Brescia - Italy's Busi Giovanni has expanded the technical range of its Twin Layer technology, a flagship model from the company's renowned Gold range of sock knitting machines.
The patented Busi Twin Layer for knitting technical socks with two independent layers, is now available with a 4 ins diameter and 132 needles, enabling production of a wider range of socks.
Key features include true rib and selected terry knitting, two-layer sock capability, internal pockets option for innovative sock functionality, and otional Rimaglio device for seamless, automatic toe-closing.
Busi has also conducted a series of field tests with a professional Milan-based soccer team, with the innovative internal pockets used to hold sports items such as shin-pads. This means there is no direct contact between the shin guards and the skin, therefore avoiding excessive perspiration and unpleasant irritations.
This single-cylinder sock-knitting machine is capable of producing two fabric layers at the same time (with the ability to use different yarns), which has made a significant impact on the sportswear market over the last few years.
During production, the patented device allows the internal sock to be knitted through the latch needles in the dial while the external part of the sock is knitted through the cylinder needles.
The two fabrics that form the sock are knitted at the same time and can be joined; they merge into one fabric at the welt at the heel and at the toe of the sock. This way the two fabrics cannot slide one onto the other. It is also possible to begin and interrupt the second layer during a revolution allowing the production of shaped pockets inside the sock.
The above feature, added to the fact that of course the two fabrics can be knitted using different fibres and that the machine is provided with a device for the selected terry, enables the production of "technical socks" with specific features that were not previously possible.
"This fact, in addition to the possibility of having the double layer in only certain parts of the sock (only foot or only sole) will offer to the users of this machine the chance to knit highly innovative products." says Busi. "In addition to this, in case of patterned socks, the yarn ends that normally are inside the sock will be 'packed' in between the two layers thus ensuring a better comfort and a perfect wearing of the sock."
The terry device enables the machine knitting the sandwich terry and the normal terry even in the same sock without any mechanical change. It also enables the fully automatic switching from plain stitch to half terry and to full terry.
Optional elements on the Twin Layer system include a device for the production of 3-dimensional patterning and the installation of the latest Rimaglio 3.0 device for classic linking.
The Twin Layer is available in 4 and 4 1/2 ins diameter with between 132 and 156 needles and in gauge 36G.
Knitting possibilities include 1x1 true rib welt, double welt, embroidery patterns in five colours plus the ground as well as embroidery patterns on a mock rib base with four colours per course plus the ground.
Further options include a single feed mesh pattern with an additional five colours per course plus the ground, floated yarn mesh patterns in two feeds, two colour jacquard patterns on a flat knit base and true rib fabric in 1x1, 3x1, 5x1 and true rib etc.
