How to Level the Needle Bed of a Circular Knitting Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ensuring that the needle bed (also referred to as the cylinder base or circular bed) is perfectly level is the most critical step in assembling a circular knitting machine. Below is a standard procedure designed for both imported models (such as Mayer & Cie, Terrot, and Fukuhara) and mainstream Chinese machines in 2025.


1. Tools You'll Need

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Before starting, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Precision spirit level (recommended sensitivity: 0.02 mm/m, magnetic base preferred)

Adjustable leveling bolts or anti-vibration foundation pads (standard or aftermarket)

Torque wrench (to prevent over-tightening)

Feeler gauge / thickness gauge (0.05 mm precision)

Marker pen and data sheet (for logging measurements)

1. Three-Stage Process: Coarse Leveling → Fine Adjustment → Final Recheck

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1 Coarse Leveling: Ground First, Then Frame

1,Sweep the installation area. Make sure it’s free of debris and oil stains.

2,Move the machine frame into position and remove any transport locking brackets.

3,Place the level at four key positions on the frame (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).

Adjust the leveling bolts or pads to keep total deviation within ≤ 0.5 mm/m.
⚠️ Tip: Always adjust opposite corners first (like diagonals) to avoid creating a “seesaw” effect.

2.2 Fine Adjustment: Leveling the Needle Bed Itself

1,With the cylinder removed, place the precision level directly on the machined surface of the needle bed (typically the circular guide rail).

2,Take measurements every 45°, covering 8 total points around the circle. Record the maximum deviation.

3,Target tolerance: ≤ 0.05 mm/m (top-tier machines may require ≤ 0.02 mm/m).

If deviation persists, make micro-adjustments only to the corresponding foundation bolts.
Never "force-tighten" bolts to twist the frame — doing so can introduce internal stress and warp the bed.

2.3 Final Recheck: After Cylinder Installation

After installing the needle cylinder and sinker ring, recheck level at the cylinder top.

If deviation exceeds tolerance, inspect the mating surfaces between cylinder and bed for burrs or debris. Clean thoroughly and re-level if needed.

Once confirmed, tighten all foundation nuts using a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended spec (typically 45–60 N·m), using a cross-tightening pattern.

3. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

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Using only a smartphone level app
Inaccurate — always use an industrial-grade spirit level.

Measuring only the machine frame
Not enough — frames can twist; measure directly on the needle bed reference surface.

Running full-speed test immediately after leveling
⚠️ Risky — allow a 10-minute low-speed run-in period to account for any settling, then recheck.

4. Routine Maintenance Tips

Perform a quick level check once a week (takes just 30 seconds).

If the factory floor shifts or if the machine is moved, re-level immediately.

Always recheck cylinder top level after replacing the cylinder to maintain long-term stability.

Final Thoughts

By following the above procedure, you can ensure your circular knitting machine maintains needle bed flatness within the manufacturer’s standard of ±0.05 mm/m. This is essential for high-quality knitting and long-term machine stability.


Post time: Jul-23-2025