Promoting innovation in research, education, and collaborationwith industry through WHOLEGARMENT® technology
Advanced Fabrication Research Lab,University of Technology Sydney
The Advanced Fabrication Research Lab (AFRL) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a research facility that promotes research, education, and industry collaboration by applying advanced digital manufacturing technologies such as 3D knitting, robotics, and 3D printing. In addition to fashion and textiles, it leverages state-of-the-art equipment and expert knowledge by technical staff across a wide range of fields including architecture, product design, engineering, healthcare, and sustainability.
Creating an Environment for Applying Advanced Knitting Technologies
At AFRL, as research, education, and industry collaboration progressed, there was a growing demand for advanced knitting technology, prompting the development of a new research and development environment. However, since AFRL lacked equipment for developing and prototyping seam-free knits and complex knit structures, they installed SHIMA SEIKI’s SWG®-XR WHOLEGARMENT® flat knitting machine and SDS®-ONE APEX4 design system. This enabled an integrated environment from design to prototyping, making it possible to conduct research and development of 3D knit products with complex three-dimensional structures. The SWG®-XR continues to be used daily and plays a vital role in supporting AFRL’s research and educational activities.
Key Factors in the Selection: Technological Capability and Support
AFRL chose SHIMA SEIKI due to its advanced WHOLEGARMENT® technology, the high compatibility between the SWG®-XR machine and SDS®-ONE APEX4 system, as well as the proven track record and reliability cultivated within the industry. Additionally, comprehensive support provided by Ramsay McDonald Australia, SHIMA SEIKI’s Australian distributor, strongly influenced the decision to adopt these technologies. After implementation, AFRL took training sessions at SHIMA SEIKI headquarters along with the SHIMANAVI® e-learning system, which supports human resource development and skill enhancement. Researchers and technical staff acquire knowledge and skills efficiently, applying new technologies to their research and educational activities.
Expanding Potential from Research to Industry Collaboration
At AFRL, the introduction of SHIMA SEIKI products has inspired researchers and students to generate new research themes, leading to an expansion of joint projects with industry partners. In research scenarios requiring complex or highly flexible designs, WHOLEGARMENT® technology enables the production of completely seam-free knits. This allows prototypes with three-dimensional knit structures unique to SWG®-XR to be created without the need for cutting or sewing processes.
WHOLEGARMENT® technology is highly compatible with textile applications beyond fashion. In 2024, a software development project led by Associate Professor David Pigram from the School of Architecture and the AFRL team won first place in the UTS Research Translation Competition. The software developed through this project, “Knit3D,” is middleware that converts 3D design data into knit data producible on WHOLEGARMENT® flat knitting machines. This advancement enabled the knitting of complex 3D shapes and contributed to expanding applications across various fields including architecture.
For example, WHOLEGARMENT® technology on the SWG®-XR has been utilized in diverse areas such as collaborations in furniture and lighting design, architectural projects using biodegradable materials, sustainable product development employing recycled yarns, and stage costume production.
Here are some examples of knitting-related projects realized at AFRL so far using their SWG®-XR.
| Billo Armchair (3D Knit Cover and 3D Knit Lighting System) | A collaborative project with Adam Goodrum Studio. By producing knits using locally sourced wool yarn, the project pursues sustainable and advanced manufacturing, contributing to reducing environmental impact and promoting a local production system. | |||
| Impermanences Tractatus (2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture) | A collaborative project with the French architectural firm New Territories / S/he-F.Roche. Using biodegradable materials and advanced knit structures, the project explores architectural expression centered on temporary shelters. | |||
| Knit3D | The project that won the 2024 UTS Research Translation Competition, "Knit3D" software connects 3D modelling workflow data with SDS®-ONE APEX4 knitting data contributing to increased design freedom and waste reduction expanding design and research possibilities in WHOLEGARMENT® knit technology. | |||
| Lace as Sound | A research project led by Dr. Cecilia Heffer. Inspired by antique lace from the Powerhouse Museum collection, the project explores new knit expressions and spatial designs. | |||
| OCEANA Collection, Alberta Stournaras | UTS Fashion and Textiles Honours student, Alberta Stournaras was invited to show her WHOLEGARMENT® knitted collection at Australian Fashion Week 2026. Practicing the knitwear development process from planning to production. | |||
| Noema | A collaborative research project with a company developing bio-based new material yarns. Product development combines proprietary materials with WHOLEGARMENT® technology. | |||
| High Tea with Mrs Woo | A collaborative research project with an Australian slow fashion brand. Promoting research and development aimed at realizing circular manufacturing by utilizing regenerated yarn made from fabric offcuts. | |||
| BRIGHTNESS by Kristina Chan, INDance 2025, Sydney Dance Company | A collaborative production with choreographer Kristina Chan, costume designer Dr Donna Sgro (UTS), CREAT NSW and Sydney Dance Company. Development of knit costumes for dancers, pursuing fusion of performance and costume expression. | |||
Looking Ahead to further Advancement in Knitting Technology
At AFRL, further research is planned for smart textiles and wearable technologies, while strengthening collaborative research with industry and enhancing student education. Additionally, an increase in the number of flat knitting machines is expected in an effort to expand a foundation for learning and applying knit design and development throughout the entire university. As a leading research and education hub for advanced knit technologies in Australia, AFRL continues its challenges into the future.
Products Featured in This Case Study
University of Technology Sydney
| Established | 1988 |
| Location | Sydney, Australia |
| Type of business | University |
| Website | University of Technology Sydney
Faculty of Design and Society Advanced Fabrication Research Lab |
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