Germany-based H. Stoll GmbH & Co. KG's CMS ADF-3 flat knitting machine brings knitters expanded yarn-carrier functions to enable more complex and creative designs vis-à-vis color and structural technique combinations. The machine features 16 rails, each having two yarn carriers. Stoll carried over all multi-gauge and flexible-gauge knitting functions from previous machine generations to the CMS ADF-3, which covers gauges ranging from E 10 to E 18 as well as multi-gauge gauges.
According to the company, the advanced yarn-carrier technology makes this machine unique. The carriers, based on 32 motorized yarn carriers, move independently from the carriage and may move in a horizontal or vertical manner. This movement, controlled by the pattern program, represents almost unlimited pattern and color possibilities for the designer.
Color fields smaller than 1 inch may be knitted on the CMS ADF-3, and inverse and intarsia plating features add to the machine's color-combination and design options.
The company reports the knitting machine was designed to be efficient and ergonomic. Knitting sequences reduce the stroke, and machine downtime is reduced as a result of faster retrofitting times than for previous-generation machines. Ergonomic features include a sliding bobbin board and a V-shaped yarn control installed in a low position to ensure yarn carriers do not cross one another.
The machine features a 2-inch yarn-carrier staggering distance, a 0.6-inch color field distance, direct yarn feed, and 2 x 16 individual clamping and cutting devices.
"With the CMS ADF-3, we have made a decisive step forward in the future of knitting," said Heinz-Peter Stoll, CEO, H. Stoll. "For knitting machine manufacturers, the market remains exciting, but tense."
