The leading flat knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki, of Wakayama, Japan, together with its UK subsidiary Shima Seiki Europe will hold a private exhibition at the company’s revamped showroom in Castle Donington, from 17-19 June.

The exhibition will be a showcase for the company's diverse line-up of its latest computerised flat knitting machines. On display will be the cutting edge in computerised flat knitting technology, represented by the latest Wholegarment machine and design system.

New machinery highlights

A show highlight will be Shima’s flagship MACH2X series, which features the company’s original SlideNeedle on four needlebeds – the only machine really suited to Wholegarment knitting in all needles.

Also on show will be the new compact SWG-N2 series Wholegarment knitting machine, which is said to offer an increased colour capacity as well as the capability for producing industrial textiles.

According to the company, its new SRY123LP features a pair of loop presser beds mounted above a conventional V-shaped needlebed and is capable of producing unprecedented knitwear with woven textures as well as technical textiles.

The new SVR workhorse series resets the industry benchmark once again for shaping machines in the tradition of Shima Seiki's legendary SES and SSG machines, the manufacturer reports.

Significantly shortened lead times

Another highlight of the show will be Shima Seiki's unique SIP flatbed inkjet printing machine, shown for the first time in the UK.

The machine features a height adjustable printing head that allows for printing onto 3D textures, as well as finished products such as Wholegarment items.

According to Shima Seiki, combined with the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system, a fully integrated manufacturing system allows full-colour value-added garments to be designed, colour-matched, modelled in 3D, printed and approved with significantly shortened lead times compared with traditional methods.

Effectively reducing time

Demonstrations will also be performed on Shima Seiki's SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system that is at the core of the company's Total Knitting System concept.

With comprehensive support of all aspects throughout the knit supply chain, APEX3 integrates knit production into one efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to machine programming, production and even sales promotion, according to Shima Seiki.

Virtual Sampling through photo-realistic simulation is said to minimise the need for sample-making, effectively reducing time, material and cost from the sampling process. APEX3 also supports design and simulation in various other industries such as circular knitting, weaving, pile weaving and printing.

Wholegarment knitwear

Also on display will be the latest collection of seam-free Wholegarment knitwear that features superior fit, comfort and draping characteristics.

New solutions in knitwear design, shaping techniques and material selection will be presented to provide hints to users for further maximising the benefits of the Wholegarment knitting technology.

Exhibition Details

Date: 17-19 June 2014

Hours: 9:00 – 18:00

Venue: Shima Seiki Europe, Ltd

Sills Road, Willow Farm Business Park,

Castle Donington, Derbyshire, DE74 2US, U.K.

Exhibited Technology

MACH2X123 8L (WHOLEGARMENTR knitting machine)

MACH2X153 18L (WHOLEGARMENTR knitting machine)

SWG061N2 7G (WHOLEGARMENTR knitting machine)

SRY123LP-SV12G (Computerised knitting machine)

SVR122-SV 5G (Computerised knitting machine)

SVR122-SV 12G (Computerised knitting machine)

SDS-ONE APEX3 (3D design system)

SIP-160F2L (Inkjet printing machine)

Wholegarment knitwear samples

For more information please contact:

Shima Seiki Europe, Ltd.

Tel: +44-1332-814770

Fax: +44-1332-850272

E-mail: [email protected]

www.shimaseiki.com