Shima Seiki, a leading computerised knitting machine manufacturer of Wakayama, together with its Italian subsidiary Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A., will participate in the Techtextil exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany in May.

On display will be the company’s latest technological contributions aimed at promoting knitted applications in the field of technical textiles, designed and produced on Shima Seiki’s line-up of advanced computer design systems and computerised flat knitting machines.

“Knitting offers great potential for technical textiles with its inherent characteristics; stretch and compression,” the company reports. “Flat knitting provides further potential as the only textile production method that can shape fabric on the machine.”

“To this end, Shima Seiki's new SVR123SP flat knitting machine features an extra loop presser bed for a wider range of knitting techniques including inlay, which has gained particular attention in knitted technical textiles with its capability to produce a hybrid knit-weave pattern by inserting yarn into existing knit fabric in a weave fashion. Inlay can be used to control stretch characteristics of knitted fabrics, and since new materials such as metallic and monofilament yarns can be used, new applications in industrial textiles are realised.”

Wholegarment knitting

Wholegarment knitting by Shima Seiki aims to maximise the benefits of shaped knitting even further by expanding that potential to three dimensions. Wholegarment knitting is capable of producing knitted items in their entirety on the machine, and allows 3D forms and tubing to be produced without sewing. The seam-free nature also ensures continuity of yarn, allowing functional yarns such as conductive yarns to wrap around the entire body for applications in smart garments and wearable technology, the company reports.

The inlay technique for increased potential in technical applications is available with Wholegarment knitting as well. Demonstrating the latest in Wholegarment knitting technology at Techtextil will be the flagship MACH2XS machine that features the company’s original SlideNeedle on four needle beds and patented spring-loaded full-time sinker system.

Capable of Wholegarment knitting in all-needles, MACH2XS is said to offer great flexibility for knitting high-quality Wholegarment products with a seemingly endless variety of knit patterns at very high speed and efficiency, all while minimising dependence upon labour-intensive sewing and linking.

3D design system

The latest version of Shima Seiki’s SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system will also be available for demonstrations in design and simulation of various technical textiles. Its ultra-realistic simulation capability that realises Virtual Sampling.

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 minimizing the enormous amount of time and cost normally associated with producing actual samples for each variation.

Exhibition details

Exhibition: Techtextil 2017

Date: Tuesday, 9 ~ Friday, 12 May 2017

Hours: 9:00AM ~ 6:00PM (final day: ~5:00PM)

Location: Messe Frankfurt

Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1,

60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Tel: +49 69 75 75-0

Organiser: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Tel: +49 69 75 75-0

Booth No.: Hall 6.1 (Hall 6, Level 1), Stand D51

Exhibited technology

• MACH2XS123 15L Wholegarment knitting machine
• SVR123SP-SV 14G Computerised flat knitting machine
• SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system

For more information please contact:

Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A.

Tel: +39 02 216621

E-mail: [email protected]

www.shimaseiki.com