Italian circular knitting machine builder Pilotelli has exhibited a new sinkerless single jersey machine which is available in gauges as fine as 60 and as coarse as 18. The SL, which Pilotelli says is ‘true sinkerless’ with no added elements, was shown in 54 gauge at last month’s ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai. Previously the machine has only been exhibited at the recent Tuyap show in Turkey.

In Shanghai, Pilotelli showed 30 inch version of the 54 gauge SL which has a top running speed of 20 rpm and a 30 inch, 28 gauge SL. According to Pilotelli’s General Manager, Fabrizio Merz the SL has numerous advantages over the competition and has some unique features. The patented ‘sinkerless’ technology is believed to incorporate a ring which holds down stitches, replacing sinkers.

“The SL consumes 50% less oil and uses much less energy due to the fact that it has fewer moving parts. Our competitors use sinkers or some other kind of holding down elements which involves moving parts,” Merz told Knitting Industry.

“With the sinkerless SL we also eliminate vertical lines in the fabric giving beautiful high quality fabrics in fine gauges,” Merz said.

Pilotelli says it will build around 1000 machines in 2010 and claims to be ‘number one’ in Turkey and strong in Brazil. Until recently annual production was around 500 machines per year. The company includes amongst its customers, Miroglio in Italy, Lacoste in France, Schiesser in Germany, Nan Yang in Thailand and Pettenati and Menegotti in Brazil. Pilotelli manufactures both in Italy and at its subsidiary Pilotelli (Xiamen) Textile Machinery Co. Ltd. In China. The new SL is manufactured in Italy.

Pilotelli Macchine Tessili, which is based in Cazzago San Martino near Brescia in Italy, is best known for its JVCE-3 open width take-down single jersey machine which the company introduced in 2000. The JVCE-3 has been very successful and the company has shipped more than 1000 machines to Turkey alone. The company says that its customers particularly appreciate the JVCE-3 for its advanced technology and ease of use for the operator.

According to Pilotelli, other advantages of the new sinkerless SL model include, excellent visibility and access to the knitting elements, easy adjustment with elastane, patented fabric take-up system, reduced maintenance time and costs and reduced consumption of electricity, air, oil and longer needle life.