SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., the Wakayama-based pioneer in computerized flat knitting technology, has announced its participation in the upcoming Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. Scheduled to take place in April 2026, the event will serve as a global platform for the company and its subsidiary, SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., to demonstrate the expanding capabilities of WHOLEGARMENT® technology and three-dimensional (3D) knitting in sectors far removed from traditional fashion. By focusing on technical textiles, industrial materials, and advanced medical applications, Shima Seiki aims to redefine the boundaries of what automated knitting can achieve in a modern industrial landscape.
The presence of Shima Seiki at Techtextil 2026 comes at a critical juncture for the textile industry, as manufacturers increasingly seek sustainable, low-waste alternatives to traditional cut-and-sew methods. Techtextil, recognized as the world’s leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, provides an ideal venue for Shima Seiki to present its "Reborn" initiative, which emphasizes the renewal of manufacturing through digital transformation (DX) and specialized hardware.
The Technological Vanguard: SWG-XR and WHOLEGARMENT® Innovation
At the heart of Shima Seiki’s exhibit is the SWG-XR WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine. This flagship model represents the latest evolution in seamless knitting technology, utilizing a sophisticated four-needle bed configuration. Unlike traditional flat knitting machines that use two needle beds, the four-bed system allows for the production of high-quality, fine-gauge products in "all needles," meaning that every needle can be utilized for knitting complex structures without sacrificing productivity.
A key component of the SWG-XR is the proprietary SlideNeedle™. This innovation replaces the traditional latch needle with a slider mechanism that reduces the stress on yarn and allows for a wider variety of stitch types and patterns. In the realm of technical textiles, where specialized yarns—such as carbon fiber, aramid, or high-tenacity polyesters—are frequently used, the gentle handling of materials by the SlideNeedle™ is essential. These industrial materials are often brittle or difficult to manipulate; Shima Seiki’s technology ensures that these fibers can be knitted into complex 3D shapes without compromising their structural integrity.
The economic implications of WHOLEGARMENT® technology are significant. In traditional textile manufacturing, a flat sheet of fabric is woven or knitted, and then 2D patterns are cut out and sewn together. This process typically results in a material waste of 15% to 30%. In contrast, WHOLEGARMENT® knitting produces a complete, three-dimensional item in a single process. By eliminating the cutting and sewing stages, manufacturers can reduce material costs—a vital advantage when working with expensive industrial fibers—while simultaneously lowering labor costs and reducing the carbon footprint associated with waste disposal.
Enhancing Versatility with the SES-R Next-Generation Shaping Machine
Complementing the WHOLEGARMENT® display is the SES-R next-generation shaping machine. This system is designed for high-efficiency production of shaped components that require specific structural properties. The SES-R features an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system. This hardware advancement allows for unprecedented 3D shaping capability by providing better control over the fabric surface during the knitting process.
The machine’s versatility is further enhanced by its loop pressers and auto yarn carriers, which facilitate advanced techniques such as inverse plating and inlay knitting. Inlay knitting is particularly relevant for technical textiles, as it allows for the insertion of non-knittable yarns (such as rigid wires or conductive filaments) into the knit structure. This capability is critical for the production of "smart textiles" and reinforced components used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
At Techtextil 2026, the SES-R will be showcased in a 14-gauge configuration with a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width. This larger format is specifically intended to support the production of substantial industrial items, such as automotive seat covers, interior panels, and large-scale architectural textiles. By offering a machine that combines the precision of apparel knitting with the scale of industrial manufacturing, Shima Seiki is positioning itself as a primary supplier for the technical textile sector.
Sector-Specific Applications: Medical, Automotive, and Beyond
The shift toward technical textiles is driven by the demand for customized, high-performance materials in specialized fields. Shima Seiki’s technology addresses several key markets:
Medical and Patient Care
In the medical field, the ability to produce customized, on-demand items is transformative. WHOLEGARMENT® technology allows for the creation of partial compression garments, orthopedic supports, and prosthetic sleeves that are tailored to the specific anatomy of a patient. Because the products are seamless, they eliminate pressure points and friction, providing superior comfort and fit for patients with sensitive skin or long-term care needs. The use of specialized medical-grade yarns in a 3D knit structure allows for targeted elasticity, providing support exactly where it is needed.
Automotive and Transportation
The automotive industry is increasingly looking toward knitting to reduce vehicle weight and improve sustainability. Shima Seiki’s machines can produce lightweight, durable seat covers and interior components that are "knitted to shape," eliminating the need for heavy foam backings and complex sewing. The inlay capabilities of the SES-R allow for the integration of heating elements or sensors directly into the fabric, facilitating the development of next-generation "intelligent" car interiors.
Industrial and Sports Materials
Beyond transportation and health, the technology is being applied to high-performance sports equipment and protective gear. From lightweight, breathable footwear uppers to cut-resistant industrial gloves, the ability to manipulate stitch density and material placement within a single piece of fabric allows for optimized performance characteristics.
Digital Transformation: SDS-KnitPaint and APEXFiz®
Hardware is only one half of the Shima Seiki ecosystem. At Techtextil 2026, the company will place heavy emphasis on its software solutions, SDS® KnitPaint-Online and APEXFiz®. These tools are designed to bridge the gap between creative design and industrial production, forming a cohesive digital twin environment.
APEXFiz® is a subscription-based design software that enables designers to plan and simulate products in a virtual space. The software provides realistic textile simulations that are so accurate they can replace physical prototypes. In traditional manufacturing, the sampling phase—where multiple physical versions of a product are made, shipped, and adjusted—is a major source of waste and delay. APEXFiz® allows for "3D virtual sampling," reducing the time-to-market and the environmental impact of sample production.
Once a design is finalized in APEXFiz®, the data is automatically generated and can be transferred to SDS® KnitPaint-Online. This software converts the design data into machine-readable instructions. This seamless digital workflow ensures that what is designed on the screen is exactly what is produced on the factory floor, minimizing errors and material waste during the transition from design to manufacturing.
Chronology of Innovation and Market Context
The upcoming showcase in Frankfurt is the result of decades of research and development. Shima Seiki, founded in 1962, revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the world’s first fully automated glove knitting machine. The 1990s saw the birth of WHOLEGARMENT® technology, which initially targeted the luxury knitwear market.
By the early 2020s, the company began a strategic pivot toward "Technical Textiles 4.0," recognizing that the same precision required for high-end fashion could solve complex engineering problems. The launch of the SWG-XR series in recent years marked a milestone in this journey, offering the speed and gauge range necessary for industrial-scale adoption.
The global technical textiles market is projected to reach over $220 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of approximately 4.5%. This growth is fueled by advancements in material science and a global push for "local-for-local" production. As supply chain disruptions become more common, European and North American manufacturers are looking for automated solutions that allow them to produce goods closer to the end consumer. Shima Seiki’s high-automation, low-labor-intensity machines are perfectly suited for this reshoring trend.
Industry Impact and Strategic Implications
Industry analysts view Shima Seiki’s participation in Techtextil 2026 as a statement of intent. By demonstrating that knitting is no longer just for sweaters and socks, the company is challenging the dominance of weaving and circular knitting in the technical sector.
"The move toward 3D knitting in industrial applications is not just about efficiency; it’s about capability," notes one industry consultant following the announcement. "There are shapes and material combinations that you simply cannot achieve with traditional weaving. When you add the sustainability factor—zero-waste production—you have a compelling case for manufacturers in the automotive and medical sectors to switch their production methods."
Furthermore, the integration of APEXFiz® and SDS® KnitPaint-Online represents a move toward a more agile supply chain. In an era where on-demand production is becoming the norm, the ability to change a design digitally and have the machine begin production immediately is a significant competitive advantage.
Conclusion
As the textile industry moves toward a future defined by sustainability and digitalization, Shima Seiki’s exhibit at Techtextil 2026 promises to be a highlight of the event. Through the combination of the SWG-XR’s seamless precision, the SES-R’s versatile shaping, and a robust suite of design software, the company is providing a comprehensive roadmap for the future of manufacturing. By focusing on technical textiles, Shima Seiki is not only expanding its own market reach but also offering other industries a smarter, more economical way to build the products of tomorrow. Visitors to the Frankfurt exhibition in April 2026 will witness firsthand how the "Reborn" philosophy is turning the traditional knitting mill into a high-tech factory for the 21st century.
