Body Size Circular Knitting Machine

Start with the garment, not the machine name

Body-size knitting is chosen when the factory wants a tubular garment section that follows a size chart instead of a wide roll that must be cut and sewn into shape. The old Kunyuan record lists SBD and DBD body-size applications, with a recorded 3–26 inch diameter range, 3G–50G gauge range, and 9F–78F feeder range. Those values describe the archived offer; the exact cylinder, needle arrangement, and feeder count still need to be confirmed for the buyer’s size program.

This machine is a good candidate for underwear, base layers, fitted tops, leggings, and similar programs where the finished circumference matters. It is not a reason to promise “any size” or “seamless” performance without a size-specific trial. Yarn recovery, stitch length, finishing relaxation, and the garment pattern can all move the final measurement.

How the body-size route changes production

The circular path forms a tube continuously. For a single-jersey body-size program, the important question is how the selected diameter and gauge translate into the relaxed circumference and fabric weight. A double-jersey body-size program needs a separate review of the two-bed construction, hand, stretch, and the way the take-down handles the thicker tube. The archived record shows 9F–78F as a feeder reference, but it does not define one universal setting for every size or yarn.

Ask the supplier to mark the proposed SBD or DBD configuration on the quotation. Include the size chart, yarn composition and count, target weight, stretch direction, and finishing route. If the same machine will make several sizes, list the change parts and the program files for each size rather than treating them as a single recipe.

Configuration questions that affect the result

A body-size acceptance trial

Use production-representative yarn, not a demonstration yarn selected because it runs easily. Knit at least one representative size from each construction that will be ordered. Label the program, cylinder/needle set, yarn lot, stitch settings, speed, and finishing condition.

Before approving the run, check five points: circumference at agreed relaxation time; length and skew; fabric weight; visible needle lines, holes or barre; and the recovery after the specified stretch. For a double-jersey tube, add a check of the inside/outside balance and any laddering that appears when the tube is opened. Keep the accepted tube and the measurement sheet with the signed configuration. If a value is missing from the offer, keep it as an open item instead of inventing a tolerance.

Maintenance points operators can actually see

Start each shift by checking the yarn path, stop motions, needle zone and take-down alignment. A repeated line at one position deserves a location check; a random hole pattern also calls for a yarn-lot and handling review. Keep a simple log of stops, manual interventions, program revisions and the size that was running. Clean and lubricate according to the supplied machine procedure, and isolate power before entering the knitting zone.

The first signs of drift on this product are often practical: the same size begins measuring differently after relaxation, a tube develops a diagonal, or a take-down mark repeats at a fixed interval. Recording the change before increasing speed is more useful than quoting a headline RPM.