An outstanding example of this comes in the guise of the FS 2.0, a circular knitting machine for rib production which serves the standard market segments in the field of men's, ladies' and children's underwear. This machine offers everything the exacting circular knitting factory has a right to expect from market leader Mayer & Cie. But one of the most significant highlights of the ITMA 2003 was the fact that this machine is capable of holding the stitch in position following a yarn breakage.
The first rib machine capable of automatic knitting on.
With the FS 2.0, for the very first time Mayer & Cie. has succeeded in creating a rib circular knitting machine capable of holding the stitch in position following a yarn breakage. This allows it to knit on automatically itself once the yarn breakage has been
remedied, and cuts out the laborious and universally dreaded task of joining on. This functional feature significantly reduces unproductive standstill periods.
Knock-over sinkers are used in the cylinder of the FS 2.0 to allow immediate "knitting on", in the same way this is done in single jersey circular knitting machines.
In single jersey machines, the stitches are held back by the knock-over sinker in the area between two plain stitches. This area is termed the "sinker stitch".
In double jersey circular knitting machines, by contrast, alternating plain and purl stitches are positioned next to each other. These stitches are in turn joined by "sinker stitches". These connecting stitches are supported and held down by the nose of the knock-over sinker during needle clearance. This means that, in the event of a yarn breakage, the FS 2.0 can quickly and simply knit on again in conjunction with the automatic servo motor-controlled tape regulating function and the "knitting-on aid" program which can be selected at the display.
More efficient production of quality fabric.
With its 4.5 mm delayed timing function, the FS 2.0 guarantees outstanding fabric elasticity. The FS 2.0 provides impressive proof that quality and high output need not be mutually exclusive. The needle is guided smoothly and reliably by the positive needle guidance with gentle deflection in the cam track, enhancing fabric quality and reducing wear. The diagonally guided take-down cams take care of immediate and controlled release of the stress on the formed stitch, resulting in extreme reliability. The FS 2.0 achieves its high output level as a result of 2 feeders per inch diameter, high speed and extremely low susceptibility to faults. Its "knitting on" capability naturally also plays a significant role in any productivity analysis.
Flexible response to customer requirements through versatility
Efficient bulk production is decisive to success in the underwear sector. Despite this, a future-oriented method of further enhancing machine capacity utilization is through versatility. To address this need, the FS 2.0 covers the entire underwear segment from plain rib through to tuck rib and single jersey including plated fabrics. With the aid of exchange cams, it can be simply and quickly reset from tuck to miss-knit.
The production scope encompasses plain rib, plain single jersey, 2:2 rib or needle-out, two-thread working, rib tuck, half-cardigan, thermal, tuck ripple, half Milano, double face and Milano rib. Plating takes place on the dial needles with a high degree of elasticity, both for normal plating and also when using elastomers.
Summary
With the FS 2.0 as part of its machine range, Mayer & Cie. is able to offer a versatile fine rib machine capable of producing top fabric quality without compromising on performance and at minimized cost. The FS 2.0 offers extreme operating simplicity and is quickly productive again after a yarn breakage.
The range encompasses cylinder diameters of 14 to 34 inches and machine gauges of E10 to E16, E18 and E20. The machine reaches speeds of up to 1.5 m/s (38 rpm with 30 inches).
