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A synthesis of all of Shima Seiki's experience and know-how, the SWG-FIRST series computerized flatbed knitting machines offer tremendous capability previously unimagined in the world of knitting. Everything from full-fashioning, rib shaping to 3-dimensional shaping, as well as WHOLEGARMENT production can be performed. This all-purpose capability is made possible through the development of our revolutionary new SlideNeedle and offers remarkable improvements in quality, variety and productivity.
SHIMA SEIKI has reinvented the most basic element of knit ting-the needle. The new SlideNeedle is the result of a thorough reevaluation of the 150-year old design of the conventional latch needle, and offers knitting possibilities never imagined before. A flexible two-piece slider mechanism splits and extends beyond the needle hook for increased potential especially in complex transfers. Using the slider mechanism for transfer effectively eliminates the transfer clip, allowing the needle to be mounted in the center of the needle groove. The SlideNeedle thereby achieves perfectly symmetrical loop formation for knitting the highest possible quality fabrics. In addition, the new Contra-Sinker actively offsets, and consequently reduces, the total movement of the SlideNeedle with a counter-movement. The shallower angle of approach distributes yarn tension more evenly, reducing scuffing and thereby preventing yarn breaks. Together, the SlideNeedle and Contra-Sinker achieve better quality while using a wider variety of yarns, not to mention significant improvements in productivity.
FIRST's SlideNeedle doubles the number of available knitting techniques from six to twelve variations. With both front and back beds in operation, this effectively offers 144 potential combinations of techniques as compared to 36 combinations possible with 6-way technique. As a result, all-new structures and sophisticated patterns never before possible raise knitwear to a higher level.
The new SlideNeedle does away with the concept of the fixed "gauge" by permitting an assortment of gauge sizes to be knit in a single garment. This allows the freedom to handle changing seasons and shifting trends without investing in a machine for every gauge or resorting to the complex, time-consuming task of gauge conversion. Product variety is also vastly increased by achieving interesting textures and sophisticated visual patterning effects. Unique Split Stitch techniques made possible with the SlideNeedle also allow smoother gauge-to-gauge transitions.
FIRST's new computer-controlled takedown system consists of front and rear panels over which tiny pins are distributed for separately controlling takedown tension for the front and back when knitting WHOLEGARMENT. In addition, each panel is separated into 1.5-inch sections which can be individually controlled for specific tension control across the entire width of the garment. This precise control over takedown tension permits three-dimensional shaping of WHOLEGARMENT items-for example, by allowing shoulder lines for set-in sleeves to be positioned over the shoulder toward the back-resulting in a more dimensionally accurate garment which conforms better to the shape of the torso.
FIRST features two extra beds mounted above the conventional V-shaped needle beds. The loop presser bed is located above the rear needle bed, and features an improved presser system which works on individual loops for greater control of fabric holddown. The transfer jack bed is mounted above the front needle bed. From there, transfer can be made to and from both front and rear needle beds. The transfer jack bed can also be racked for a maximum of 1.5 inches to each side (3 inches total), and on some models can be split for individual left-right racking control.
