MACH2XS WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine. © Shima Seiki.

Shima Seiki Italia., the Italian subsidiary of leading Japanese computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki, will exhibit at the 86th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition, which takes place from 22-24 January in Florence, Italy.

It will participate in the Fashion At Work section of the exhibition aimed at appealing to the technical and creative interests of visitors by providing hardware and software solutions for design, manufacturing and processing of knitted goods.

Machines exhibited will include the MACH2XS WHOLEGARMENT machine as well as the SFG20 glove knitting machine. The flagship MACH2XS WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine features such innovations as the original SlideNeedle on four needle beds as well as the company’s patented spring­loaded moveable sinker system.

“It can knit beautiful, high quality 3D Items with dimensional structures and details that are unique to WHOLEGARMENT, all with very high efficiency while minimizing dependence upon labour-intensive sewing and linking. Produced in its entirety on the knitting machine, WHOLEGARMENT is sustainable knitwear that consumes only the minimum amount of materials required for that item,” Shima said in a statement today.

SFG20 carries on Shima’s glove knitting machine manufacturing tradition with its original sinker knitting system, but this time in ultrafine 21 gauge. New features such as a removable needle selection drum and belt­driven carriage improve productivity and ease of maintenance.

SFG20 glove knitting machine. © Shima Seiki.

Following on from the last edition of Pitti Filati, Shima is collaborating with Italian designer Vittorio Branchizio and several Italian yarn companies for producing knitted garment and glove samples especially for the show.

Also, on display at Pitti Filati is Shima Seiki’s new SDS­ONE APEX4 design system, the fourth generation of its series and the most powerful, most efficient APEX to date. Processing speeds for programming and simulation are improved by up to 600% compared to the previous generation SDS­ONE APEX3, for quicker response especially in virtual sampling.

“Virtual sampling based on ultra­realistic simulation improves on the design evaluation process by minimizing the need for actual sample making. This realizes significant savings in time, cost and material, contributing to sustain­ able manufacturing,” Shima concludes.

Shima Seiki at Pitti Filati

Booth No. C18/19, Fashion At Work Section, Padiglione Centrale (Central Pavilion), Piano Inferiore (basement floor)

Further information

Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A.

 Tel: +39 02 216621

[email protected]

Pitti Filati Website