Santoni – Latest Seamless Technology

Santoni, one of the leading seamless knitting machines, in June 2010 is exhibiting their latest seamless technology at ITMA ASIA and CITME in shanghai.

The Santoni business has been established since 1919 and was the first Italian manufacturer to circular knitting machines for socks and hosiery. The company has since been purchased by the Lonati family, who have been in the seamless circular knitting machine business since the 1940s.

Santoni sate that they are seamless by tradition and passion, the company was born, grown and developed seamless technology. These were the very qualities that the Lonati family wanted to nurture when taking over the company.

The special approach Santoni have in place is to know the needs of the seamless machine users. They understand that the main users are manufacturers and they have used this to adapt the machines for their needs.

Each machine has there unique pieces such as a each knitting bar is highly dynamic and precise linear motor control in both pull and push movement. The machine incorporates a compact jacquard selection system with ceramic piezo transducers, each of which is separately interchangeable. Another important innovation, Santoni says, is the way in which the movement of the knitting bars is controlled.

There is now a new Cad system for the SWD 6/2J, this was developed in conjunction with Santoni sister company Dinema. This new system allows any user to produce a knitted garment on a desk top or laptop, which the knitting machine then replicates. This is a friendly user system and has a preview of the garment before the final product is produced.

The knitting machines are all very user friendly with machine settings are pre-programmed on the assembly line and no need for adjustment. However a digital touch panel is used for more particular settings, so no keys, mechanical tools or gauges are needed.

Santoni also specialize in seamless circular weft knitting, with the model SM8 TR1 using special knitting needles allowing stitch transfer when knitting mesh or eyelets. The fabric produced is very even and secure but most importantly has breathing capacity, which is very sought after in sports wear.

There is also the universal seamless machine, SM9-MF, which is a double jersey machine. This machine provides a wide range of knitting structures, such as true rib, links-links, jacquard, stripes, poitelle and eyelet. The SM9-MF allows the users to produce pieces form underwear to outwear all have the same quality and finish. The machine can use both man-made and natural fibers, allowing it to cater for wide range of users.

Another model is the Atlas model is known for its ultra-fine gauge range, in specific the jersey model has a 30 inch diameter open width in 62 gauge. This model has been produced with Under Jacks, which is similar to a sinker but does not get in the way of the needle. The Atlas model has already been introduced into Europe and Asia giving great satisfaction to all customers.