Knitted shoe-upper technology on show from Shima Seiki at Fimec
Flat-knitting solutions provider Shima Seiki will work with its Brazilian representative Brastema Technologia Textil, to present some of its latest technology at the Fimec exhibition in Novo Hamburgo from March 7-9.
With the recent trend in knitted shoe uppers in the athletic footwear market in mind, the Japanese company will showcase its Mach2XS machine at Fimec. This machine features four needle-beds and the company’s SlideNeedle technology, which can create seam-free shoe uppers.
Its SVR123SP machine, suitable for conventional shaped knitting of shoe uppers, will also be on show.
This machine features a loop presser bed that permits inlay technique for producing hybrid fabrics with both knit and weave characteristics, suited to shoe upper applications that require form-fitting function, comfort, flexibility, breathability as well as strength and stiffness, Shima Seiki said.
The company will also demonstrate its APEX4 3D design system (pictured) at the event, giving footwear manufacturers insight into what the technology provider has called “its ultra-realistic simulation capability”.
“When countless variations must be evaluated before arriving at a final design,” Shima Seiki explained, “virtual product samples can be used to streamline the decision-making process by minimising the enormous amount of time and cost normally associated with producing actual samples for each variation.”
