SVR093SP computerised flat knitting machine. © Shima Seiki

Leading flat knitting solutions provider Shima Seiki, of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Spanish subsidiary Shima Seiki Spain, will participate in the International Leather Footwear and Leather Product, Components and Machinery Exhibition (Futurmoda) in Elche, Spain, this month.

“The global shoe industry is currently evolving at a rapid pace, adopting various textile and material technologies especially in the area of fit, comfort and functionality in footwear applications. Working off the recent trend in knitted shoe uppers in the athletic footwear market, Shima Seiki proposes knitted fabrics to the footwear market from casual to formal and in-between, as an alternative to the prevailing material in this field – leather,” the manufacturer explains.

“To that effect Shima Seiki will be showcasing the latest applications of computerised flat knitting technology to demonstrate its contributions in this field.”

Shoe upper manufacturing

On display will be its compact SVR093SP machine especially designed for shoe upper manufacturing. It features a dedicated loop presser bed mounted above the rear needle bed. This permits full use of inlay technique for the production of hybrid fabrics that feature both knit and weave characteristics, suited to shoe upper applications that require formfitting function, comfort, flexibility, breathability as well as strength and stiffness.

SWG091N2 15G Wholegarment knitting machine. © Shima Seiki

Also on display will be the SWG091N2 Wholegarment knitting machine featuring Shima Seiki’s original SlideNeedle technology. This largest of the SWGN2 series is designed to allow shoe uppers, socks, gloves, tights, as well as other footwear and legwear, to be knit in one entire piece without the need for sewing afterward.

Virtual sampling

The latest version of Shima Seiki’s SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system will also be available for demonstrations in design and simulation of suited to shoe production. “Of particular interest is its ultrarealistic simulation capability that realizes Virtual Sampling,” the company continues.

SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system. © Shima Seiki

“When countless variations must be evaluated before arriving at a final design, virtual product samples can be used to streamline the decision-making process by minimising the enormous amount of time and cost normally associated with producing actual samples for each variation. The sustainability factor is also undeniable considering the amount of material normally gone to waste in the sampling stage.”

Exhibition details

Exhibition: International Leather Footwear and Leather Product, Components and Machinery Exhibition (Futurmoda)

Date: 16-17 October 2019

Location: IFA (Alicante Exhibition Centre) N340, Km 731 03320 Elche (Alicante) SPAIN

Tel: +34 966 657 600

Organiser: Spanish Footwear Components and Machinery Association (AEC)

Exhibited technology:

• SVR093SP-SV14G computerised flat knitting machine
• SWG091N2 15G Wholegarment knitting machine
• SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system

For more information please contact:

Shima Seiki Spain S.A.U.

Tel: +34 937 293 727

Email: [email protected]

www.shimaseiki.com