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 flagship MACH2X series features the company’s original SlideNeedle on four needlebeds – the only machine suited to Wholegarment knitting in all needles. The new compact SWG-N2 series Wholegarment knitting machine is said to offer an increased colour capacity as well as the capability for producing industrial textiles.

According to the company, its 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.

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.

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.

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