Overview
ISO 13990-1:2006 - Textile machinery and accessories - Yarn feeders and yarn control for knitting machines - Part 1: Vocabulary establishes a standardized vocabulary of basic terms for yarn feeders and yarn control of single thread systems used on knitting machines. Published by ISO (prepared by ISO/TC 72/SC 3) in 2006, this first edition defines terms, illustrated working‑principle figures, and an informative annex showing an example arrangement of yarn feeders on circular knitting machines. English and French are the official ISO languages in this part; German equivalents are published under DIN responsibility.
Key topics
- Scope and purpose
- Provides authoritative terms and definitions for yarn feeding and yarn control devices for single‑thread knitting.
- Figures illustrate working principles (not prescriptive designs).
- Core vocabulary
- General term: yarn feeder (device positioned between bobbin and needles).
- Functional types: positive feeder, passive feeder, yarn tension‑controlled feeder.
- Typical feeder constructions (defined and illustrated)
- Nip roller feeder
- Disc nip roller feeder
- Gearwheel feeder
- Tape feeder
- Capstan feeder
- Reference material included
- Informative Annex A: arrangement example for circular knitting machines.
- Alphabetical indexes (English, French, German).
- Notes on permitted reproduction of the terms and definitions for educational/implementation use.
Applications
ISO 13990-1 is practical for any activity requiring consistent terminology and clear communication about yarn feeding and control on knitting machines:
- Technical documentation and manuals for knitting machines and accessories
- Product specifications and procurement contracts
- Design and engineering of yarn feed systems (ensuring common language across teams)
- R&D, testing, and quality assurance where consistent term usage is important
- Training materials, academic instruction, and translator/reference work in textile engineering
Who should use this standard
- Textile machinery manufacturers and OEMs
- Machine designers and mechanical/electrical engineers working on knitting systems
- Technical writers, standards committees, and regulatory bodies
- Procurement specialists specifying yarn feeder components
- Educators and trainers in textile technology
Related standards
ISO 13990 is a multipart standard:
- Part 1: Vocabulary (ISO 13990-1:2006) - this document
- Part 2: Connecting dimensions for yarn feeders and yarn control devices
- Part 3: Dimensions for connecting and interconnection cables
Using ISO 13990-1:2006 helps ensure consistent terminology across specifications, drawings, and communications - a practical foundation for interoperability and clarity when working with yarn feeders and yarn‑control systems in knitting machinery.