Lamb Knitting Machine

Tailored Control Systems that Keep Tradition Running: Superior Control & Lamb Knitting Machine Corporation

Client's Challenge & Expectations

The history of the Lamb Knitting Machine Corporation is rooted in American craftsmanship,
dating back to the 1860s. A family-run organization since the 1950s, Lamb has an exceptionally
skilled and knowledgeable team that design impressive textile machinery. Lamb’s equipment
supports industries across the world, helping to produce weft and warp knitted products for
consumer, industrial and medical applications.

When Lamb’s control systems engineer retired, they needed a partner willing to engage deeply,
interpret their vision, and design a solution from the ground up. Superior Control saw this as an
opportunity to lean into their specialty: innovation and customization. Superior Control is
uniquely equipped to develop control panels that align perfectly with Lamb Knitting Machine’s
operational goals and safety expectations.

After Superior Control completed Lamb’s initial project, a second project added features.
Challenges included staying within budget and keeping the controls familiar for the operators.
Superior Control added sensor bypass switches to keep machines running even if a sensor
failed, jog-off-auto controls for the knitting and take-down motors to fine-tune tension and fabric
flow, and a startup sequence that mirrored their old system for easier training and handoff. This
required working with unfamiliar hardware and building a custom control sequence based on
how the knitting machine is run day to day.

Our Build Process

Superior Control approached its engagement with an unwavering client-first mindset. Every stage
of the process was iterative: before moving forward, the team ensured Lamb Knitting Machine
understood exactly how each control element would function and how operators could safely
interact.

Key decision points:

● Deep Design Immersion: Superior Control took the time to learn Lamb Knitting
Machine’s operational logic from their perspective, not imposing standard parts or brand
preferences. This client-centric approach ensured the design complemented their
existing machine culture and workflows.

● Over-Explaining for Empowerment: Because Lamb Knitting Machine were experts in
knitting mechanics but not in control systems, Superior Control needed to provide
detailed explanations and visual documentation. After reviewing Lamb’s old schematics,
Superior Control submitted a proposal, which was reviewed by Lamb to confirm
alignment. Several rounds of discussion refined the user experience. Once the design
was agreed upon, the panel was built, field-tested, and supported with clear operating
instructions.

● Strategic Sourcing: Superior Control selected reliable, cost-effective components that
met the project’s safety and performance requirements while staying within the client’s
budget. Each new component was reviewed with Lamb Knitting Machine for approval,
building trust in the process. The biggest challenge was replacing an obsolete Omron
panel meter. The older model had no direct substitute, and the newer versions were
more complex and expensive. After exploring alternatives, Superior Control sourced a
cost-effective meter that was easier to use. This new device monitored electrical signals
and displayed current, voltage, and frequency. Specifically, it measured the current load
on the main knitting head motor to determine when lubrication was needed. When
amperage exceeded a set threshold, the meter signaled that maintenance, automatically
shutting down the motor in auto mode and triggering indicator lights—yellow for normal
operation and red when oiling was required. Operators could bypass the shutdown with
a switch for testing or job completion. Commissioning this component involved
estimating the lubrication threshold, installing a current transformer to convert amperage
into a 4–20 mA signal, and programming the meter to interpret and act on that signal.
Clear field-adjustment instructions were provided so Lamb Knitting Machine could
fine-tune the trip point as needed.

● Iterative Prototyping: Because Lamb Knitting Machine is based in Massachusetts, most

communication happened virtually, making clear documentation essential. Superior
Control relied on written submittals, step-by-step explanations, and even reference videos
from Lamb’s website to better understand how the machine operate. This collaborative,
consultative process not only solved the technical puzzle but also showcased the benefits
of working with custom engineering partners.

Outcomes and Impact

The final control panel system transformed a once-stalled project into a functional, profitable
solution. By guiding Lamb Knitting Machine through each stage, Superior Control delivered:

● Clear, Accurate Documentation: The finished schematics and manuals were so

precise that Lamb Knitting Machine’s team could easily wire their own devices to the
panel, despite not being familiar with control schematics. Additional components were
shipped with detailed diagrams showing exactly how and where to install them.

● Enhanced Safety and Usability: The jog-off-auto switch for the main knitting head
motor now requires the user to jog the machine first before enabling auto mode. This
prevents the machine from immediately resuming operation after a fault reset, reducing
risks of damage or injury.

● Improved System Understanding: Lamb Knitting Machine’s operators now have a
clear grasp of how their machines are controlled, not just how they operate.

● Confidence and Control: What began as an intimidating prototype effort became a
smooth, documented system that operators could use, maintain, and replicate.
Although the project timeline extended as new requirements emerged, the result was a robust,
custom-built control solution that surpassed the client’s original vision. Instead of a generic
panel, Lamb Knitting received a tailored system aligned precisely with their operational and
safety needs.

What It Led To

The success of this initial project marked the beginning of a lasting partnership. During follow-up
calls, Lamb Knitting expressed appreciation for Superior Control’s patience and praised the
clarity of the documentation, which made it easy for them to connect and adjust the panel
despite their limited familiarity with schematics.

At one point, the company had even considered bringing design work in-house due to limited
vendor options. Instead, Superior Control provided a cost-effective solution that met their needs
and ultimately led to two additional panel orders. These new panels have since been installed
and are operating successfully, supported by Superior Control’s deeper understanding of Lamb
Knitting’s processes and equipment.