19 June 2008, Brescia, Italy – Leading manufacturer of single and double cylinder hosiery machines, Lonati S.p.A, showed its commitment to the medical compression hosiery sector by demonstrating its latest Medical range of single cylinder four feed machines for the manufacture of classes 1, 2 and 3 medical compression hosiery, during the Santoni Days event from 5-7 June.

The Medical L40ME, L45ME, L50ME, L55ME and L60ME are 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 inch diameter machines respectively and gauges offered as standard are 75 (0.34mm), 70 (0.41mm), 54 (0.5mm) and 48 (0.6mm).

International Sales Director for Lonati, Sergio Del Re, told Knitting Industry: “Machines for the manufacture of prescription compression hosiery is a growing business for us. From a knitting perspective, compression hosiery has very special requirements and we have even developed our own yarn feed system for the Medical range.”

Class 1,2 and 3 compression hosiery are medical devices registered with the regulatory authorities in Europe, which have undergone clinical trials on patients. They are prescribed by clinicians who are treating patients for diseases of the skin such as venous ulceration and various post operative conditions and incorporate a pressure gradient from the ankle to promote blood circulation.

From a hosiery perspective, yarn feed and control becomes critical for compression hosiery and Lonati’s Medical range is fitted with no fewer than three “elastic control devices”: Lonati’s own covered elastane yarn stretcher device with MPP motor and yarn break detection sensors (max. 4 per machine) (see image left); Dinema Yo Yo device to control elastic unwinding and elastic tension (max. 12 per machine); and Memminger Elan 21 bare elastane feeder (max. 4 per machine).

Full specifications for the Lonati Medical range are given in Lonati’s catalogue below.

Technical Sheet

Medical L40ME(4") - L45ME(4"½) L50ME(5") - L55ME(5"½) L60ME(6") DESCRIPTION Single cylinder, 4 feeders machine for the manufacturing of 1-2-3 compression classes medical goods with heel and toe in one feeder alternated motion with two raising and lowering pickers, heel and toe pocket. - Two electronic pattern drum selection for each feeder (one in the “tuck point” position and one in the “clearing point” position), selectors overturning through traditional extraction (rocker). - 4 or 2 feeders electronic pattern. - heel and toe in alternated motion in different dimensions and at any point of the fabric. - integral electronic programming of manufacturing process. - style memory , 8 sizes each style - automatic style selection thr ough machine keyboard or Digraph3 PLUS - high resolution colour display - Motorized raising dial. - 2 motors sinkers cap - Motorized stitch cams.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS L40 ME: 4" Ø cylinder– L45 ME: 4"½ Ø cylinder L50 ME: 5" Ø cylinder -L55 ME: 5"½ Ø cylinder L60 ME: 6" Ø cylinder Pallet needles 9,5mm Gauge: 75 (0,34mm) – 70 (0,41mm) – 54 (0,5mm) – 48 (0,6mm). (Quantity of needles can be changed upon request) Max. speed: 400-500 rpm Machine motion with coaxial BRUSHLESS motor with needle cylinder. Activation of needle raising cam pins trough pneumatic impulses. Motorized stitch cams. Electronic control of fabric quality obtained by cylinder movement by step motor enabling a wide range of graduation possibilities. Pressure lubrication. Programmable oil quantity. Static or rotary universal anti-twist Electronic incremental programmable suction shutter valve. Suction device automatically cuts off when the machine stops. Buffer battery for black-out.

ELASTIC TENSION CONTROL DEVICE YoYo Dinema device to control elastic yarn unwinding and elastic tension (max quantity 12/machine) Coated elastic yarn stretcher device with MPP motor and yarn break detection sensors (max quantity 4/machine) Nuda Lycra feeder, Elan 21 Memminger type (max quantity 4/machine)

Catalogue: courtesy of Lonati S.p.A