On display will be the new MACH2VS WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine. The flexible and versatile MACH2VS is evolved from the MACH2S and carries on that machine’s capability to knit in a range of production styles. As a conventional shaping machine, it is capable of all­needle knitting in its available range of 8 to 16 gauge, while WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear can be produced in half­gauge fabrics. The range of usable yarn and material has increased as well, thanks to i­DSCS+DTC® as standard equipment. The R2CARRIAGE® system that yields quicker carriage returns for greater effi­ ciency, now features a lighter carriage for even higher productivity. MACH2VS is even capable of gaugeless knitting whereby a number of different gauges can be knit into a single garment. A new full­color touch­screen monitor also improves on operator ergonomics.

Demonstrations will also be performed on SHIMA SEIKI’s latest version of its SDS­ONE APEX series 3D design system. SDS­ONE APEX4 makes its debut in Vietnam boasting processing speeds for WHOLEGARMENT® programming and simula­ tion up to 6 times faster as compared to APEX3. In addition, APEX4 features AI functions for optimized searching among its vast archive of patterns and designs.

At the core of the company’s “Total Knitting System” concept, APEX4 integrates knit production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to machine programming, production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is APEX4’s capability to improve on the planning process with Virtual Sampling. Photo­realistic simulation capability minimizes the need for sample­making, effectively reducing time, cost and material from the sampling process to achieve smart, speedy and sustainable production.