Leading Japanese flat knitting machine builder Shima Seiki has launched a brand new version of its coarse gauge compact machine designated the NSES122CS. The machine replaces the company’s well known SES122CS model and gets a whole host of new features to bring it in line with the company’s NSSG122 and NSIG122 latest generation medium, fine and ultra-fine gauge compact machines.

The NSES122CS compound needle sinker machine is available in gauges 3, 4 and 5 in a 48 inch (122cm) working width with variable stroke.

The CS in NSES122CS stands for ‘Compound-Sinker’ which symbolizes the marriage of two unique Shima Seiki technologies which have been highly successful in coarse gauge sweater knitting. For many years Shima has used compound needlesfor their short stroke and high stability in coarse gauge applications. The company’s patented spring-type sinker system is said to greatly increase pattern variety and at the same time assure gentle fabric hold down.

Other features specifically developed for coarse gauge knitting such as the double racking mechanism are included and brand new features such as the R2CARRIAGE and built-in controller enhance NSES122CS's capabilities.

R2 Carriage

The new R2CARRIAGE (R2=Rapid Response) System features a new carriage mechanism combined with improved software programming that achieves quicker carriage returns after each course. For a given knitting width, a larger and heavier carriage requires more space (B) at each end of the machine to decelerate, return and accelerate back up to speed, so the actual portion where the carriage runs at full speed (A) becomes very limited. With NSES122CS's R2CARRIAGE, less space is required for the carriage to make returns, allowing more area for the carriage to run at full speed. This results in significant increases in productivity depending on the gauge and type of fabric being knitted.

Compound needles

SHIMA SEIKI developed the world's first flatbed knitting machine to incorporate compound needles back in the late 1980s. Shima says that NSES122CS is the latest version of this pioneering technology and compared with conventional latch-type needles, the special compound design offers higher operational stability which is required for larger needle sizes.

“Subsequently, our coarse gauge machines offer optimum uniform quality of finished items. Moreover, compound needles offer significant reductions in needle stroke to allow for similar reductions in needle bed and carriage size, further improving productivity and efficiency,” the company says.

Spring type moveable full sinker system

NSES122CS also features Shima’s patented spring-type moveable full sinker system. Unlike conventional forced-operation type sinkers, the spring-type mechanism is said to provide gentle hold down movement which prevents the fabric from being subject to undue force. Consequently, Shima says, significant improvements in quality and texture for complicated structure patterns and dimensional fabrics are achieved. Combined with the use of Shima’s stitch presser much greater pattern variety can be achieved.

Double racking mechanism

The NSES122CS uses a special motor-driven mechanism where racking for transfer is performed by both front and rear beds simultaneously in two directions, reducing total racking movement by half. The shorter racking stroke permitted by this setup results in better racking control and knit capability. Shima says it also contributes to a more compact machine size.

Digital Stitch Control System

NSES122CS comes standard with Shima’s proven Digital Stitch Control System (DSCS). Considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in flatbed knitting technology, the company’s patented DSCS continuously adjusts yarn feed and tension to yield loop consistency with tolerance to within a remarkable +/-1%. According to Shima, the result is quality control capability that is virtually impossible with conventional analogue systems. In addition to being an important element in quality shaping and integral garment production, DSCS allows consistency among different batches and repeat orders.

New controller and LCD monitor

The NSES122CS features a new control unit that is built-in to the machine for simplified shipping and installation, easier maintenance, and more efficient use of space. The new controller boasts 50% more memory capacity as compared with the previous NewSES line, at 25,165,824 bits or 1,024 wales x 8,192 addresses. The new controller can accept USB memory input, further increasing data capacity for knitting complex knits. Also standard is a network interface which opens up new possibilities in file sharing and production management using Shima Network Solutions.

A backup power supply is also standard, allowing work to resume after power failures. The new control panel features a simple monochromatic LCD monitor with an improved graphic interface for intuitive operation. The eye-level display offers improved ergonomics, while menu-interactive function buttons offer easy input and editing. The menu also features multi-lingual capability, available in 12 languages.

Further information