P-CAM® R
Leading textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan is exhibiting at the upcoming JIAM 2024 Japan International Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing Trade Show in Osaka, Japan. At JIAM the company will be promoting all three of its main product lines: Computerized cutting machines (NC cutting machines); Computerized flat knitting machines; and Design software, to the international market. The company’s exhibition theme at JIAM 2024 is SHIMA SEIKI Reborn, referring to the renewal of SHIMA SEIKI’s commitment to innovation. The Reborn concept is manifested in the form of brand-new ‘R’ series models, available in both computerized cutting machine and computerized knitting machine lineups.
Computerized Cutting Machines (NC Cutting Machines)
P-CAM® R
While SHIMA SEIKI is best known as a leading flat knitting machine manufacturer, it also boasts the largest market share for computerized cutting machines in Japan. Now with its new P- CAM® R, Japan’s best-selling cutting technology has become available to the world. Redesigned from the ground up as a high-performance flagship machine in SHIMA SEIKI’s computerized cutting machine (NC cutting machine) lineup, P-CAM® R features elevated productivity and cutting precision for the global market. With increased stiffness and a knife distortion sensor, higher cutting precision has been realized. An independent drilling unit works in tandem with the cutting head, allowing cutting and drilling to be performed simultaneously for greater productivity. Maintenance has become easier, user operability has improved, and operator safety has been addressed through a standard entry prevention cover. Cloud connection allows monitoring of machine operation for collecting and analyzing production data, as well as managing replacement of consumables and other IT usage. Through improved efficiency in material usage and power consumption, P-CAM® R realizes reduced environmental impact for promoting sustainability in the cutting room. P-CAM® R will be on display together with the P- SPR®2L fabric spreading machine with layup function to “relax” fabric in preparation for accurate cutting. Demonstrations in cutting cut-and-sew garment fabric will be available throughout the day.
P-CAM®160 Pattern Matching Premium
The Pattern Matching Premium variation of the P-CAM®160 singly-ply computerized cutting machine (NC cutting machine) is capable of pattern-matched cutting for plaids, stripes and borders. Equipped with a line-scan camera, the entire fabric pattern is read as it is fed into the machine, and is matched with marking data prepared by SDS®-ONE APEX4 CAD software, to enable pattern-matched cutting that takes into account fabric skew and distortion. In addition, while the fabric is being cut in the cutting area, the next fabric pattern can be matched in the scanning area simultaneously, greatly increasing production efficiency. Improved suction of the fabric allows for the sheet sealer to be eliminated, promoting sustainable manufacturing and saving on material cost. Pattern Matching Premium demonstrations will be shown cutting checkered fabric for jackets.
P-CAM®120C
P-CAM®120C is a computerized cutting machine (NC cutting machine) that is ideal for cutting sheets of carbon- and glass-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP and GFRP) pre-impregnated composites (prepregs). It features cutting methods selectable from drag knife, reciprocating knife as well as ultrasonic knife, which allows a wide range of materials to be cut, including rubber, leather, vinyl, thermoplastics, adhesive material and water-repellent fabrics, in single ply up to 20mm in thickness or multiply applications. The compact dimensions begin with a cutting width of 1,180mm, while the length begins at 880mm and can be extended according to customers’ needs. Various measures are also taken in consideration of the type of materials to be cut on this machine, including dust prevention and auto knife cleaning and cutting mat laydown. P-CAM®120C is ideal for applications in automotive, aerospace as well as industrial materials. At JIAM, P-CAM®120C will be available for demonstrating cutting of a variety of fabrics on demand.
Computerized Flat Knitting Machines
SWG-XR®
Heading SHIMA SEIKI’s flat knitting machine display at JIAM 2024 is the latest-generation flagship WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, the SWG-XR®. Capable of knitting an entire garment without the need for sewing or linking, WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology is one of the most sustainable forms of textile production available, requiring only the minimal amount of material for producing a single item. SWG-XR® features 4 needle beds for all-needle knitting of high quality WHOLEGARMENT® products using the company’s original SlideNeedle™, in addition to a re-designed sinker system and a compact, light-weight carriage featuring 4 systems, as well as auto yarn carriers. All contribute to increased productivity of more than 25% over previous models, not to mention increased product range using a wider variety of yarn for supporting knits for all seasons, and higher quality for knitting new fabrics and silhouettes, including punch lace patterns, variable stitch knitting and intarsia knitting. Setting new standards for the next generation of waste-free, sustainable WHOLEGARMENT® knitting, SWG-XR® at JIAM will be shown in 22LL gauge for knitting ideal 18-gauge fabrics.
SWG®041N2
The SWG®041N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT® items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG®-N2 series “Mini” range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as dog wear, cozies, shoe uppers, bags, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items. SWG®041N2 at JIAM will be knitting a business card case in 3D in one entire piece.
SVR®093SP
SVR®093SP is a conventional shaped knitting machine featuring a loop presser bed that yields novel fabrics with special inlay patterns that are produced by inserting yarn into knit fabric in a weave fashion, for producing hybrid fabrics with both knit and weave characteristics. i-Plating® inverse-plating capability increases patterning capability even further, including the production of jacquard-like patterns in light-weight plain jersey stitch. Featuring SHIMA SEIKI innovations as the Rapid Response R2CARRIAGE®, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, spring-type moveable sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb, SVR®093SP will be knitting a helmet shell at JIAM 2024.
Design Software
SDS®-ONE APEX4
The potential of SHIMA SEIKI textile machines is maximized in combination with the SDS®-ONE APEX4 “all-in-one” 3D design system. At the core of the company’s “Total Fashion System” concept, SDS®-ONE APEX4 provides comprehensive support throughout the apparel supply chain, integrating production into one smooth and efficient workflow, as an apparel CAD system from patternmaking and grading to marking (nesting), as well as a design system from product planning and design to production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is the capability to improve on the design and evaluation process with virtual sampling. Ultra-realistic simulation capability allows the use of virtual samples for evaluating design variations without the need to produce physical samples, thereby minimizing the time, cost and resources normally required with sample-making, and supporting smart, speedy and sustainable apparel production. Simulations are available not only for flat knitting, but for weaving, pile weaving, circular knitting and embroidery as well.
APEXFiz®
The software available on the all-in-one SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system are available as individual software subscriptions in the form of APEXFiz® software. APEXFiz® Design is available with complete design functionality to support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, for flat knitting, circular knitting, weaving, pile weaving and embroidery as well. Realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling are also available to replace physical sampling, saving on time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. The remarkable realism of textile simulation is achieved by using scanned data of actual yarn to virtually weave or knit, creating an image that resembles actual fabric. These fabrics can be utilized in various 3D simulation software including APEXFiz® to create realistic product images. Should the design be approved for production, machine data can be generated to allow smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between the design studio and factory floor. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.
SHIMA SEIKI Online Services
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® Design is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items, as well as the yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world for download and use in virtual sampling. Registration to both services is free.
