ITMA ‘99 - Technological Achievements in the Field of Knitting

Abstract

In the opinion of all the visitors, exhibits that could be seen in the field of knitting technology at the ITMA ‘99 exhibition in Paris were nothing revolutionary new, but just a continuation of an evolutionary development in the field. So called sliding needle was presented, such that makes 12 ways of knitting possible on a flat knitting machine (12- way technique). The gauge of flat knitting machines has been improved to 20E, and the technique of simultaneous knitting with a number of gauges perfected (gaugeless knitting). In the field of circular knitting, doublebed jacquard has been developed, with the choice of needles in both beds, as well as possibility of knitting shoulder braces in a continuous manner on various articles of ladies‘ garment. Double-side warp knitting machines, with the ability to realise considerable savings in production, were also presented. Flexibility of operation was, and still is, the main concern of machine designers, as it is the only answer to progressively more complex demands of the market and constantly changing fashion trends. Knitted articles have been used in a growing number of applications, and the proportion of various technical knitted products is more and more pronounced.