As seen in previous posts, in response to the Coronavirus emergency different companies started producing face masks. Japanese knitting machines manufacturer Shima Seiki gave its contribution by releasing two weeks ago on the company's users' site knitting data for a 3D knitted mask for its WHOLEGARMENT knitting machines (Samples: M1503W00F for Ladies; M1503W10F for Men).
The data was aimed at making cotton masks on the Japanese company's SWG041N2, SWG061N2 and SWG091N2 models, as well as on the rest of its compact WHOLEGARMENT knitting machines.
The seam-free 3D WHOLEGARMENT masks are designed to provide superior fit and comfort. Ear straps are knitted in onepiece together with the mask portion offering reduced stress on the ears and requiring no further sewing for quick response production.
A first update was released a week ago with data for cotton masks that can be produced on both WHOLEGARMENT machines as well as conventional shaping machines and the rest of Shima Seiki's computerized knitting machine lineup equipped with the moveable sinker system.
The new masks (WHOLEGARMENT samples: M1504W00F for Ladies; M1504W10F for Men; Shaped knit mask: I2250S00F for Ladies; I2250S10F for Men) are characterised by improved fit and comfort and by elastic bands, but with no need for further sewing.
A third update arrived on Monday with a new mask that can be produced on Shima Seiki's SVR093SP, SVR123SP and SVR183SP computerized knitting machines.
The new masks (I2252S00F for Ladies; I2252S10F - for Men) are knitted with elastic bands preattached through the inlay technique.
All the masks feature a knitted-in filter pouch for inserting commercially available filtration fabrics. The masks are washable and reusable, but, not having virus and pollen filtration functionality, their main purpose is creating a temporary barrier and protecting from coughing and sneezing.
They remain interesting samples, though, first of all as they were developed by a company better known for its advanced technologies in the knitting field, and then because updates about the masks were frequently released, showing that design is definitely not static, but dynamic and improvements and innovations can be constantly introduced.
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