Okamoto Japan Has Developed Needle Free Knitting Machines.

Okamoto, which produces socks, has released the development model of the rotor knitting machine that does not use needles.

The disc rotor is used instead of the needle, so it can save energy, realize miniaturization of the knitting machine and prevent yarn damage.

Because there is no need to worry about breaking the needle, the sound is also lighter than the previous model.

The development model has been completed, and "3 years later can actually be used for socks weaving as the goal to promote development" (President Okamoto Tetsuji)

Usually the weight of the knitting machine is 200 to 300 kilograms, but the rotor knitting machine is only 50 kilograms, very light.

In addition, it does not pull the yarn up and down, but is introduced in a circular way, so it can prevent yarn damage.

It is very rare to use rotor principle to weave needles without knitting needles.

In November 09, Okamoto published a paper on rotor knitting machine in Aachener Dresden international fiber society in Germany. In March 2010, it won the technical award at the Kansai branch of the Japan machinery society.

The difference of socks is largely influenced by knitting machines.

Okamoto president said: "the limit of knitting machine is the limit of socks".

The principle of rotor has been envisaged 30 years ago. "But it was very difficult at that time and it didn't work." Hirano Hideo, the developer, took the minister's review.

But with the influx of cheap overseas products, it is necessary to develop an epoch-making knitting machine as a professional manufacturer of socks, which has been officially developed since 5 years ago.

In the actual weaving of the heel part of the socks, it is necessary to control the rotor rotation to increase or decrease the coil.

In order to realize practicality, it is necessary to improve the durability and speed of the knitting machine.

The program can be developed to the actual stage of knitting socks in 3 years.

In addition, it is also conceived of the development of new knitting structures that cannot be achieved by knitting needles, and warp knitting machines and knitting machines other than circular knitting machines.

If the rotor knitting machine can be applied, Okamoto president said, "according to the demand is also prepared to sell machine."