How to Choose Types of Weft Knitting Machines: A Beginner's Guide

Weft knitting is a versatile and widely used method in the textile industry. It produces knitted fabrics that are easy to construct, comfortable to wear, and provide excellent stretch and elasticity. Choosing the right types of weft knitting machinestypes of weft knitting machines for your production facility is a critical decision that can impact the efficiency and quality of your output. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the various factors you should consider when selecting a weft knitting machine.

Type of Knit Fabric.

Before buying any knitting machine, you need to consider the type of knit fabric you want to produce. Weft machines can create a variety of knit fabrics, including jersey, interlock, rib, pique, and many others. Each of these fabrics requires specific equipment that can handle the stitch types, thread count, and stretch requirements. For example, if you want to produce ribbed knit fabric, you'll need a machine that can handle the particular stretch and thread feed requirements of ribbed knitting.

Machine Gauge.

The gauge refers to the number of needles per inch on the machine. The machine's gauge determines how fine or coarse the fabric will be. A low gauge machine produces thicker fabric, while a high gauge machine produces finer fabric. In general, machines with a gauge of 12-14 are suitable for thick and heavy knitwear, while machines with a gauge of 28-32 are suitable for fine and delicate fabrics. Therefore, you need to determine the gauge of machine you require based on the type of knit fabric you require.

Type of Yarn.

The type, thickness, and elasticity of the yarn you use determine the type of weft knitting machines you should select. For example, cotton and wool yarns require a different type of machine than synthetic yarns. You need a machine that can handle the yarn's specific thickness and have a suitable feeder that can provide the exact amount of yarn required for each needle.

Single or Double Knit.

Single knit machines use one set of needles and produce fabric that has one side of the fabric featuring knit stitches and the other side featuring purls stitches. Double knit machines have two sets of needles that intersect each other and produce fabric that is thicker and more structured. If you're looking to produce double-knit fabrics such as rib or interlock, a double-knit machine is the right choice. However, if you're looking to produce single-knit fabrics such as jersey knit fabrics, a single-knit machine will suffice.

Automation Features.

Automation features can make knitting more comfortable, quicker, and more precise. The features you require depend on your production line's complexity and size and the types of fabrics you produce. For example, some machines have an automatic thread cutter that cuts the thread after each row, while others require manual cutting. Some machines have a signal light system that indicates the broken needle, whereas others have automated needle selection that allows you to create patterns without manually selecting needles.

Brand and Cost.

The machine brand you choose comes down to your personal preference, experience, and budget. There are several manufacturers who produce weft knitting machines for industrial purposes. These brands include Stoll, Shima Seiki, Karl Mayer, and Santoni. Moreover, the cost of the machine depends on factors such as the machine's size, gauge, brand, and automation features. Factors of cost must be considered before purchasing a machine.

Conclusion:

Weft knitting is a highly versatile method of knitting that produces stretchy and comfortable knit fabrics. However, choosing the right types of weft knitting machines is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding the type of knit fabric, machine gauge, yarn type, automation features, and brand and cost, you'll be better equipped to select the best weft knitting machine for your production needs.

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