Leading Japanese flat knitting technology manufacturer Shima Seiki of Wakayama, Japan, will unveil its latest generation of advanced flat knitting machines and digital solutions at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore this week. Continuing with the company’s exhibition theme ‘Shima Seiki Reborn’, first introduced at ITMA 2023 in Milan, this year’s concept reflects a return to the company’s technological roots - an evolution driven by renewed commitment to innovation, efficiency and sustainability.

At Hall H5, Stand C301, Shima Seiki will present an integrated showcase of machinery and software across a 200 square metre booth. Key exhibits include the SWG-XR WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine, the SES-R next-generation flat knitting machine, and the N.SSR132 flat knitting machine, alongside the company’s latest digital design and production systems, including APEXFiz, SDS KnitPaint-Online, yarnbank, and SHIMA Datamall.

Fifth generation of WHOLEGARMENT Technology

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Shima Seiki’s groundbreaking WHOLEGARMENT seam-free 3D knitting technology, and the company commemorates the milestone with the latest SWG-XR124 18L. As part of the newly revamped R-series, this fifth-generation flagship machine continues to set industry benchmarks for speed, quality, versatility, and sustainability.

The SWG-XR features Shima Seiki’s proprietary SlideNeedle system across four needle beds, a newly designed spring-type movable sinker system, and a compact lightweight carriage equipped with four systems and automatic yarn carriers. These innovations collectively boost productivity by more than 25% compared to the previous MACH2XS model.

Enhanced knitting capability allows the production of fine-gauge fabrics up to 15 gauge with a 50-inch (125 cm) width. It supports a wide variety of yarns for all-season knitwear and introduces new possibilities for complex structures, including punch lace fabrics, variable stitch patterns, and intarsia knitting. The result is a machine engineered for high precision, reduced waste, and total design freedom, redefining standards for sustainable manufacturing.

SES-R: Reborn for a new era

The SES-R V14G, Shima Seiki’s next-generation shaping machine, is a direct successor to the legendary SES series introduced in the 1980s - the world’s first short-bed, full-fashioning machine designed for flexible, small-lot production. The new SES-R reimagines that legacy with cutting-edge engineering aligned with the ‘Reborn’ concept.

At its core is an all-new spring-type movable sinker system featuring switchable sinker stroke and a pause function, enabling precise control over dimensional sinker patterns. The integration of auto yarn carriers and loop presser beds above both front and rear needle beds further enhances inverse plating and inlay knitting capabilities.

Displayed at ITMA Asia in a 14-gauge, 52-inch (132 cm) configuration, the SES-R combines robust shaping performance with advanced automation, ensuring consistent fabric quality while supporting larger garment sizes. This new generation continues Shima Seiki’s tradition of challenging industry norms through technical refinement and practical innovation.

N.SSR132: cost-efficient precision

The new N.SSR132 V14G extends Shima Seiki’s global standard in shaped knitting by offering an economical yet powerful alternative. Designed for high productivity, it operates with a lightweight carriage capable of speeds up to 1.2 metres per second and quick returns via the company’s R2CARRIAGE system.

It retains the manufacturer’s hallmark Digital Stitch Control System (DSCS), spring-type sinker system, stitch presser, and takedown comb, ensuring high-quality results even in demanding applications. New features include a 52-inch knitting width and optional sub-rollers for greater material versatility. Combining efficiency with Shima Seiki’s signature Made-in-Japan reliability, the N.SSR132 sets a new cost-performance benchmark for mid-range flat knitting.

Digital transformation through integrated software

Alongside its hardware innovations, Shima Seiki continues to pioneer digital transformation in textile production through its suite of software and web services.

SDS KnitPaint-Online introduces the proven KnitPaint system as a standalone web-based solution, enabling users to create knit data, plan production, and program machines remotely.

APEXFiz, the company’s subscription-based design software, offers end-to-end digital workflow - from planning and 3D virtual sampling to colourway evaluation and automatic knitting data generation. By replacing physical samples with accurate virtual prototypes, APEXFiz significantly reduces lead time, cost, and material waste, supporting on-demand production models and sustainable development.

Complementing these tools, yarnbank - the world’s first digital yarn sourcing platform - provides a database of real yarns supplied by global manufacturers, enabling precise fabric simulation. The Shima Datamall content service further enhances the ecosystem by offering access to over 8,700 digital assets, including knit item data, designs, and 3D patterns, streamlining workflow across design and production.

Demonstrations and collaborative displays

Over 140 knitted samples are displayed across Shima Seiki’s booth, illustrating the creative and technical potential of its systems in fashion, footwear, accessories, and industrial applications. A notable collaboration with Groz-Beckert KG introduces a new seam-free WHOLEGARMENT knitted baseball cap, produced on the SWG-091N2 compact machine using Shima Seiki’s original SlideNeedle.

Shima Seiki Reborn represents a return to origin, for the company and for its products, fuelled by the renewal of passion and commitment toward innovation

A central widescreen display hosts multiple video presentations, including an exploration of how APEXFiz empowers production factories to act as proactive partners to design studios - a paradigm shift that redefines the conventional fashion supply chain.

Through this comprehensive showcase, Shima Seiki demonstrates how its integrated approach - combining next-generation machine technology, AI-driven digital design, and connected data platforms - continues to lead the evolution of smart, sustainable textile manufacturing.

www.shimaseiki.com