Shima Seiki, a leading computerised flat knitting machine manufacturer of Wakayama, Japan, has released a new i-Plating option on select models in its line of computerised knitting machines.

i-Plating is offered exclusively as a factory-installed option on SVR093SP and SVR123SP computerised flat knitting machines. Both machines feature special loop pressers for producing inlay patterns that yield novel knit-weave hybrid fabrics. By combining i-Plating with inlay capability on SVR093SP and SVR123SP, new possibilities of patterning become available for a diverse knit design.

Inverse-plating capability

“Unlike conventional plating techniques, i-Plating offers so-called inverse-plating capability in which alternate yarns are both shown on the fabric surface in any specific pattern or design, producing jacquard-like patterns in plain jersey stitch,” the company explains.

“i-Plating goes a step further, overcoming current limitations in inverse-plating by offering this capability within the same course and for individual needles for greater efficiency and expanded patterning capability.”

Shima Seiki

Shima Seiki was founded in 1962 and soon became an industry pioneer with company founder Masahiro Shima’s invention, the fully automated glove knitting machine and the fully automated seamless glove knitting machine. The seamless glove became inspiration for the eventual development of seam-free Wholegarment knitting technology for which the company is now best known.

Wholegarment knitting is capable of producing knitted itemsin their entirety on the machine, and allows complex 3D forms for fitting the human body or even car seats without the need for sewing.

www.shimaseiki.com