Professional needlewomen and seamstresses need to purchase knitting machines to simplify and automate the process and increase productivity. Initially, such sophisticated equipment was used on an industrial scale, but with the development of technical capabilities, models appeared on which you can work at home.
How to choose an automatic knitting machine for the home?
When choosing a knitting machine, they are guided by the tasks that the technique must solve. Based on such criteria:
- Type of things to be knitted.
- The thickness of the threads used. According to this parameter, the machines are divided into several classes: the thinner the thread, the higher the class. Universal models do not exist, but the 5th class is considered more optimal, the settings of which allow you to vary the thickness.
- Cost. The price of a knitting machine depends on the type of control, country of manufacture and class.
Classification
Computer-controlled knitting machines are classified according to two criteria: the number of textures and the type of control.
By the number of fountains distinguish:
- Single-circuit machines. They knit only a one-sided fabric, perform the main types of knitting.
- Double-circuit machines. They can work with various patterns, combinations and circular knitting.
By type of management:
- Mechanical knitting machines.
- Computer knitting machines.
Advantages of Computer Controlled Machines
One and two-loop computer knitting machines stand out for a number of advantages:
- Simplicity of management and operation. Detailed illustrated manuals are included.
- They allow you to knit complex products without resorting to manual work.
- Double-loop knitting machines can knit products according to specified contours, which makes the process more economical.
- Wide technical capabilities allow knitting various products on a computer machine.
Unlike mechanical models, automated units take up a lot of space and do not understand.
Despite all the advantages, knitting machines with computer control have a drawback - high cost. Next, consider what is offered to the consumer from this category.
Types of computer-controlled knitting machines
Models of knitting machines are equipped with software that is easy and convenient to control. For specialized ateliers, it is better to purchase industrial knitting machines with computer control. On such models not only more accurate software is installed, but also engines characterized by high power, due to which they can develop high speed.
The process of assembly and production of parts for knitting machines is somewhat simplified, but this does not affect the quality of the finished equipment and related products.
Computer-controlled industrial knitting machines stand out for their technical characteristics and dimensions. As a rule, such models are very large and able to work under conditions of constantly high operational loads.
The wide functionality of industrial machines allows you to use them at home and carry out various accessories and knitwear.
Rating of computer knitting machines
Computer-controlled knitting machines are the best option for amateurs and professionals. Electronic models for home use provide a wide scope for creativity and the implementation of ideas for creating knitted objects due to the ability to download the necessary patterns through a PC, simplifying technological processes and high speed of knitting along these contours. The rating includes several models that have received positive reviews. Computer-controlled knitting machines, despite their capabilities, have an obvious minus - high cost.
Addi-Express Professional
A circular knitting machine that allows novice craftsmen to obtain models with rather complex textures and styles as a result. It works in two modes - circular knitting with a diameter of 15 cm and knitting a straight web with a width of 20 cm. It makes it possible to create products of different styles.
You can work on the machine with any yarn with a diameter of 3.5 to 8 mm, regardless of the density and composition of the fiber. The knitting process is facilitated by the presence of an automatic counter and does not require visual inspection of the finished web.
Computer-controlled knitting machine, 22 main needles, several spare and other parts are made by Addi, a German brand, and are distinguished by their corresponding quality. The kit comes with a disk with information and software.
Prym Maxi 624170
One of the easiest knitting machines to use. Knitting speed is high, you can work with any yarn.
The manufacturer of the semi-automatic "mill" is the oldest German company Prym. The unit can work in several modes, which allows you to change the settings of the machine and knit round 44 needles or rows, depending on the style of the workpiece and the task.
Accurate and even supply of threads to the work area is provided by the thread guide. The formation of loops and the creation of knitted rows is carried out by needles.
The yarn feed to the yarn guide is controlled by a tensioning device, preventing “hooks” and sagging, which positively affects the quality of the finished product and the formed loops.
BROTHER KH 930 / KR 850
A machine model that compares favorably with other computerized units with a long service life and ease of operation. For those who are just planning to master the knitting skills, BROTHER is the best option. An openwork carriage is supplied with the machine, which allows you to connect a robot carriage and knit punch weaves. To simplify knitting patterns, you can purchase a local device.
Owners of a knitting machine in the reviews note the excellent characteristics of the model: 200 needles in the kit, unlimited rapport, 555 patterns in memory, the ability to create and save their own ornaments. The main advantage is a large working resource - you can knit several things every day, and in this mode the machine will work for more than one year. Computer-controlled knitting machine is suitable for those who make things to order.
BROTHER KH 970 / KR 850
This model is discontinued, but it can still be purchased in online stores. The acquisition of expensive equipment will be fully justified, since the Japanese model is considered one of the best computer knitting machines for home use. With its help, it is possible to knit products of various complexity at a professional level without the limitations of a needlewoman’s imagination. Connecting to a computer allows you to develop your own model of clothing, choosing the sizes, type and density of knitting, ornament and other parameters.
The machine is equipped with a carriage designed for knitting openwork patterns of any complexity. The software allows storing 665 variants of ornaments. You can also add your own patterns to the memory, which allows you to avoid re-creating the project in the future. The users who worked on the machine claim that it can be used both for home and professional purposes.
SILVER REED SK 840 / SRP60N
The Japanese Silver Reed knitting machine belongs to the equipment of the 5th class. Two rows of 500 needles are located at a distance of 4.5 mm, the needle beds themselves are monoblock, steel, rapport varies from 2 to 200 needles.
A feature of the computer-controlled knitting machine Silver Reed is the ability to create an ornament of any complexity, including manually created using special software. By the way, the software is sold separately from the unit. Users in the reviews note the ease and simplicity of building patterns according to individual parameters and standard sizes.
In the memory of the machine different types of weaves are stored: culinary smoothness, elastic bands, weaving, zigzag knitting, jacquard, hosiery, openwork and others. The wide functionality of the device fully justifies its high cost. Finished products are of high quality and not inferior to the store ones.