WORLD MARKET OF KNITTING INDUSTRY

Knitting Machinery Shipment in 2009

A statistical report published in May 2010 by ITMF (International Textile Manufacturers Federation) indicated that world textile machinery shipments in 2009 showed averagely a continued decrease in most segments. Shipment of electronic flat knitting machinery in 2009 was down by 12% from 2008 to reach 17,840 machines. 90% of this shipment went to Asia and about 9% went to Europe (including Turkey). China was the biggest buyer with 10,690 machines (60%), followed by Hong Kong with 4,320 machines (24%), Italy with 900 machines (5%), Turkey with 470 machines (3%), and Cambodia with 200 machines (1%). Another report by Textile Intelligence showed additional information on flat knitting machinery shipment as that shipments of hand knitting and semi-automatic knitting machinery decreased 19.3% in 2009.

ITMF’s report also showed that shipment of circular knitting machinery in 2009 increased 20% to reach 25,450 machines. 85% of circular knitting machinery shipment went to Asia in which 69% of shipment or 17,600 machines were shipped to the biggest investor, China. The second biggest investor was Mauritius with 2,300 machines or 9% of shipment, followed by Bangladesh with 840 machines or 3.5%, India with 570 machines or 2%, Brazil with 540 machines or 2% and Korea with 360 machines or 1.5%. In terms of single jersey and double jersey machinery shipments, Textile Intelligence’s report showed that shipment of single jersey machinery increased 3.5% in 2009 while shipment of double jersey machinery increased significantly 45.5%.

Future Demand for Textile Machinery and Knitwear

Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA) published a report in February 2011 showing that by the year 2015 world textile machinery market is forecast to reach US$20.75 billion. By 2015, nonwoven disposable textile products such as tissues and filters are predicted to significantly grow in demand especially in China and India, and this would help for growth in the fiber and nonwoven machinery market. Fabric machinery group such as weaving and knitting machinery is forecast to grow at a relatively faster pace. Examples of leading players in the world knitting machinery market include Mayer & Cie, Santoni, and Shima Seiki. For knitwear segment, it is forecast that by 2015 world knitwear market would grow to US$20.3 billion.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS FROM KNITTING INDUSTRY

Karl Mayer

Karl Mayer has recently introduced its new Jacquardtronic lace machine, JL 40/1 F. The machine is used to produce fabrics with various patterns for the lingerie and clothing sectors. The newly configured bar arrangement on the JL 40/1 F Jacquardtronic lace machine enables stitch-forming lappings to be worked using the existing jacquard bar. In combination with the split yarn threading-in arrangement, ground structures having functional characteristics can be produced. Conventional ground structures of the narrow fabrics used in lace lingerie as well as fine lace fabrics with functional, light-control characteristics can also be produced. It is a fine machine gauge of 28 needles per inch which features combination of the stitch-forming jacquard bar, 36 pattern bars (driven by servo motors), and two ground bars for processing elastane.

In addition, the company also introduces DJ series of machines for lingerie and clothing products and develops two new techniques for producing seamless briefs. The first technique (cut and turn design) is to make tubular fabric, in which the contours of the final component are completely incorporated in the transverse direction panty by panty. A straight left hip seam, a U-shaped joint at the inner legs, and another straight, closed seam at the right hip are worked one after the other at right angles to the direction of fabric on the DJ 6/2 machine in a gauge of E 28. The front needle bar processes the front part of the briefs to produce the transverse design and the rear needle bar processes the back at the same time. Cutting lines are marked along the contours, and the knitting elements of the front and the rear bars meet transversely to the production direction to join the two fabric halves together with flat seams at the hips and gusset. Once the briefs are turned inside out, they can be worn immediately and comfortably. The second technique for making brief (side-seamless design with shaping effect) is based on the principle of producing two halves, but the symmetrical aspects are different. In this case, both front and back parts as well as right and left sides of the two parts of the briefs are matched.  The DJ 6/2 machine works the same lappings on both needle bars, sometimes separately and sometimes together. Once the fabric in web form is made, three more steps are performed consisting of cutting, vertical unfolding, and closing the inner leg sections with a continuous seam. Then the briefs are turned inside out in the final step.  Based on these two techniques on the DJ series of machines, it is possible to produce not only briefs but also other types of garments.

Santoni

Knitting innovations from Santoni are the SM8 TR1 single jersey circular knitting machine, the SWD 6/2J warp knitting machine and the SM9^MF double knitting circular knitting machine. The first one SM8 TR1, single jersey circular knitting machine for seamless casual sportswear, is built for knitting needles featuring a patented collared design that permits stitches to be transferred for mesh- or eyelet-type knit stitches in any area of a garment. The produced fabric is breathable and secure, and has an even surface. Two different yarns can be used in order to make a plated or double-faced fabric. The machine has 8 feeds and offers in gauges 16 to 24.

The SWD 6/2J warp knitting machine for seamless apparel offers the following items: dynamic, precise linear motors to control each knitting bar, a compact jacquard selection system using ceramic piezo transducers, vital control of the oscillating knitting bars, and a new computer-aided design system.  The machine also features advanced electronics and controls that allow for operation and fine machine settings to be programmed using a display panel menu.

The SM9^MF double knitting circular knitting machine for rib fabric produces seamless-wear single garment for underwear, outerwear, swimwear and sanitary garment, in both continuous tubular fabric and separated pieces, having single welt and separation yarn. The machine can knit all various types of rib and also inlaid structures.

Stoll

Lately, Stoll has introduced its multi gauges technology that can produce garments in various gauges on the same machine without changing needles or gauges. All styles including jacquard, structured knits and intarsia can be made. The CMS 530 HP multi gauge machine is the most flexible flat knitting machine in the company. It has a gauge range of E2, 5.2 to E8.2 to produce fabric gauge from E3 to E16, depending on knitting technique used and yarn selected. It offers a working width beginning from 50 inches, the Stoll-multiflex^® take-down system, and a clamping and cutting device that has 2X8 individual clamping and cutting points. The machine is capable of handling various yarn types and sizes from natural to man-made and special effect yarns as well as can be modified with additional equipment for knitting technical fibers and unusual materials such as metal wires. In addition, three compact knitting/transfer systems and rapid carriage return (RCR) system featuring on the machine help to deliver efficient operation.

Mayer & Cie

Mayer & Cie has announced its business success with a turnover of more than 60 million Euro in 2010 and its machine delivery of closed to 1,000 circular knitting machines. Over 150 of these machines are fully electronic jacquard machines. At the moment, the company is holding more than 70 valid patents

S4-3.2R single jersey striper from Mayer & Cie

At ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai last year, Mayer & Cie introduced two versions of S4-3.2 single jersey technology in new configurations, one for striping and the other for fine gauge single jersey. The S4-3.2R single jersey striper at the show was in a 24 gauge, 34 inch diameter, 108 feed configuration, offering 3 color striping with 3.2 feeders per inch as well as 6 color striping with 1.6 feeders per inch and is equipped with MCT striper technology. The striper non-knit feeders can be easily replaced with knitting feeders giving 3.2 feeders per inch for basic single jersey fabrics. It is available in gauges 18, 32 and 36 in 26, 30 and 34 inch diameters. The second model shown in Shanghai was a 34 inch S4-3.2 in 44 gauge with 108 feeders. It can be configured to knit 3 thread fleece, provides high output at 35 rpm with a 30 inch diameter, and offers in diameters of 26-38 inch.

Shima Seiki

Shima Seiki introduces two computerized flat knitting machines under the names MACH2SIG and MACH2X.

MACH2SIG is the new benchmark in intarsia knitting that offers unprecedented speed and efficiency.  Its maximum speed can be increased to 1.4 m/s. In addition, its new R2CARRIAGE system helps to achieve faster carriage returns after each course while up to 40 intarsia carriers are used to improve intarsia knitting. All Shima Seiki’s famous technologies are included in this machine consisting of DSCS digital stitch control system, full time spring-loaded sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, takedown system, and many more.

MACH2X is the latest model for whole garment production. It features 4 needle beds and the original SlideNeedle, and can achieve a maximum knitting speed of 1.6 m/s. Its R2CARRIAGE system allows faster carriage returns per knitted course. The latest 18L gauge capability whereby a special large-hook version of the SlideNeedle is used for knitting 15-gauge fabrics at 18-gauge needle pitch for very high productivity when knitting ultrafine gauge garments.

Terrot

With 4 or 6 color stripers and 4 needle tracks, Terrot’s latest S4F348 single jersey striper machine can provide decisive advantages in production and huge application variety. The company claims that by using its multi-color technology, it is possible to process up to 8 colors in a single length of fabric. The model recently shown in Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery Exhibition 2011 was a two track, 48 feed, 30 inch diameter machine in gauge E24 with a speed of 28 or 32 rpm with Terrot’s speed up function. The S4F348 has a redesigned cylinder and sinker cam curves which allow safer production at an increased speed factor of 840 (S4F348/6F348). The machine’s 2-slot yarn carrier is perfectly guided and guarantees excellent spandex and mesh plating.

Pai Lung

At ITMA Asia + CITME 2010 in Shanghai, Pai Lung introduced the PL-KDDSCJ, a new double jersey double selection electronic jacquard machine (cylinder and dial electronic selection) for high quality multi-color mattress coverings market. The one shown in Shanghai last year was the company’s pioneering home textiles models which was a 38” model in 20 gauge with 60 feeds, while the company is now offering the double knit full jacquard consisting of the new PL-KDDSCJ double knit double selection and the PL-KD1.5CJ, PL-KD2.5CJ, and PL-KD1.5J/SR (sinker ring) models, all three having cylinder selection only. With the individual dial and cylinder jacquard selecting system available in the machine, the PL-KDDSCJ can now offer a variety of high quality patterns on each side of double face fabric.

Orizio

At ITMA this year in Barcelona, Orizio is planning to exhibit three new models single jersey machines consisting of the new JH/V, the new JB41E, and the new JB3E. The new single jersey JH/V model is available as either a single or two cam track machine for the high volume production of plain single jersey and single jersey with Lycra with special sinker and needle cam profiles and special needles. The friction of all moving parts has been minimized in order to reach the production speeds of up to 50 rpm on a 30 inch diameter machine.

The new JB41E, with 1.6 feeders per diametrical inches, can produce single jersey basic stitch fabrics with 4 color stripers. At a 34 inch diameter, it can run up to 20 rpm with 54 feeders. Lastly, the new JB3E can knit single jersey 3 color striping fabric with its 2.4 feeders per diametrical inches. The machine is capable of running up to 22 rpm with 72 real operating feeds on 30 inch diameter.

Texion 

During the eighties, ProCad was launched first time in the market by Texion. Since then ProCad software has been upgraded and it is currently the perfect tool for processing multibar and jacquard-raschel patterns for machine production. The ProCad package is perfectly compatible with all machines supplied by Karl Mayer and Liba, partners of Texion. In addition to ProCad, Texion also provides ProFab which is a software tool for the networking of knitting machines and designed to achieve a higher degree of automation. Its modular structure consists of 4 elements, Designmanager; Jobmanager; Machinemanager; and Beammanager.