In its continuing effort to bring Wholegarment knitwear and its benefits to the knitting industry and consumer knitwear market alike, Shima Seiki has introduced another breakthrough in this the most technologically sophisticated form of commercial knitting.

The new MACH2X153 18L machine is the latest model in Shima Seiki's flagship MACH2X series. According to Shima, like other MACH2X machines, it can knit beautifully shaped Wholegarment knitwear with the highest-possible quality at more than twice the productivity over prior models, but this time with the capability to produce sophisticated ultrafine 15 gauge knitwear.

The “current pinnacle of computerized flat knitting machine technology”, the 18L machine features a special large-hook version of Shima Seiki's innovative SlideNeedle mounted on 4 needlebeds at 18-gauge needle pitch, which the company says effectively yields very tight, high-grade 15-gauge texture fabrics.

“The 18L machine possesses significant market advantage in that the inherent characteristics of Wholegarment production of knitting an entire garment in one piece without the need for linking or sewing processes, is especially beneficial to ultrafine gauge. The labour required for linking and sewing such fine gauge items is very specialized and would have difficulties matching the machine in speed, quality and consistency,” says Masaki Karasuno, Shima’s Creative Head.

Productivity is on par with other MACH2X machines, with a maximum speed of 1.6 metres per second and Shima Seiki's Rapid Response R2CARRIAGE for quicker carriage returns after each course.

i-DSCS upgrade

In order to keep up with the increased speed, Shima Seiki's famous i-DSCS Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence undergoes a standard upgrade to a brand new system called i-DSCS+DTC featuring Dynamic Tension Control. i-DSCS+DTC permits variable electronic control of yarn tension, thereby supporting high-speed knitting of delicate yarns to reduce the chance of yarn breaks.

Other new features include a yarn gripper and cutter system equipped with a new lint remover for reduced maintenance; a USB interface positioned directly below the control monitor for improved access in data exchange; the network connector has been repositioned to improve access for factory data management with Shima Network Solutions; and improved space efficiency realized by integrating the fabric collection tray within the machine frame.

Shima says it has has been shipping the MACH2X153 18L in January 2010 and has been exhibiting the machine at private show circuits in various markets worldwide. “As a world first endeavour and the single most advanced computerized flat knitting machine in the world, it has been widely accepted by Shima Seiki customers, Wholegarment users and non-users alike, with great interest and enthusiasm,” adds Mr Karasuno.