Circular Knitting Machines
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This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
Circular Knitting Machines are knitting machines that arrange needles in a circular cylinder (and optionally a circular dial) to produce a seamless, tubular fabric. These range from hand-cranked domestic sock machines to massive, automated industrial units.
Types of Circular Machines[edit]
1. Hand-Cranked Sock Machines (CSM)[edit]
Commonly referred to as CSMs, these are small, gear-driven circular machines operated manually by turning a hand crank.
- Design: Feature a vertical needle cylinder, and can be fitted with a ribber dial for ribbing stitches.
- Use: Primarily used by hobbyists to produce socks, tubes, and leg warmers.
- Example Models: Erlbacher (Gearhart clone).
2. Plastic Toy / Hobby Machines[edit]
Inexpensive, hand-cranked plastic machines popular for quick accessories:
- Design: Feature static plastic pegs with sliding latch needles.
- Use: Used to knit hats, tubes, and panels quickly.
- Example Models: Addi Express, Sentro 48.
3. Industrial Circular Machines[edit]
High-speed, multi-feed automated machines used in mass textile manufacturing:
- Design: Feature dozens or hundreds of yarn feeds (feeds) feeding yarn simultaneously into a rotating needle cylinder.
- Use: Used to produce t-shirt fabric (single jersey), rib knitwear, fleece, and seamless underwear.
- Example Manufacturers: Mayer & Cie., Monarch, Santoni (famous for seamless body-size garments), Fukuhara.