Under the WHOLEGARMENT trademark, Shima Seiki has been setting the standard almost exclusively with nearly 30 years of experience in complete garment knitting technology. Now in its 5th generation, Shima Seiki’s SWG-XR flagship WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine has raised the bar once again for speed, efficiency, quality, variety and reliability. The new name lends tribute to the SWG -X, the world's first 4-needle bed machine that launched a new genre of seam-free knits produced in one entire piece, since its pioneering debut at ITMA 1995 in Milan.

Now, SWG-XR has been re-evaluated from the ground up as a machine capable of very high quality and stability in all-needle knitting of a wide variety of WHOLEGARMENT products. Featuring Shima’s original SlideNeedle on 4 needle beds, an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system and a compact, light-weight carriage featuring 4 systems as well as auto yarn carriers.

All contribute to increased productivity of more than 25% over the previous MACH2XS machine, as well as increased product range using a wider variety of yarn for supporting knits for all seasons, and higher quality for knitting beautiful fabrics and silhouettes.

Even items that were impossible to knit with the previous MACH2XS series can now be knit, including punch lace fabrics, variable stitch patterns, intarsia patterns and efficient double knitting. Initially available in 22LL gauge, SWG-XR is capable of efficient, high-quality knitting of 18-gauge fabrics. Of the two SWG-XR machines on display, the SWG-XR124 features a 49-inch (123cm) knitting width and is shown with several options, including a new user interface for improved connectivity. Detailed descriptions of other optional devices follow.

SWG-XR OPTIONS

-I -DYCS

- intelligent Digital Yarn Changer System

SWG-XR124 is shown paired with the new i-DYCS intelligent Digital Yarn Changer System option. Presented as an option for the SWG-XR WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine, i-DYCS uses knotter units to change yarns on the fly according to the knit pattern. Up to 8 colours are supported per unit, and with 2 units on each side feeding a total of 4 active yarn carriers, 32 colours are supported by i-DYCS alone.

In addition, by assigning colours to the remaining 12 carriers on SWG-XR, a total of 44 colours can be used in a single garment. This exceeds the record previously held for maximum number of colours in flat knitting by Shima's own N.MACH2SIR intarsia machine, but this time the record has been renewed by a WHOLEGARMENT machine.

With i-DYCS, multi-colour intarsia and stripe patterns now become available on WHOLEGARMENT knitwear.

i-FiKnit PROTOTYPE OPTION

- integrated Finishing Knit

In addition to the i- DYCS device, SWG-XR124 is also shown with a prototype version of the new i-FiKnit integrated Finishing Knit option. A constant issue with multi-colour knitting has been edge yarn, created each time there is a colour change. These unsightly protrusions required post-production labour for removal, an irony for WHOLEGARMENT knitting that supposedly eliminates the need for sewing labour. i-FiKnit addresses this issue by automatically cutting and knotting edge yarn on the fly, further contributing to factory efficiency through reduced time, cost and dependence on labour as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Edge yarn finishing on the multi-colour sample knitted on SWG-XR124 is performed 96 times.

SWG-XR144 22LL NEW

- WHOLEGARMENT Knitting Machine

In addition to the SWG-XR124 machine, Shima is displaying the SWG-XR144 which features a slightly longer needle bed, when a wider knitting width is required for knitting larger items. Featuring a knitting width of 55.6-inch (140cm) and knitting a men's pullover, SWG-XR144 is shown without optional equipment to demonstrate the capability of SWG-XR technology in producing high-quality 18-gauge fabrics.

SWG041N2 15G

- WHOLEGARMENT Knitting Machine

Shima Seiki’s SWG041N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG-N2 series ‘Mini’ range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as cozies, shoe uppers, bags, card cases, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items. SWG041N2 at ITMA Asia is shown knitting 5-toe sport socks - a very popular segment worldwide that is sure to catch on as the Chinese sports and leisure industry matures, Shima says. For this purpose, Shima Seiki has prepared proprietary knit programming and virtual design software that caters specifically to the sock industry as well.

N.SVR183 V24G

An alternative proposal in WHOLEGARMENT knitting is also shown in the form of the N.SVR183 WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine. Shima Seiki’s global standard in shaped knitting, the N.SVR series now features a proprietary model for producing WHOLEGARMENT knitwear using every other needle in fine gauge. N.SVR183 is equipped with the R2CARRIAGE system and a compact, lightweight carriage for high productivity. Shown in 21G at the last ITMA Asia show, N.SVR®183 is shown in even finer 24G for 2024, capable of producing WHOLEGARMENT knitwear with fabrics ranging from 10 to 14 gauge. It is the ideal machine for flexible, entry-level WHOLEGARMENT production, with the versatility to respond to fluctuating market demand.

N.SVR122 V22G PROTOTYPE

The N.SVR122 computerised flat knitting machine is considered the benchmark in computerised shaping technology and offers the latest features which in themselves have become industry standards. These include spring-type moveable sinkers, takedown rollers, Rapid Response R2CARRIAGE, DSCS Digital Stitch Control System, stitch presser and takedown comb.

Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world's fashion industry. N.SVR®122 is shown as a prototype with a new 22-gauge version at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 to demonstrate efficient production of high-quality ultrafine gauge fabrics up to 29 gauge.

SDS -ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz

SDS-ONE APEX4 3D apparel design system and APEXFiz subscription-based design software support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colourway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste.

When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be converted easily to machine data, allowing smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between design studio and factory. Before going to production however, the same virtual samples can be used in retail, for example in e-commerce, to gauge consumer response to items before going to market, effectively realizing production based on demand forecasting. In such a way, inventory can be optimized to minimize deadstock waste. SDS-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz therefore help to realise sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.

At ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 SDS-ONE APEX4 will be demonstrating mainly knit programming software, while APEXFiz will be demonstrating design functions as well as various web services to enhance the APEXFiz experience. New software enhancements include a new AI knit generator function that produces images of knitwear on demand. Based on Shima Seiki’s years of accumulated archival images, the generative AI function features a user-friendly interface that automatically inputs prompts just by selecting a thumbnail image. Further developments in AI beyond image generation are expected for knit production as well.

yarnbank

- Digital Yarn Sourcing Web Service

yarnbank digital yarn sourcing web service is the world's first online service for searching and viewing the latest yarns, developed in cooperation with yarn companies from around the world. Registered users can download yarn data for free, for use in fabric simulation and virtual sampling on SDS-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz, avoiding the need to scan yarn on their own.

By using yarn that is used in actual production, designers and apparel companies can furthermore rest assured that the simulations created using yarn from yarnbank are not merely realistic images but accurate representations using yarn that can actually be purchased and used in production.

With yarnbank, the entire supply chain from yarn companies and apparel companies to knit manufacturers can be connected digitally. yarnbank will be presented along with SHIMA Datamall as part of the Shima Seiki Online Services (SHIMA online) digital web service platform.

SHIMA Datamall

- Digital Content Web Service

The SHIMA Datamall digital content web service is an online service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for the planning, production and sales of fashion items. Over 8,700 pieces of data, ranging from knit item data and knit design data to 3D model patterns are available.

Users of SDS-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz design software as well as Shima Seiki flat knitting machines will be able to streamline their operations and further promote the digital transformation of textile manufacturing, thereby realizing a shift toward sustainable manufacturing. SHIMA Datamall will be presented along with yarnbank as part of the Shima Seiki Online Services (SHIMA online) digital web service platform.

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