A newly developed prototype knitting machine has the potential to transform the way 3D objects are created by allowing users to knit solid shapes in multiple directions. Unlike traditional knitting, which produces flat, two-dimensional sheets, this innovative machine, developed by researchers at Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University, operates similarly to a 3D printer, building intricate objects through horizontal layers of stitches.
At the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology in Busan, Korea, on September 30, 2023, Professor François Guimbretière from Cornell presented the work titled “Using an Array of Needles to Create Solid Knitted Shapes.” Guimbretière, alongside co-author and Cornell Engineering student Victor Guimbretière, demonstrated the machine’s capabilities, highlighting how it provides significant flexibility in material control. “We establish that not only can it be done, but because of the way we attach the stitch, it will give us access to a lot of flexibility about how we control the material,” Guimbretière stated.
The concept of solid knitting ignited Guimbretière’s curiosity during his time in a lab at Carnegie Mellon, where he first explored knitting machines in 2016. The prototype was constructed in his basement during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily using 3D-printed components. The machine features a grid of knitting needles arranged in a 6×6 block, each equipped with a 3D-printed symmetrical double hook that allows for independent movement. This design enables the machine to perform both knitting and purling, depending on which part of the hook initiates the loop.
To facilitate operation, the researchers created a library of code for various stitch types, allowing for the generation of customized programs for different products. The knitting head can move freely across the needle array, granting the flexibility to create complex knitted structures, a notable advancement over previous solid knitting machines that lacked such adaptability.
The team has successfully produced knitted objects in the shapes of a “C” and a pyramid, demonstrating their ability to craft intricate designs and overhangs. While the prototype currently faces challenges such as slow operation and occasional yarn complications, Guimbretière has plans for enhancements to improve its durability and efficiency. He also indicated that scaling up the design would be straightforward by expanding the needle bed.
The implications of this solid knitting technology extend into the medical field. Guimbretière noted that it could be beneficial for creating structures that support the growth of artificial ligaments or veins. The ability to manipulate thickness and stiffness could help to accurately replicate biological structures, making this approach potentially groundbreaking in biomedical applications.
Amritansh Kwatra, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in information science at Cornell Tech, also contributed to this significant study. With further developments, this innovative knitting machine could pave the way for a new era in both textile production and medical engineering.
