13 May 2010, Wakayama – Leading
Japanese flat knitting
machine builder Shima Seiki has launched a brand new version of its
coarse
gauge compact machine designated the NSES122CS. The machine replaces the
company’s well known SES122CS model and gets a whole host of new
features to
bring it in line with the company’s NSSG122 and NSIG122 latest
generation medium,
fine and ultra-fine gauge compact machines. The NSES122CS compound
needle
sinker machine is available in gauges 3, 4 and 5 in a 48 inch (122cm)
working
width with variable stroke.
The CS in NSES122CS stands for ‘Compound-Sinker’ which
symbolizes the marriage of two unique Shima Seiki technologies which
have been
highly successful in coarse gauge sweater knitting. For many years Shima
has
used compound needlesfor their short stroke and high stability in coarse
gauge
applications. The company’s patented spring-type sinker system is said
to greatly
increase pattern variety and at the same time assure gentle fabric hold
down.
Other features specifically developed for coarse gauge
knitting such as the double racking mechanism are included and brand new
features such as the R2CARRIAGE and built-in controller enhance
NSES122CS's
capabilities.
R2 Carriage
The new R2CARRIAGE (R2=Rapid Response) System features a new
carriage mechanism combined with improved software programming that
achieves
quicker carriage returns after each course. For a given knitting width, a
larger and heavier carriage requires more space (B) at each end of the
machine to
decelerate, return and accelerate back up to speed, so the actual
portion where
the carriage runs at full speed (A)becomes very limited. With NSES122CS's
R2CARRIAGE, less space is required for the carriage to make returns,
allowing
more area for the carriage to run at full speed. This results in
significant
increases in productivity depending on the gauge and type of fabric
being
knitted.
Compound needles
SHIMA SEIKI developed the
world's first flatbed knitting
machine to incorporate compound needles back in the late 1980s. Shima
says that
NSES122CS is the latest version of this pioneering technology and
compared with
conventional latch-type needles, the special compound design offers
higher
operational stability which is required for larger needle sizes.
“Subsequently, our coarse gauge machines offer optimum
uniform quality of finished items. Moreover, compound needles offer
significant
reductions in needle stroke to allow for similar reductions in needle
bed and
carriage size, further improving productivity and efficiency,” the
company
says.
Spring type moveable
full sinker system
NSES122CS also features Shima’s patented spring-type
moveable full sinker system. Unlike conventional forced-operation type
sinkers,
the spring-type mechanism is said to provide gentle hold down movement
which
prevents the fabric from being subject to undue force. Consequently,
Shima
says, significant improvements in quality and texture for complicated
structure
patterns and dimensional fabrics are achieved. Combined with the use of
Shima’s
stitch presser much greater pattern variety can be achieved.
Double racking
mechanism
The NSES122CS uses a special motor-driven mechanism where racking
for transfer is performed by both front and rear beds simultaneously in
two
directions, reducing total racking movement by half. The shorter racking
stroke
permitted by this setup results in better racking control and knit
capability. Shima
says it also contributes to a more compact machine size.
Digital Stitch Control
System
NSES122CS comes standard with Shima’s proven Digital Stitch
Control System (DSCS). Considered one of the most significant
breakthroughs in
flatbed knitting technology, the company’s patented DSCS continuously
adjusts
yarn feed and tension to yield loop consistency with tolerance to within
a
remarkable +/-1%. According to Shima, the result is quality control
capability
that is virtually impossible with conventional analogue systems. In
addition to
being an important element in quality shaping and integral garment
production,
DSCS allows consistency among different batches and repeat orders.
New controller and LCD
monitor
The NSES122CS features a new control unit that is built-in
to the machine for simplified shipping and installation, easier
maintenance,
and more efficient use of space. The new controller boasts 50% more
memory
capacity as compared with the previous NewSES line, at 25,165,824 bits
or 1,024
wales x 8,192 addresses. The new controller can accept USB memory input,
further increasing data capacity for knitting complex knits. Also
standard is a
network interface which opens up new possibilities in file sharing and
production management using Shima Network Solutions.
A backup power supply is also standard, allowing work to
resume after power failures. The new control panel features a simple
monochromatic LCD monitor with an improved graphic interface for
intuitive
operation. The eye-level display offers improved ergonomics, while
menu-interactive function buttons offer easy input and editing. The menu
also
features multi-lingual capability, available in 12 languages.
Further
information
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