Shima Seiki presents flat-knitting and seamless systems for medical textiles

Shima Seiki showed four computerized flat-knitting machines at a medical-textiles event held at Groz-Beckert's headquarters in Albstadt, Germany. The lineup was the SES-R, N.SVR123SP, SWG091N2 and SWG-XR144.

The SES-R, part of the SES series, has a redesigned movable sinker system for three-dimensional shaping. It also carries motorized Auto Yarn Carriers that move independently of the knitting carriage, plus individually controlled loop pressers.

The N.SVR123SP uses inlay knitting to add yarns into a structure. Shima Seiki said this can suit elastic or reinforcement yarns in orthopaedic supports and compression panels.

WHOLEGARMENT, introduced in 1995, makes complete knitted items on the machine without conventional linking and sewing. The company cited prior demonstrations of compression socks and medical knee braces on the compact SWG091N2.

APEXFiz supports virtual sampling and can run on users' own hardware. Shima Seiki said design data can be converted to machine data by a qualified knit technician.

For equipment buyers, ask which demonstrated machine matches your product shape and yarn mix, whether inlay or seamless construction is needed, and what validation your medical product requires. Confirm APEXFiz hardware needs and who will handle data conversion before purchase.