Core Classifications and Application Scenario Analysis of Circular Knitting Machines
 
As the core equipment for mass-producing knitted fabrics in the textile industry, the classification of circular knitting machines revolves around core requirements such as weaving technology, needle bed structure, and fabric type. Different types of equipment correspond to differentiated production scenarios and product positioning. The following is an explanation of mainstream classifications and key characteristics in the industry:
 
I. Classification by Number of Needle Beds
 
- Single-sided circular knitting machine: Equipped with only one needle bed, it forms single-sided fabrics (such as jersey, mesh fabric) through the cooperation of knitting needles and sinkers. With a simple structure, high speed, and high output, it is suitable for producing lightweight fabrics like underwear fabric and T-shirt fabric, serving as the basic capacity configuration equipment in textile factories.

- Double-sided circular knitting machine: Features upper and lower two needle beds, capable of knitting double-sided fabrics (such as rib fabric, interlock fabric). The fabrics have a dense structure and excellent elasticity, mostly used for producing thermal underwear, sportswear fabric, coat lining, etc. Some models support double-sided jacquard technology to expand product diversity.
 
II. Classification by Weaving Technology
 
- Plain knitting machine: Mainly used for knitting basic plain fabrics, with simple technology, convenient operation, and high production efficiency. It is the most widely used basic model in the knitting industry, suitable for mass-producing standardized fabrics.

- Jacquard circular knitting machine: Equipped with a jacquard mechanism (mechanical jacquard or electronic jacquard), it can knit fabrics with patterns and designs (such as striped fabric, camouflage fabric, jacquard fabric). Electronic jacquard machines support complex pattern programming with large pattern repeats and high precision, suitable for producing mid-to-high-end apparel and home decoration fabrics.

- Terry knitting machine: Knits terry-structured fabrics (such as towel fabric, sweatshirt fabric) through special needles. The terry height is adjustable, and the fabrics have outstanding water absorption and warmth retention properties, widely used in the production of home wear, sports sweatshirts, towels, and other products.

- Rib knitting machine: Specializes in knitting rib fabrics, which have good elasticity and excellent neckline/cuff/waistband finishing effects. It is often used for apparel accessories like collars, cuffs, and waistbands, and can also produce whole-piece rib fabrics for splicing designs.

- Transfer knitting machine (lateral transfer machine): Has the function of needle bed lateral transfer, enabling changes in fabric structure (such as hollowed-out, eyelet, composite weave). The fabrics have a strong three-dimensional sense and novel styles, mostly used for producing high-end women's clothing and fashion fabrics.
 
III. Classification by Gauge (Machine Number)
 
Gauge refers to the number of knitting needles per inch on the needle bed, directly determining fabric density and fineness:
 
- Coarse gauge machine (low machine number): Usually with a gauge of E6-E12, it has large needle spacing, producing thick fabrics with obvious mesh (such as thick-thread sweatshirt fabric, knitted coat fabric), suitable for autumn and winter apparel and home textiles.

- Medium gauge machine: With a gauge of E14-E18, it balances fabric thickness and fineness, being the most versatile model. It can produce mainstream products such as T-shirt fabric, underwear fabric, and ordinary sportswear fabric.

- Fine gauge machine (high machine number): With a gauge of ≥E20, it has dense needles, producing lightweight, soft fabrics with delicate textures (such as silk-like fabric, high-end underwear fabric), mostly used for high-end close-fitting apparel and light luxury home textiles.
 
IV. Classification by Transmission Method
 
- Mechanical transmission circular knitting machine: Adopts mechanical gear and cam transmission, with a stable structure and low maintenance cost. It is suitable for standardized, mass production of basic fabrics, but has poor flexibility in pattern replacement and process adjustment.

- Electronic transmission circular knitting machine: Equipped with servo motors and electronic control systems, it has adjustable speed and precise operation, supporting rapid pattern switching and digital setting of process parameters. It adapts to the production needs of small batches, multiple varieties, and high precision, and is the mainstream direction of current industry upgrading.
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