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Shima Seiki launches electronic SFG-I glove knitting machine

Leading Japanese flat knitting and glove knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki has launched a brand new electronically controlled version of its legendary SFG series glove knitting machine. The SFG-I is available in 10, 13, 15 and 18 gauges and in sizes M, L, L2 and L3.Following in the footsteps of the original SFG fully automatic seamless glove knitting machine, Shima Seiki's new SFG-I is now set to become the new global standard for fine and ultrafine gauge gloves,

9th January 2012

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Wakayama

Protective, Clothing/​Footwear

Following in the footsteps of the original SFG fully automatic seamless glove knitting machine, Shima Seiki's new SFG-I is now set to become the new global standard for fine and ultrafine gauge gloves, having inherited the know-how and experience accumulated over the years as the leading manufacturer of automatic glove knitting machines.

The SFG-I features electronic programming, while carrying over proven Shima Seiki technology such as the company's original sinker knitting system, stitch density control, and centralized lubrication system. Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, productivity, and value also combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world's glove knitting industries, the company says.

According to Shima, these quality production benefits, combined with the precision engineering required for fine gauge knitting, produce gloves with a natural and comfortable fit that is perfect for high-precision work, medical applications, and coated gloves. Very tight stitches between the fingers also make them suited for use as coated turn gloves as well.

SFG-I ultra fine 18 gauge glove. Image: Shima SeikiUltrafine Gauge Gloves

Shima claims that 18 gauge gloves from the new machine offer a fit and feel equivalent to that of bare hands, giving new meaning to the term "fits like a glove." Round and seamless, snug-fitting fingertips are said to be perfect applications that require a high degree of manual dexterity including medical, technical and assembly work. Very tight stitches between the fingers also make SFG-I fine gauge gloves suited for use as coated turn gloves.

New Control System

Machine control is now performed by electronic programming, replacing the conventional control drum. The result, Shima says, is a user-friendly machine that features superior operability, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Stitch Density Control

With the SFG-I a new stepping motor finely adjusts stitch density to help the glove conform to the various parts of the hands. Particularly in fine gauge applications, precise adjustments must be made in order to knit yarns at the fingertips. By doing so, gloves can be shaped to fit fingers and hands snugly and extend the benefits of ultrafine gauge gloves even further.

Original Sinker System and Durable Needle Bed

With Shima Seiki's original sinker knitting system, SFG-I is said to produce gloves that are superior in stretch and strength qualities and conform perfectly to the shape of hands. The SFG-I needle bed features special insertion plates. Precision-manufactured from special steel using state-of-the-art hardening technology, the plates provide extreme strength and durability for high speed, high-quality product manufacturing, while facilitating easy maintenance.

Centralized lubrication

The SFG-I's centralized lubrication system features lubrication to all required parts at the touch of a lever. Lubrication with the recommended Genuine Shima Oil provides sufficient coverage to all parts of the machine for minimized wear and easier maintenance. In addition, the SFG-I features computer-controlled automatic lubrication of the sinker and jack, providing an optimum amount of oil to the sinkers according to a preset schedule. Automatic lubrication also prevents over-lubrication, conserving oil and keeping products clean.13 gauge SFG-I glove - Very tight stitches between the fingers make them suited for use as coated turn gloves. Image: Shima Seiki.

Optional equipment

Optional equipment for the SFG-I includes Plating Yarn Feeder Control Device, 3-Finger Palm Device, Secondary Yarn Cutter Device, and CE Mark for Reliable Safety (CE versions only).

The optional yarn feeder control device offers an economical solution to using expensive yarns by cutting back on the use of plating yarn. Electrically conductive yarns for circuit board assembly for example, can be very costly. By regulating the amount of plating yarn, cost can be cut while maintaining the functional capacity of the gloves.

For an even more natural fit, Shima offers its 3-finger palm option. With this option the upper palm portion below the middle-three fingers is knitted separately from the rest of the palm. With the pinky joint mounted lower than the rest, independent movement allows for a more comfortable, better fitting glove. It also makes it easier to mount gloves onto moulds for processing of coated or treated gloves.

Developed for the optional 2-color devices, the secondary yarn cutter device features a motor-driven cutter and looper for secondary-colour yarns. Its electronically controlled motor enables holding and releasing of secondary yarn at specified courses during knitting.

Developed for use in the European Community, the CE version of the SFG-I features an integrated safety cover with interlock mechanism and a signal tower operation lamp for instantly communicating operational conditions. According to Shima the CE Mark attached to the side of each CE version is a symbol of the company's commitment to the safety and reliability of its products (Safety cover is optional on other versions).Maximum knitting speeds for the SFG-I are 260-280rpm in the finger and 120-130rpm in the palm.

 

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