Open Width Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine: A Complete Guide

Introduction

The Open Width Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine is a revolutionary development in circular knitting, designed to produce single jersey fabric without tubular formation. Unlike traditional machines that yield fabric in tubular form, this one delivers the fabric in an open width (flat) format—eliminating the need for slitting and opening. This machine is a go-to solution for knitters seeking efficiency, quality, and versatility in producing high-quality single jersey fabrics.

What Is an Open Width Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine?

An Open Width Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine is a high-speed circular knitting machine with a take-down system and fabric spreading unit that opens the knitted tube into a flat format during production. It still uses the classic cylinder with latch needles, producing lightweight to medium-weight knitted fabrics suitable for a variety of applications.

Key Features

• Open Width Take-Down System:
  Equipped with rollers and fabric spreaders to lay out the fabric flatly.
• No Side Creases or Folding Marks:
  Fabric is ready for finishing or printing directly after knitting.
• High-Speed Operation:
  Capable of producing 20–30 RPM depending on diameter and yarn.
• Advanced Control Panel:
  Touchscreen interface for setting machine parameters and monitoring performance.
• Versatile Diameter & Gauge Options:
  Available in diameters from 24”–38” and gauges from 18G–36G.

Working Mechanism

1. Knitting Cylinder:
   Standard latch needles in a rotating cylinder form loops in a single jersey structure.
2. Fabric Spreader:
   The tubular fabric passes through a spreader which opens it up.
3. Open Width Take-Down:
   A driven roller take-down pulls the open fabric evenly, reducing tension and distortion.
4. Winding/Batching:
   Fabric is rolled into an open-width batch, ready for dyeing or printing.

Advantages

• Eliminates Slitting Cost & Waste:
  No need for cutting open tubular fabric—saves time and reduces waste.
• Better Fabric Quality:
  No crease lines or tension marks, ensuring superior finishing and printing results.
• Ideal for Sensitive Fabrics:
  Especially suitable for fabrics that deform or curl when cut from tubular form.
• Time & Labor Saving:
  Streamlined process cuts out several post-knitting steps.

Applications

• T-Shirt Fabric
• Underwear Fabric
• Sportswear
• Printing-Ready Fabric
• Fashionwear

Open width single jersey fabric is in high demand in garment dyeing, rotary printing, and sublimation processes.

Challenges

• Slightly Higher Machine Cost:
  Due to additional spreading and take-down mechanisms.
• Requires Skilled Operators:
  More mechanical components mean more technical handling.
• Maintenance Needs:
  Spreader rollers and batch rollers need regular cleaning and alignment checks.

Conclusion

The Open Width Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine is an essential tool for modern textile production, especially where fabric finishing quality and workflow efficiency are priorities. By delivering fabric in a ready-to-use flat format, it helps manufacturers reduce time, labor, and costs—while improving the overall quality and usability of knitted fabric. In an era of fast fashion and functional wear, this machine delivers both speed and perfection.