Rising outspread of COVID-19 comes with rising shortage of surgical masks. To combat this challenge, Shima Seiki – a leading Japanese flat knitting solutions provider – has released knitting data for knitted mask to be produced on its computerised knitting machines.
This is the 3rd version of data for knitted mask with previous two versions released on 19 and 25 March. The mask is knitted by dimensional shaping and provides improved fit and comfort.
The latest released data is of cotton mask to be produced on Shima Seiki’s SVR093SP, SVR123SP and SVR183SP computerised knitting machines which are equipped with a dedicated loop presser bed mounted above the rear needle bed.
This presser bed allows optimum use of inlay technique as well as the spring-type moveable sinker system which adds flexibility in knitting a wider range of patterns and designs in 14 gauges.
The difference between the latest mask data and the previous ones is that the new masks are knitted with elastic bands pre-attached through inlay technique and only require tying afterwards, for even more efficient production, while previous mask data required elastic bands to be inserted afterwards for ear straps.
According to Shima Seiki, knitted cotton masks can be washed and reused repeatedly. It’s worth mentioning here that unlike common nonwoven surgical masks, knit masks do not have virus- and pollen-filtration functionality.
