Shima Seiki has announced it is setting a new benchmark in intarsia knitting by introducing its new MACH2SIR computerised flat knitting machine which can be equipped with a record 40 intarsia yarn carriers and runs at speeds of up to 1.4 metres per second whilst operating at lower noise levels. The Japanese company says that as the name suggests the new machine offers unprecedented speed and efficiency and the MACH2SIR’s new R2CARRIAGE System achieves quicker carriage returns after each course.

Intarsia knitting is dramatically improved through the use of up to 40 intarsia carriers and in addition, as part of the newest generation of Shima Seiki knitting machines, MACH2SIR carries over all the technological achievements for which Shima Seiki is famous for: DSCS Digital Stitch Control System; Full-Time Spring-Loaded Sinker System; Stitch Presser; Yarn Gripper and Cutter; Takedown System; and more.

Finally, Shima says, MACH2SIR offers a blend of Made-in-Japan quality and reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance that fulfils the high expectations already held by the global fashion industry.

40 Intarsia Yarn Carriers

MACH2SIR machines come with 33 intarsia yarn carriers as standard but feature the capacity for up to 40 intarsia carriers. The new intarsia carriers are also said to be more compact, which allows more carriers to be fitted and more colour changes to be made within a given knitting width. The improved intarsia system is also said to be much quieter, averaging two thirds less noise than Shima’s previous intarsia system.

New Intarsia Standard

In addition, a new Automatic Yarn Carrier Setting software on Shima’s SDS-ONE APEX3 apparel design workstation reduces production lead times dramatically, for up to 40 yarn carriers. The new intarsia carriers are also claimed to be more efficient, capable of producing finer, sophisticated intarsia designs, such as reducing the minimum repeat width of argyle patterns from 6 to 3 inches.

What’s more, Shima says, with the optional i-DSCS+DTC Digital Stitch Control System "with Intelligence" and Dynamic Tension Control, as well as Shima’s Air Splicer, variable electronic control of yarn tension provides consistent quality among different machines, production batches and repeat orders, and contributes to high-quality production of multi-colored intarsia products.

MACH2SIR is available as a three system machine under the name MSIR123 and is available in SV (variable gauge) and SC (classic gauge) variants in gauges SV - 12,14 and 16 and SC – 12,14,16 and 18. The SV variant allows for the knitting of a wide range of gauges on a single machine. Needlebed width is 48” or 122cm.

Further information and full specification