Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A., Italian subsidiary of leading Japanese computerized knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., will exhibit at the 97th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy. It will once again exhibit as part of the CustomEasy section, which explores various aspects of customization in the presence of textile machinery and design software, realized at the Shima Seiki Italia booth through SHIMA SEIKI’s lineup of computerized flat knitting machines and APEXFiz® design software.
SES®-R
SHIMA SEIKI’s legendary SES® series was the world’s first short-bed full-fashioning that could produce shaped pieces for one garment at a time and supported multi-variety, small-lot, quick-response production. First introduced in the 1980’s to a market filled with long-bed machines knitting square fabrics for cut-and-sewn products, it was a machine that challenged the status quo. Now that current status quo established by the SES® series is once again being challenged with the new SES®-R. SHIMA SEIKI’s next-generation shaping machine has been revamped with an all-new sinker system that features switchable sinker stroke and pause function with increased capability in knitting dimensional sinker patterns. Auto yarn carriers and loop presser beds mounted above both front and back needle beds enhance performance in both inverse plating and inlay knitting. Shown at ITMA Milan in 2023 as a prototype, the production version of SES®-R will be shown for the first time at Pitti Filati, in 14 gauge.
N.SVR®122
The N.SVR®122 computerized knitting machine features all the leading technology for which SHIMA SEIKI is well known and remains an industry standard. Market-leading innovations such as the R2CARRIAGE® that yields quicker carriage returns for greater efficiency, spring-type moveable sinker, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, WideGauge® knitting, stitch presser and takedown comb all combine to maximize performance. N.SVR®122 will be shown in 22 gauge to match demand in the Italian market for high-quality, extra-fine and sophisticated fabrics.
N.SSR®072
SHIMA SEIKI’s N.SSR®072 computerized jacquard collar machine can produce shaped collars efficiently based on computer-generated designs. N.SSR®072 is based on the workhorse N.SSR®112 garment shaping machine, and offers similar industry-leading technology in an economical yet reliable package. Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance combine to satisfy high expectations placed by the world’s fashion industry.
APEXFiz®
APEXFiz® subscription-based design software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual sampling is a digitized version of sample making, accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes. By replacing physical samples, virtual samples reduce time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.
SHIMA online
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include 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, 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 SHIMANAVI® e-learning system.
The booth also features several companies exhibiting in collaboration with Shima Seiki Italia, including specialty yarn manufacturers, linking machine manufacturer, technical apparel company, and more.
The potential of SHIMA SEIKI knitting machine technology is presented through the display of knit samples from Shima Seiki Italia, SHIMA SEIKI Japan and from the winner of the Creators, THE CALL design contest for young creators held at the SHIMA SEIKI booth during Pitti Filati 96 and determined by popular voting by visitors, Ms. Leonie Van Balen.
