Automatic Warp Knitting Machine: A Comprehensive Industry Guide for Global Buyers

Introduction to Automatic Warp Knitting Machines

An automatic warp knitting machine is a high-speed textile production system that forms fabric by interlocking loops of yarn in a longitudinal (warp) direction. Unlike weft knitting, where yarn runs horizontally, warp knitting uses multiple parallel yarn sheets fed from a beam, allowing for faster production rates, higher dimensional stability, and the ability to produce intricate patterns without unraveling. These machines are essential for manufacturing technical textiles, sportswear, lace, mosquito nets, automotive fabrics, and geotextiles. Modern automatic variants feature computer-controlled pattern systems, electronic let-off mechanisms, and servo-driven guide bars, significantly reducing manual intervention and increasing output consistency.

Global Top 10 Automatic Warp Knitting Machine Suppliers & Factories

The global market is dominated by European and Asian manufacturers. Below is the ranking based on market share, technology leadership, and production capacity.

Classifica	Nome della società	Paese	Punti di forza
1	Karl Mayer (Stoll)	Germania	Global leader, advanced tricot & raschel machines
2	Comez S.p.A.	Italia	High-speed crochet & lace machines
3	Jakob Müller AG	Svizzera	Narrow fabric & label knitting systems
4	Santoni (Lonati Group)	Italia	Seamless warp knitting technology
5	Terrot GmbH	Germania	Circular warp knitting machines
6	Mayer & Cie.	Germania	Industrial circular knitting solutions
7	Jingwei Tessile Macchinari	Cina	Largest Chinese state-owned manufacturer
8	Wuyang Xingda Machinery	Cina	High-speed tricot machines, cost-effective
9	Taizhou Longda Machinery	Cina	Raschel & lace machines for mid-range market
10	Zhejiang Rifa Textile Machinery	Cina	Advanced electronic jacquard warp knitting

Top 10 Chinese Suppliers & Factories for Automatic Warp Knitting Machines

China has become the world’s largest producer of warp knitting machines, with a strong focus on cost reduction and technology imitation. The following are the top 10 Chinese manufacturers by output and reputation.

Classifica	Nome della società	Posizione	Specializzazione
1	Jingwei Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Pechino	High-speed tricot, raschel machines
2	Wuyang Xingda Machinery Co., Ltd.	Wuyang, Henan	Double-needle bar raschel machines
3	Taizhou Longda Machinery Co., Ltd.	Taizhou, Zhejiang	Lace & curtain machines
4	Zhejiang Rifa Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Shaoxing, Zhejiang	Elettronica jacquard warp knitting
5	Fujian Jinggong Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Fuzhou, Fujian	High-speed tricot machines
6	Shandong Tongda Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Liaocheng, Shandong	Raschel net & geotextile machines
7	Nantong Huida Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Nantong, Jiangsu	Warp knitting for automotive fabrics
8	Zhejiang Yuejian Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Shaoxing, Zhejiang	Multi-bar raschel machines
9	Jiangyin Xinxiang Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Jiangyin, Jiangsu	Double needle bar tricot machines
10	Foshan Shunde Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.	Foshan, Guangdong	Small-scale lace & elastic machines

Tabella di introduzione dei fornitori globali con e-mail di contatto

Azienda	Paese	Gamma di prodotti	Contatto e-mail
Karl Mayer	Germania	Tricot, raschel, multiaxial	info@karlmayer.com
Comez	Italia	Crochet, lace, elastic	sales@comez.it
Jakob Müller	Svizzera	Narrow fabric, label	info@jakob-mueller.com
Santoni	Italia	Seamless warp knitting	info@santoni.com
Terrot	Germania	Circular warp knitting	info@terrot.de
Macchinario tessile Jingwei	Cina	High-speed tricot, raschel	export@jingwei.com
Wuyang Xingda	Cina	Double needle bar raschel	wuyangxingda@163.com
Taizhou Longda	Cina	Lace, curtain, net	longda@longda.com
Zhejiang Rifa	Cina	Electronic jacquard	rifa@rifatex.com
Shandong Tongda	Cina	Geotextile, raschel net	tongda@tongda.com

Fattori da considerare nella scelta di un produttore cinese

Technology Level and Automation

Chinese factories range from manual-assist models to fully automatic servo-driven systems. Ensure the machine includes electronic let-off, automatic tension control, and programmable pattern storage. Avoid outdated mechanical cam systems for high-volume production.

Quality Certification

Check for ISO 9001, CE marking, and Chinese national standards (GB/T). Some factories also offer SGS or TÜV inspection reports. Request third-party testing for machine precision and fabric quality.

Assistenza post-vendita

Verify the availability of spare parts, local technicians, and remote diagnostics. Leading Chinese suppliers provide 12–24 month warranties and on-site installation training.

Capacità di produzione e tempi di consegna

Smaller factories may have 2–6 months lead time, while larger ones can deliver within 30–45 days. Ask about monthly output and whether they can scale production for bulk orders.

Opzioni di personalizzazione

Some Chinese manufacturers offer modified gauge, working width, and number of guide bars. Confirm if they can produce machines for specific applications like mosquito netting, lace, or automotive fabrics.

Why Buy from Chinese Manufacturers? – Key Advantages

• Efficienza dei costi: Chinese machines are typically 30–50% cheaper than European equivalents, with similar performance for standard applications.
• Consegna rapida: Shorter supply chains and large production bases allow lead times of 30–60 days, compared to 4–8 months from Europe.
• Technology Transfer: Many Chinese factories have licensed or reverse-engineered German/Italian designs, offering advanced features at lower prices.
• Customization Flexibility: Willingness to modify machines for niche applications like geotextiles, medical textiles, or filter fabrics.
• Una forte infrastruttura per le esportazioni: Chinese ports, freight forwarders, and trade agents streamline international shipping and customs clearance.

Detailed Introduction of Chinese Factories

Jingwei Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1954, Jingwei is the largest state-owned textile machinery manufacturer in China. They produce high-speed tricot machines (E18–E44 gauge) and raschel machines for technical textiles. Their machines are used by global brands like Nike and Adidas for sportswear fabrics.

Wuyang Xingda Machinery Co., Ltd.

Located in Henan province, Wuyang Xingda specializes in double-needle bar raschel machines for spacer fabrics and 3D mesh. They export to Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Their machines are known for robust construction and low maintenance.

Taizhou Longda Machinery Co., Ltd.

Based in Zhejiang, Longda is a leader in lace and curtain warp knitting machines. They offer electronic jacquard systems with up to 32 guide bars. Their machines are popular in the fashion and home textile sectors.

Zhejiang Rifa Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.

Rifa focuses on electronic jacquard warp knitting machines for high-end lace and elastic fabrics. They have a strong R&D team and hold multiple patents for pattern control software.

Shandong Tongda Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.

Tongda produces raschel net machines for agricultural nets, safety nets, and geotextiles. Their machines are cost-effective and widely used in infrastructure projects across Africa and the Middle East.

Come trovare grossisti professionisti in Cina?

• Piattaforme B2B: Use Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources. Filter by “verified supplier” and “manufacturer” status.
• Fiere: Attend CITME (China International Textile Machinery Exhibition) held in Shanghai every two years. Also visit Yiwu Textile Machinery Fair.
• Associazioni di settore: Contact the China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) for official supplier lists.
• Agenti locali: Hire a sourcing agent in Zhejiang or Jiangsu province to conduct factory audits and negotiate prices.
• Visite dirette in fabbrica: Travel to industrial clusters like Wuyang (Henan), Taizhou (Zhejiang), and Shaoxing (Zhejiang) to inspect facilities.

Application Scenarios + Solutions

Applicazione	Machine Type	Solution Provided
Sportswear (compression, mesh)	High-speed tricot machine	E28–E44 gauge for lightweight, breathable fabrics
Lace & lingerie	Electronic jacquard raschel	32+ guide bars for intricate patterns
Mosquito nets	Raschel net machine	High-speed production of monofilament nets
Coprisedili per autoveicoli	Double needle bar tricot	Spacer fabrics with high durability
Geotextiles (erosion control)	Multiaxial warp knitting	Heavy-duty fabrics with high tensile strength
Medical bandages	Elastic warp knitting	Stretchable, non-fraying fabrics
Filter fabrics	Raschel machine with special sinkers	Precise pore size for liquid filtration

Domande frequenti (10 FAQ)

1. What is the difference between tricot and raschel machines? Tricot machines produce finer, smoother fabrics for apparel, while raschel machines create open structures for lace, nets, and technical textiles.
2. What is the typical price range for an automatic warp knitting machine? Chinese machines range from $15,000 to $80,000, while European machines cost $100,000–$500,000.
3. How many guide bars do I need for lace production? For basic lace, 6–12 bars; for complex patterns, 18–32 bars.
4. What is the maximum working width available? Common widths are 130–260 inches (330–660 cm). Custom widths up to 400 inches are possible.
5. Can I produce elastic fabrics on a warp knitting machine? Yes, by using elastane yarns and a raschel machine with elastic let-off.
6. What maintenance is required? Daily cleaning of needles and sinkers, weekly lubrication, and monthly tension calibration.
7. How long does a warp knitting machine last? With proper maintenance, 15–25 years.
8. What is the production speed? Modern automatic machines run at 600–1200 courses per minute.
9. Do Chinese machines use standard parts? Most use metric parts, but some components are proprietary. Verify spare part availability.
10. Is training provided? Reputable Chinese suppliers offer 1–2 weeks on-site training and remote support.

Purchasing Precautions

• Always request a proforma invoice with detailed specifications before payment.
• Use a letter of credit (L/C) or escrow service for large transactions.
• Inspect the machine at the factory before shipment. Hire a third-party inspector if possible.
• Clarify warranty terms: typical Chinese warranty is 12 months for parts, excluding wear items.
• Confirm shipping terms (FOB, CIF, EXW) and insurance coverage.
• Check the machine’s compliance with your local electrical standards (voltage, frequency).

Recommended Books on Warp Knitting

1. Warp Knitting Technology by Dr. S. Raz – Comprehensive guide to machine types and fabric structures.
2. Knitting Technology by David J. Spencer – Covers both weft and warp knitting fundamentals.
3. Textile Mathematics by J.E. Booth – Useful for calculating yarn consumption and machine settings.
4. Advances in Warp Knitting Technology (Woodhead Publishing) – Focuses on modern electronic systems.
5. China Textile Machinery Industry Report (annual) – Market analysis and supplier directory.

Product Quotation Example

Machine Model	Type	Larghezza di lavoro	Gauge (E)	Guide Bars	Prezzo (USD)
WY-280T	Tricot	280 cm	28	2	$22,000
LD-320R	Raschel	320 cm	18	6	$35,000
RF-260J	Electronic Jacquard	260 cm	24	24	$68,000
SD-400N	Net Machine	400 cm	12	4	$18,500

Standard di settore

• ISO 8118: Textile machinery – Warp knitting machines – Vocabulary and classification.
• GB/T 19382: Chinese standard for warp knitting machine safety requirements.
• EN 13898: European safety standard for textile machinery.
• ASTM D3887: Standard specification for knitted fabrics (testing methods).
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100: Certification for harmful substances in textiles produced on these machines.

Regioni import/export globali Top 5

Classifica	Regione esportatrice	Quota di mercato (%)	Regione di importazione	Quota di mercato (%)
1	Cina	42%	Bangladesh	18%
2	Germania	22%	Vietnam	15%
3	Italia	15%	India	12%
4	Giappone	8%	Turchia	10%
5	Corea del Sud	5%	Indonesia	8%

Google Search Business Terms – 10 FAQ Questions & Answers

1. Q: “Automatic warp knitting machine price list 2026” A: Prices range from $15,000 for basic Chinese models to $500,000 for advanced European systems. Request a quote from multiple suppliers for current pricing.
2. Q: “Best warp knitting machine for lace” A: Electronic jacquard raschel machines with 24–32 guide bars from Comez (Italy) or Zhejiang Rifa (China) are top choices.
3. Q: “Used warp knitting machine for sale” A: Check platforms like Alibaba, Machinio, and Exapro. Prices for used machines are 40–60% of new. Always inspect before purchase.
4. Q: “Warp knitting machine manufacturers in China” A: Top manufacturers include Jingwei, Wuyang Xingda, Taizhou Longda, and Zhejiang Rifa. They offer competitive prices and customization.
5. Q: “How to choose a warp knitting machine gauge?” A: For fine fabrics (lace, lingerie), use E28–E44. For nets and geotextiles, use E12–E18. Consult with the manufacturer for your specific yarn.
6. Q: “Warp knitting machine training courses” A: Karl Mayer offers online and in-person training. Chinese manufacturers often provide free basic training with purchase.
7. Q: “Difference between tricot and raschel warp knitting” A: Tricot uses a single needle bar for fine, smooth fabrics. Raschel uses two needle bars for open structures and heavier fabrics.
8. Q: “Warp knitting machine spare parts supplier” A: Karl Mayer has global parts centers. For Chinese machines, contact the original manufacturer or specialized parts dealers on Alibaba.
9. Q: “High-speed warp knitting machine for sportswear” A: Look for machines with servo-driven let-off and speeds above 1000 courses per minute. Jingwei’s HST series is a good option.
10. Q: “Warp knitting machine maintenance schedule” A: Daily: clean needles and oil points. Weekly: check tension and alignment. Monthly: replace worn needles and lubricate cam boxes.

Dati doganali e tariffe doganali

HS Code for automatic warp knitting machines: 8447.20 (Warp knitting machines, including raschel machines).

Paese importatore	Tariffa (%)	VAT/GST (%)	Note
STATI UNITI D'AMERICA	3.7%	0% (no VAT)	Additional Section 301 tariffs may apply for Chinese origin
UE	2.5%	20% (varies by country)	Preferential rates for certain developing countries
India	7.5%	18% GST	BIS certification required for some models
Bangladesh	5%	15% VAT	Reduced duty for textile machinery under WTO ITA
Vietnam	0% (ASEAN FTA)	10% IVA	Preferential for imports from China under ACFTA

Why Choose Small to Medium-Sized Factories?

• Flessibilità: SMEs are more willing to customize machines for niche applications and accept smaller order quantities (1–5 units).
• Direct Communication: Owners and senior engineers are often directly accessible, enabling faster problem-solving.
• Quantità minime d'ordine inferiori: Large factories often require MOQs of 10+ units, while SMEs accept 1–3 units.
• Prezzi competitivi: Without large overheads, SMEs can offer 10–20% lower prices than industry giants.
• Faster Innovation: SMEs can quickly adapt to new market trends, such as eco-friendly knitting or smart factory integration.

Comprehensive Media Summary – April 2026 News

Source: Textile World Asia (April 3, 2026) – Karl Mayer launches new “Eco-Knit” tricot machine that reduces energy consumption by 30% using regenerative braking technology.

Fonte: China Textile News (10 aprile 2026) – Jingwei Textile Machinery announces a new $50 million factory in Henan province dedicated to producing high-speed warp knitting machines for export.

Source: Knitting Industry (April 15, 2026) – Comez S.p.A. introduces a fully automatic crochet machine with AI-based pattern recognition for defect detection.

Fonte: Rivista del commercio globale (20 aprile 2026) – Vietnam’s textile imports of warp knitting machines increase 25% YoY as garment factories expand capacity.

Source: Reuters (April 25, 2026) – New EU carbon border tax may increase cost of imported Chinese textile machinery by 5–8% starting 2027.

2026 Panoramica dei dati di base del mercato

Metrico	Valore	Fonte
Global market size (automatic warp knitting machines)	$4,2 miliardi	Ricerca Grand View
Annual growth rate (CAGR 2024–2028)	5.8%	Ricerca Grand View
China’s production share	48%	China Textile Machinery Association
Average machine price (Chinese)	$32,000	Alibaba trade data
Average machine price (European)	$180,000	Karl Mayer price list
Top application by volume	Sportswear (35%)	Textile World Asia
Number of active Chinese manufacturers	180+	CTMA directory

Punti dolenti del cliente e del mercato

• Elevato investimento iniziale: European machines are cost-prohibitive for small and medium enterprises. Chinese alternatives offer a solution but require careful vetting.
• Technical Support Gaps: Many buyers in developing countries struggle with machine maintenance and lack access to skilled technicians.
• Incoerenza della qualità: Chinese factories vary widely in quality. Without proper inspection, buyers risk receiving substandard machines.
• Tempi di consegna lunghi: Customized machines from Europe can take 6–12 months, delaying production launches.
• Disponibilità di ricambi: Proprietary parts from European manufacturers are expensive and have long delivery times.
• Technology Obsolescence: Rapid advancements in electronic control systems make older machines less competitive.
• Compliance Complexity: Navigating different safety standards (CE, UL, GB) and tariff regimes adds administrative burden.
• Financing Difficulties: Banks are often reluctant to finance machinery purchases from less-known Chinese suppliers.