Leading flat knitting machine builder Shima Seiki has released technical specifications for its new MACH2X and MACH2S high speed Wholegarment knitting machines, indicating that the machines are almost ready for sale. Prototypes of the four needlebed MACH2X and double needlebed MACH2S were recently exhibited at ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai.

Like the SWG-X on which it is based, the new MACH2X is a Wholegarment specialty machine that features four needle beds and Shima Seiki’s exclusive slide needle. The MACH2X which has a working width of 68 inches (170cm), is to be offered in gauges 12, 15 and 15L (large hook needle). The 15L gauge machine is equipped with a special large-hook version of the slide needle, which is used for knitting 12-gauge fabrics at 15-gauge needle pitch for even higher productivity. Shima says that the 15-gauge needle pitch also allows for a tighter fabric especially for ribs, contributing to higher-quality Wholegarments.

As the MACH name suggests, what sets the MACH2X apart is its speed and productivity. According to Shima, the new R2CARRIAGE system increases maximum knitting speed and permits quicker carriage returns for higher effi ciency per knitted course and the New Split Stitch technique furthermore allows effi cient knitting by eliminating empty courses.

i-DSCS ( Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence) is also fitted as standard on the MACH2X. Additional improvements include a new control unit that is built-in to the machine for simplified shipping and installation, easier maintenance, and more effi cient use of space. A USB memory interface and a backup power supply are standard and the MACH2 new machines also feature a lower overall height for improved access to top tension units. Shima also claims that dramatic improvements in both quailty and productivity make the new MACH2X the ideal machine for high-quality Wholegarment production.

The new R2(Rapid Response) CARRIAGE System features a new carriage mechanism combined with improved software programming that results in a maximum knitting speed of 1.6m/s. Shima emphasizes that more importantly, the R2CARRIAGE achieves quicker carriage returns after each course and combined, these improvements result in significant increases in productivity depending on the gauge and type of fabric.

MACH2S

Like the New SES-S -WG Wholegarment machine on which it is based, Shima Seiki’s MACH2S is a flexible machine which Shima says realizes quality knitting in a range of production styles. As a conventional shaping machine, it is capable of all-needle knitting in its available range of 12, 14 and 16 gauge, while Wholegarment knitwear can be produced in half-gauge fabrics.

The MACH2S also adopts the new R2CARRIAGE system, increasing maximum knitting speed to 1.6m/s, and permitting quicker carriage returns. Optional equipment includes Shima’s Yarn Carrier Kickback Device which enhances productivity by eliminating empty carriage courses for knitting intarsia and integral knits.

Additional improvements include a new control unit that is built-in to the machine for simplified shipping and installation, easier maintenance, and more effi cient use of space. A USB memory interface and a backup power supply are standard and the MACH2S also features an overall height lowered by approximately 150mm for improved access to top tension units. Other features include i-DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence, as well as adjustable Second Stitch for high-quality production through the use of loose/tight stitches.

MACH2S is also capable of gaugeless knitting whereby a number of different gauges can be knit into a single garment.