Germany-based circular knitting machinery manufacturer Beck GmbH now offers a jacquard machine in E 44 as part of its Select product line of single- and double-jersey machinery, which is manufactured in Germany. The new machine features full three-way individual needle selection technology - including new needle selection and machine control systems - at each feeder; and is targeted to applications including lingerie, sportswear and outerwear; and, potentially, to technical textiles.

Beck collaborated with its pilot customer Händel + Diller, a Germany-based knitter, and the new machine now is being used to produce high-end lingerie fabrics fully plated with spandex yarn. In addition to the ultrafine gauge, the new jacquard machine features a radio-frequency-controlled open-width takedown, which ensures perfect and crease-free fabric wind-up, according to the company.

Beck reports it partnered with Germany-based Groz-Beckert, Memminger-Iro and Kern-Liebers to customize the knitting elements in order to ensure perfect spandex plating.

Fabrics produced on the E 44 jacquard machine feature almost equal bi-elasticity and very low fabric weight. According to Beck, such fabrics previously could be produced only on ultrafine-gauge machines using mechanical needle guidance. The company adds that all sorts of staple fiber and filament yarns can be processed, with optional spandex plating at each feeder. Micro-hole fabric structures can be produced using an optional mesh kit that functions even in combination with spandex plating.

The Select line also includes ultrafine-gauge open-width frame machines offering mechanical needle guidance up to E 70. For the future, the company anticipates development of a mechanical megafine E 100 gauge machine.

Beck also has updated its single-jersey high-speed BSM 3.0 Select machine. Improvements include modified and improved cam and yarn guide design to enable speeds of 45 revolutions per minute in a 30-inch tubular frame in gauges as fine as E 32 in combination with spandex plating. Beck reports the BSM 3.0 Select significantly lowers energy costs and offers a very good price/performance ratio.

As a complement to its Select line, Beck offers a Basic product line, which is produced in Asia.

January/February/March 2010