Popular German flat knit machine builder Stoll, known for quality and flexibility in the world of knitting for more than 139 years, has launched an exciting prototype flat knitting machine CMS 530 HP-ADF with direct yarn feed and motorised yarn feeders. Disclosing the information Michael Sedlag, Director, R&D, explained that it gets its name from ‘Autarkic Direct Feed’, with the word autark, in Germany meaning ‘independent’ or ‘self-sufficient’ – referring to the individually controlled yarn feeders.
Knitting a complex multi-colour intarsia pattern with an extra fine 18 gauge and an E7.2 gauge version, the machine produces complex multi-colour reverse plaited striped intarsia fabric. CMS 530 HP-ADF is radically different to Stoll’s current machine range where feeders are moved in and out of the knitting area by the cam box or carriage and where the yarn path to the needles runs from the yarn packages at the rear of the machine via the top mounted yarn control units and side mounted friction feed wheels at either or both sides of the machine. Here the machine yarn path is simplified by being fed directly from the top mounted yarn control units to the needles between the open or split carriage – there is no prohibitive bow connecting the front and rear cam boxes. Direct feed not only lowers yarn tension but also equalises yarn tension as the carriage moves back and forward leading to better quality fabrics.
The ADF’s yarn feeders are completely independent of the carriage movement and controlled by motors. They are fitted with eight double-sided radically positioned feeder rails and can be fitted with 16 feeders for each end of the machine giving a maximum of 32 feeders. Each of the 32 feeders is driven by two motors via belts – a larger motor controls the horizontal movement of the feeder and a smaller motor controls the up and down movement of the feeder. The ADF’s standard feeders can be used for normal knitting, intarsia, plaiting and inlay.
Stoll says there is no longer a need to change feeders for specific applications.
