. an upper portion of each second insert is preferably flared to enable it to be supported on the first inserts, while spaces between adjacent second inserts are adapted to receive reciprocating elements of the knitting machine. A method of improving the durability of a knitting machine cylinder by applying such a hardened circular band to the cylinder is also described.