Leading computerized knitting machine manufacturer SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. is celebrating its 60th year of business by holding an Anniversary event at its headquarters in Wakayama, Japan. The three-month-long open-house event held from September through November 2022 features a virtual fashion show, a presentation of the latest proposals in DX for fashion, and machine and sample exhibits for fashion and non-fashion markets. The 60th Anniversary event is open to SHIMA SEIKI customers, and visits are by appointment only. The online portion can be accessed by anyone, while the seminar sessions require pre-registration, which is free.
A special 60th Anniversary website has also been launched that allows browsing of event content for those unable to attend the event physically, as well as its online seminar agenda. Throughout the years, SHIMA SEIKI’s history has been marked by innovations that center around customer benefit, emphasizing reducing waste. Although the terms “sustainability” and “DX” did not exist at the time, it becomes clear that even back then these issues were consistently being addressed by developing solutions consistent with modern values and goals.
The 60th Anniversary event features the latest machine technology, including the SWG-XR next-generation WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine released just this year and a prototype pile glove machine. Knit samples include SWG-XR samples with patterns specialized to that machine, such as delicate punch lace patterns, extreme 3D-textured fabrics, asymmetric designs, and highly efficient intarsia patterns. Special emphasis is placed on non-fashion applications, including experimental exercises in knitted items and fabrics such as smart fabrics using conductive yarn, heat-treated stiff fabrics, origami and tatami knits, optical fibers, and very thick inlay cushions.
A special exhibit on carbon fiber composites features knit-to-shape 3D composite preforms using SHIMA SEIKI’s new biaxial weft knitting machine debuted at this year’s Techtextil Frankfurt show. Real-world applications such as automotive aerodynamics and propeller blades produced using a special carbon fiber version of the P-CAM series cutting machine are also on display.
