The company emphasized its unique capability to provide solutions to a diverse customer base with various needs through complete systems integration via its Total Knitting System and Total Fashion System concepts. To meet the customer expectations, Shima Seiki had on display a representative cross-section of its technology, ranging from conventional shaping and intarsia machines to its latest high-spec WHOLEGARMENT knitting machines, in a wide range of gauges from coarse to ultra fine. Of the 9 machines displayed, 8 were new exhibits, being shown for the first time at an international exhibition. Two of the new machine models were MACH2X153 18L and MACH2SIG.
MACH2X153 in 18L gauge realizes beautifully shaped and sophisticated ultra fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT knitwear with the highest-possible quality at more than twice the productivity over previous models. The current pinnacle of computerized flat knitting machine technology, the 18L machine features a special large hook version of Shima Seiki’s innovative slide needle mounted on 4 needle beds at 18-gauge needle pitch, which effectively yields very tight, high-grade 15-gauge texture fabrics. MACH2X153 18L possesses significant market advantage in that the inherent characteristics of WHOLEGARMENT production without the need for post-processing is especially beneficial to ultra fine gauge because the labour required for linking and sewing such fine gauge items is very specialized and very difficult to match the machine in speed, quality and consistency.
Shima Seiki from Japan has shown great strides in research, development and production of original hardware and software with its line of advanced computerized flat knitting machines and peripherals displayed in its stand on the show.
MACH2SIG revolutionizes intarsia knitting with productivity that is unmatched through the combination of several key features. Maximum knitting speed is increased to 1.4 m/sec. Combined with the Rapid Response R2CARRIAGE which achieves quicker carriage returns after each course, production efficiency is increased significantly. Intarsia capability is much enhanced through the increase in maximum number of yarn carriers from 32 to 40, allowing more flexibility during knitting and expanding the range of possible intarsia patterns.
The Shima Seiki machines are marketed and serviced in India by Janaksons International headed by Ashwani Behl who feels that this brand of machines has carved a niche for itself. “In this business for the last 22 years, because of the constant innovation in the technology and efficient after-sales-service extended by Janaksons International, Shima Seiki has established a strong market for itself in the Indian scenario,” says Ashwani.