Tricot Knitting Machines and Fabrics

Tricot machines: fine gauge (E24-E36, 24-36 needles per inch, lightweight fabrics for lingerie, linings), medium gauge (E18-E24, apparel, swimwear), producing smooth, run-resistant fabrics with good drape, width 80-260 inches (2.0-6.6 m), speeds 1,000-2,000 courses/min. Guide bar configurations: single bar (basic, unstable), two-bar (most common, front bar 1-0/1-2, back bar 1-0/0-1 creating stable structure with good hand, 60-150 GSM typical for apparel), three-bar (adding middle bar for pattern, texture, reinforcement), and four-bar (complex structures, heavy fabrics). Typical tricot constructions: Single bar tricot (lightweight, sheer, 40-80 GSM, linings), Two-bar tricot (standard lingerie, sleepwear, 80-150 GSM, smooth face/textured reverse), Satin tricot (long underlaps creating satin-like luster, evening wear, 100-180 GSM), and Sharkskin/Milliskin (compact structures, swimwear, activewear, 180-250 GSM, excellent shape retention, chlorine resistance). Applications: 60% lingerie/sleepwear, 20% apparel (linings, dresses, blouses), 15% swimwear/activewear, 5% home textiles.