China has dominated the world market in sock manufacturing machines, followed by Turkey and then Italy. Roughly one-third of the world’s sock machines come from China.
Sock knitting machines are specialized machines that use a wide variety of yarn or fiber to manufacture socks. Before the machine starts manufacturing socks, the raw material has to be washed and spun into yarn. Then starts the seaming process of the machine. A sock knitting machine can produce the desired quantity of socks in significantly less time.
The process of sock manufacturing involves the following steps:
- Coding of sock patterns
- Preparation of yarn
- Knitting of socks
- Sewing or linking socks
- Boarding
- Labeling and packaging.
Types of Socks Manufacturing Machines:
Today, due to advancements in technology, sock manufacturing machines are subject to continuous innovations. The modern sock manufacturing machines are easy, reliable, and comfortable to operate. The following are the types of sock manufacturing machines being used around the world today:
Electronic Sock Knitting machines
Electronic sock knitting machines produce highly professional socks. They are classified according to the type of knitting they perform and the number of cylinders they contain. Electronic sock manufacturing machines can be classified into the following types:
- Single-cylinder sock knitting machines
- Double cylinder sock knitting machines
Single Cylinder Sock Knitting Machines
As the name implies, the single-cylinder machine contains one cylinder, which doesn’t allow it to reverse the knit. This machine weaves plainly. Although sock manufacturing’s durability and flexibility on single-cylinder machines are low compared to double-cylinder machines, they have very flexible structures that make them highly in demand in the market. They are quick to respond to fashion trends. Besides flat knitting, they also produce jacquard knitting positions.
Single-cylinder sock machines produce multi-colored and patterned socks of high quality in various thicknesses. It can also manufacture 3D socks in 15 colors.
Double Cylinder Sock Machine
Double cylinder sock machines contain dual rollers that are positioned on top of each other. The dual cylinders allow the machine to perform reverse weave along with flat knitting. The socks manufactured on double cylinder sock knitting machines are durable. The needle can operate on both the top and bottom roller, and the top roller produces reverse knit, whereas the bottom roller produces a flat weave.
Socks manufactured on single-cylinder machines can easily be made on double-cylinder machines with suitable changes.
Double cylinder sock machines produce socks of varied thicknesses. It can also make embossed patterned socks.
Types Of Knitting In Socks Machines
There are three categories of electronic sock knitting machines according to the knitting position. They are:
- Sock knitting machine with the Jacquard position.
- Sock knitting machine with the link-link position.
- Sock knitting machine with flat knitting.
Sock Knitting machine with Jacquard position
In the jacquard position, yarns of various colors are used in particular positions for obtaining different desired sock thicknesses. Here, bilingual needles’ tongue is dropped towards the lower sleeve where the pattern balls perform the color selection. We can obtain embossed links by making specific changes in the machine settings.
These type of sock manufacturing can be further classified into two kinds according to function:
- Two systems (2 drops) Jacquard position sock knitting machine
- Three systems (3 drops) Jacquard position sock knitting machine
Two systems (2 drops) Jacquard position sock knitting machine
The 2-system Jacquard position machine adds two colors to the sock in a row. Here the number of colors used in a sock in a row remains constant. However, decreasing the shuttle color up to 6 or more can also be added. Dual cylinder machines are used for two system jacquard knitting.
Three systems (3 drops) Jacquard position sock knitting machine
Three system jacquard position knitting machines produce socks utilizing 3 colors in a row. The number of colors used in a row can be increased up to 9 or more by decreasing the shuttle. Although we can use an increased number of colors in the three system jacquard position machine, it is less flexible than the two system machine. The knitting features of the needles are decreased due to the increased number of colors.
Sock knitting machine with Link-link position
These are double cylinder machines that give the same color using auxiliary knitting elements and patterned balls. Like jacquard position machines, these machines also use two different systems. However, unlike the jacquard position, it has 3-pattern balls and 4-pattern balls. In the 3-pattern ball, two pattern balls produce jacquard weave, and the third pattern ball is for knitting link-link. In the 4-pattern ball system, three balls are used for the jacquard position, and the fourth is for link-link knitting.
Sock knitting machine with flat knitting position
These are the most straightforward and simple knitting machines. Color changes produce a variety of colours in the machine. Multicolour pattern option is also available in these machines. Flat knitting can be weaved on all machines.
Safety Compliance of Sock Manufacturing Machines
Modern sock manufacturing machines are compliant with the latest safety regulations and standards. For safety compliance, machines are required to have a metal cage. There should be a plastic guard fitted to the narrowing points.
The exposed hand shafts have loose fitted sleeves. The weaving mechanism is also totally enclosed. Trip guards are fitted for power safety. A safe and documented system for removing, disposing, and replacing needles and blades is given.
The pattern rolls, wheel, or drums are protected with guards. The emergency stop button is easily identifiable and immediately accessible.
Replacement Parts of Sock Manufacturing Machines
China leads the world market in supplying spare parts for sock manufacturing machines. The replacement parts are original and genuine. These can be delivered quickly to customers.
China meets the massive incoming demand for replacement parts each year. Sock manufacturing companies also assist clients in after-sales services, technical problems, etc.
You will find almost all sock manufacturing machine companies supplying spare parts or replacement parts at very reasonable costs.
Warranties of Sock Manufacturing Companies in China
Almost all reputed Chinese Companies producing sock manufacturing machines give one year warranty with their machine purchase. Moreover, they also provide after-sales services and technical assistance to the customers.
Maintenance of Sock Manufacturing Machines
Surprisingly, sock manufacturing machines are low maintenance and easy to operate. Maintenance involves careful observation of replacement parts. Depending on the running of your machine, service, and maintenance must be done. If your machine runs forty hours a week, cleaning should be done once a month of all the rollers and pattern balls.
Trade Shows of Sock Manufacturing Machines in China
Trade shows are organized to showcase the latest technological innovations and advancements in a particular industry. It provides the opportunity to examine recent market trends, companies’ activities, and their services.
The following are some of the major and significant Trade shows regarding textile manufacturing machines organized in China.
The 15th Shanghai International Hosiery Purchasing Expo
This Trade show is conducted in March every year. In the previous year, the 15th show was organized. Organizers were Shanghai aige exhibition service company. It is a highly influential global event in which well-known hosiery manufacturing brands from across the world participate. Last year 14757 participants attended the trade show.
Clothing Machines Trade Shows in Asia – Pacific 2021 – 2022
This mega global event is organized after every four years. Several countries participate in it. The main focus is on manufacturing machinery of sewing, embroidery, knitting, hosiery, and dyeing.
China International Hosiery Purchasing Expo
Organized in the Shanghai district of China, this Trade show is held in March. The main focus of this exhibition is the hosiery producing machines of the world. Last year, 658 enterprises participated in the event. It is organized to bring all merchants of the industry together to explore innovative technologies and seek development and prosperity in the industry.
China Machine Tool Exhibition
China Machine Tool exhibition is a display of the international marketplace of the latest developments in the machinery industry. There is a wide variety of machines available, including textile manufacturing and hosiery machines.
Shenzhen International Machinery Manufacturing Industry Exhibition
The SIMMI (Shenzhen International Machinery Manufacturing Industry Exhibition) is one of the most significant trade shows held in China. It brings together significant enterprises from all over the world. Participants get exposure to innovations in manufacturing machinery. It is a grand event not to be missed. It is due to be held on 30th March to 2nd April 2021 in the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shenzhen, China.
List Of Socks Manufacturing Machine Manufacturers in China
1. Zhuji Fengzu Import and Export Company Limited.
The Zhuji Fengzu, Import, and Export Company is a professional manufacturing and trading company in China. It specializes in the production of fully computerized sock manufacturing machines. The headquarters of the company is in Zhuji Datang district in China.
The company has a convenient transportation system.
Main Products
Main products of the Zhuji Fengzu Import and port company are:
- Knitting machines
- Sock sewing machines
- Sock manufacturing machines
- Flat knitting machines
- Textile machines
- Covering yarn machines
- Printing sock machines
- Socks boarding machines
- Air compressors
Service
The company provides miscellaneous services. It also supplies all kinds of yarn for making socks. The main varieties of yarn available for sale include cotton yarn, nylon yarn, polyester yarn, elastic yarn, etc.
Customer satisfaction is the objective of the company. All clients in the international market approve its high-quality products. It provides excellent after-sales services to all its customers.
Marketing Network
Zhuji Fengzu has an extensive marketing network. Its state-of-the-art machinery is exported to many distinguished companies in the world. Machines are exported to Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Mexico, India, and other countries.
Due to the top-notch machinery of Zhuji Fengzu, its marketing network is expanding continuously. The company strives to invent the latest technological advancements which could make such manufacturing easier.
2. Qingdao Huaruijiahe Machinery Company Limited
Qingdao Huaruijiahe Machinery was established in July 2017 on a vast area of 300 square meter plant. The company has over 30 years of experience in the production of state-of-the-art machinery. It operates on very high-quality Swiss equipment with the latest technology. Qingdao is a Huaruijiahe professional textile manufacturing machinery enterprise that excels in manufacturing ovens and spinning machines. The company is located at Qingdao near the airport for convenience.
It is a highly reputable company for its excellent customer satisfaction.
Marketing Network
Qingdao has highly trained professionals. The number of its trained foreign trade staff is less than 5. It also has an overseas branch in Nepal. The main buyers of Qingdao include Morocco, Nepal, Middle Eastern Countries, and South-East Asia. About 70% of the machinery produced in the country is exported to foreign countries.
Production Capacity
Qingdao Huaruijiahe Machinery’s production capacity is approximately 1 million US dollars to 2.5 Million US Dollars annually from 10 production lines. Goods are exported from the Qingdao port. The company has an export license.
Main Products
- Jute Yarn Production Line Machinery
- Non woven Fabric Production Line
- Textile Waste Recycling Line
- Filling Machine For Home Textile (Pillow & Toy )
- Quilt Series Production Line
- Non woven Single Machines
- Sample Small Spinning Machine
- Cotton Yarn Production line & Yarn Dyeing Series Machine
- Weaving loom
- Multi-function Packing Machine
- Wool Washing and Drying Line
- Knitting Machine and Parts
3. Shanghai Shiyu Machinery Group Company
Shanghai Shiyu Group is a leading company that specializes in the production of printing machinery. The company started operation in 1992 on an area of 300 square kilometres. The company strives for the latest advancements in the production of machinery to meet customers demands.
The company has the vision to become a high-end brand with no compromises on quality. They have highly skilled research professionals.
Marketing Network
The products of Shanghai Shiyu Machinery are distributed all over the world and supplied to significant countries and regions, such as Rusia, South-East Asia, Middle East, US, South America, Africa, etc. The company’s products are well received in the international market. The marketing network of Shanghai Shiyu covers over 50 countries.
Customer Service
The company is well-reputed for its customer service, superior quality machines, and their products’ reliability. Moreover, the easy maintenance makes their machines one of the most popular around the world.
Production Capacity
Shanghai Shiyu has an annual output capacity of 5 million to 10 million US Dollars. It has a trained foreign trading staff of 10 personnel. 90% of its production is exported internationally, which is shipped from Shanghai port.
Main Product Groups
- Cutting machine
- Mask making machine
- Printing Machine
- Sock Knitting Machine
- Filling machine
- packing machine
- Bag-Making Machine
- Bottle Capping Machine
4. Ningbo Credit Ocean Machinery Electron Co., Ltd
Ningbo Credit Ocean Machinery Electron Company Limited started operation in June 2007. It produces a wide variety of machines demanded in the market and specializes in the production of textile machinery. The company’s location is in Ningbo City, one of the largest commercial and industrial cities of China.
The product quality of Ningbo Machinery is high-end to meet international standards. One of the leading products of Ningbo company is Jacquard knitting sock machines.
Customer Service
Ningbo company adheres to the principles of customer first and quality first. Since its establishment, the company has strived to satisfy the potential requirements of its clients. Ningbo is a sincere company that keeps improving its customer service policies.
Production Capacity
90% of the machinery produced at Ningbo Credit Machinery is exported to companies around the world. Annual production amounts to 10 million to 50 million US dollars. The main buyers include America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Africa, and Middle East countries.
Main Product Groups
- needle loom
- Weaving Machine
- Die Cutting Machine
- Textile Machinery Parts & Accessories
- Sewing Machine
- Knitting Machine
- Non-Woven Fabric
- Multi-Function Packing Machine
- Sewing Thread & Tape
- Knife Cutting Machine
- Flexographic Printer
5. Zhejiang Rosso Equipment Manufacturing Company Limited
Zhejiang Rosso Equipment Manufacturing Company is a leading machine manufacturing company in China established in June 2010. It is located in the Zhuji city of Zhejiang district. It is a professional company with highly skilled staff. Their products’ quality is high-end as they are made on state-of-the-art machinery imported from Italy, Taiwan, and America.
The company owns forty machine centers in China, with over 105 trained employees.
Production Capacity
About 51% to 70% of the company’s machinery is imported to various countries. The company incurs an annual export revenue of 3 Million US Dollars annually. The output value is estimated at 5 Million to 10 Million US Dollars from 5 production lines. The company has an import and export license.
Main Product Groups
- sock knitting machine
- knitting machine parts
- sock toe linking machine auto parts
- Instrument Accessories
- Electric Accessories
- Agricultural machinery parts
- Machinery parts
Conclusion
To sum up, China is one of the leading suppliers of sock manufacturing machines in the world. It produces some of the most high-end technologies available. Moreover, due to innovation in the manufacturing machine industry continually, China has been able to beat all the countries of the world in technologically superior manufacturing units. Also, the price is so reasonable that even after shipping and customs expenses, you would be able to get a good quality machine at a lower price than the local machinery. The quality is so reliable that you wouldn’t need after-sales customer service, although almost every reputable company in China provides one.