- MACH2 technology applied to intarsia knitting

- Maximum number of carriers increased from 32 to 40

- WideGauge option

Leading Japanese flat knitting machine builder Shima Seiki has introduced a new intarsia flat knitting machine which looks set to raise standards in the machine knitted intarsia market. The company’s new MACH2SIG model is the latest addition to its latest generation high speed MACH2 series machines.

Until now the MACH2 designation was reserved for Shima’s high speed MACH2X and MACH2S Wholegarment knitting machines. However, the company has now married the MACH2 series’ speed advantages to improved design system software, variable gauge knitting capability and increased intarsia patterning potential to set new standards in the flat knit intarsia field. Shima describes the MACH2SIG as “a revolution in multi-colour intarsia knitting by increasing productivity in ways never before possible”.

New benchmark in intarsia knitting

MACH2SIG is at the cutting edge of Shima Seiki’s flat knitting machine technology, full of the latest developments to enhance intarsia knitting. The machines’ productivity is enhanced through the combination of several key features, including a maximum knitting speed of 1.4 m/sec.

The R2CARRIAGE which is a fixture in MACH2X and MACH2S models helps the new intarsia machine achieve higher efficiency and features a mechanism which achieves quicker carriage returns after each course, resulting in a significant increase in productivity. Shima says other improvements in hardware and software have also helped increase maximum knitting speed dramatically.

With the MACH2SIG, the maximum number of available yarn carriers has increased from 32 to 40, allowing more flexibility during knitting and expanding the range of intarsia patterns which can be knitted. Shima says it’s new Automatic Yarn Carrier Setting software on its SDS-ONE apparel design workstation improves set up times and reduces production lead times dramatically, for up to 40 yarn carriers. Depending on the intarsia pattern, what used to take hours or days to program can now be performed in minutes or even seconds, the company says.

The MACH2SIG’s intarsia carriers are also, Shima says, more efficient and capable of producing finer, sophisticated intarsia designs, by reducing for example the minimum repeat width of argyle patterns from 6 to 3 inches.

WideGauge knitting

MACH2SIG is available in 3 different variants: SV – sinker variable (WideGauge); SC- sinker classic (true gauge); and FC – with fixed knockover. SV and SC variants are available in 12, 14 and 16 gauge and the FC variant is available in 16 gauge only. All 3 variants have 120cm wide needle beds as is common with most Shima ‘compact’ or ‘shaping’ machines. The variants will be known as MSIG123SV, MSIG123SC and MSIG123SC.

The MACH2SIG123SV variant, which should be the biggest seller due to its flexibility, features WideGauge knitting capability that allows a variety of gauges to be knitted on a single machine, allowing the MACH2SIG to play various production roles. The WideGauge feature is designed to allow the freedom to handle changing seasons and shifting trends without investing in a machine for every gauge or resorting to the complex, time-consuming task of gauge conversion. A MSIG123SV 14 gauge machine, for example, can be programmed to knit an order of 14 gauge intarsia garment panels followed by an order for 7 gauge panels.

i-DSCS gets Dynamic Tension Control

MACH2SIG also gets the optional i-DSCS+DTC  - Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence and the brand new Dynamic Tension Control, which is said to improve the company’s i-DSCS technology with variable electronic control of yarn tension. I-DSCS aims to allow high-quality and consistency during high-speed knitting while reducing the chance of yarn breaks and the new Dynamic Tension Control is said to be a motor driven system which replaces the take up springs which is integrated with the i-DSCS unit to actively control yarn feed in both feed and retrieval directions.

i-DSCS can be programmed with the desired loop length prior to knitting, after which it monitors yarn consumption continuously and adjusts yarn feed and tension to yield consistency throughout the fabric. Shima claims a ±1% tolerance for i-DSCS and says the result is quality control that is essential to shaping and integral garment production.

More new features

Other new features include a yarn gripper and cutter system which is equipped with a new lint remover for reduced maintenance. MACH2SIG machines also get a USB interface positioned directly below the control monitor for improved access in data exchange and the machine’s network connector has been repositioned to improve access for factory data management with Shima Network Solutions.

Air Splicer option

According to Shima, improved space efficiency is achieved by integrating the fabric collection tray within the machine frame itself. Shima’s Air Splicer, a device for ‘on the fly’ colour changing of yarns is also available for the MACH2SIG as optional equipment.

Profitable contribution for Shima’s customers

Shima says that the quicker setup, improved efficiency and higher productivity of the MACH2SIG can shorten lead times and production times for achieving quicker turnaround of orders. However, more importantly, the machine’s dramatically expanded range of design, colour and patterns permit the designer to further explore unprecedented areas in the world of intarsia knitting, the company says. Shima says this adds to consumer appeal of knitwear, thus contributing to profitability for Shima Seiki customers.

Shima began shipment of the MACH2SIG in January and has been exhibiting the machine at private shows in various markets worldwide. The company says the MACH2SIG has been widely accepted by its customers with great interest and enthusiasm and that it has taken a steady stream of orders for the machine. The company emphasizes that the MACH2SIG offers a blend of ‘Made-in-Japan’ quality and reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance that fulfils the high expectations already held by the global fashion industry.