Taiwanese circular knitting machine builder Pai Lung is to target India’s developing knitwear manufacturing sector with its fully fashioned flat knitting machines which it launched at the last ITMA Asia + CITME in 2008. Until then the company, which is a major circular knitting machine builder had only ever built simple flat machines for knitting collars and accessories.

Pai Lung now plans to take two of its PLF-KS132 computerized flat knitting machines, which have 52 inch needlebeds, one in 7 gauge and one in 12 gauge, to the 16th International Exhibition KNIT WORLD 2010 which is being held in Ludhiana, India from 12 – 15 March this year. The company also plans to exhibit a 14 gauge version of its PLF-KC2 collar knitting machine which has an 80 inch working width.

The PLF-KS132, which is available in 7, 12 and 14 gauge, is equipped for variable stroke knitting on a 52 inch (132cm) needlebed. The machine has a single carriage with two knitting systems, each with three way technique. Transfer is available from front to back, or from back to front simultaneously, regardless of carriage direction.

The PLF-KS132’s needle Selection is full-jacquard solenoid selection and stitch density is electronically controlled at 60 levels. The machine has a maximum knitting speed of 1.2 metres per second.

Pai Lung says that when its clients asked the company whether it could produce a computerized flat knitting machine on its own, the company felt inspired to investigate flat knitting technology. “After years of efforts, we are glad that we make it. Combined with our mature techniques and design concept, this PLF-KS132 surely surpasses all expectation. In addition to working with our circular knitting machines as well as integrated total solution services, our clients can be empowered to produce variety of clothes with high efficiency, which broadens their service range and boots business volume.” James Wang, Pai Lung President, said.

Pai Lung says it successfully invented the machine after three years dedication, and claims that the PLF-KS132 was definitely a highlight at the last ITMA Asia + CITME. The company claims that its features follow the example of high precision machinery and it can be handled by one operator to cover six employees' work, permitting mass productivity, great efficiency and high cost performance to customers. Pai Lung also claims that 'no boundary for knitting fabrics' is possible, indicating that the machine is highly versatile.

In view of growing market demand of flat knitting machines, especially in China, Pai Lung claims that there are many problems from domestic machines, with unstable control systems, poor component function and performance and lack of user friendly interface. Pai Lung also claims that many manufacturers mistakenly use imported control units, causing difficulty in maintenance and high repair expenses.

Pai Lung states that the PLF-KS132 will make an excellent choice in the market, as it is based on the same design concept as its circular knitting machines. Their built in central production management and control systems runs precisely for data collection and analysis, and is equipped with PLC and communicating interface which can be connected to Pai Lung’s on-line monitoring system, electronic yarn rate monitoring and tape speed control.

According to Pai Lung, its affiliate companies which manufacture cams and needle cylinders are reliable subcontractors and are capable of providing the ultra-fine components so that the PLF-KS132 will reach an optimum level of functionality, will be more durable and will be of high quality.