Vionnaz - Flat knitting machine builder Steiger has launched a new software tool called Stitch Lab, which has been designed to help knitting machine programmers work closely together with clients to help develop their future applications.
Using the Stitch Lab, Steiger technicians and their partners will be able to work together via the machine’s 3D simulation software MODEL+. Using the virtual knitting machine function, the software will simulate the creation of the stitches, row by row. The programmer can then detect any potential knitting problems early in the creation of the garment and, using the appropriate Wizard, will be able to navigate into the product to inspect the sample in closer detail.
“The Stitch Lab is a very powerful tool to develop the future applications," explained Pierre-Yves Bonvin, CEO of Steiger. "In the Stitch Lab Steiger will develop 3D articles for knitwear, for medical applications and for the composite material. We will use all our expertise and innovation capability to create new patterns and 3D parts using any kind of yarns. In the Stitch Lab we have put together the best experts, the best machines and the best framework to boost the innovation.”
The Stich Lab will be applicable to Steiger's advanced range of flat knitting machines including the Libra 3.130, the New Aries 3.130 and the C2.185 SCP. The new software can also be used on the Taurus 2.170 XP, Steiger's first 3D flat knitting machine which offers the possibility to knit complete garment knitwear with Intarsia patterns. The Taurus 2.170 XP machine contains two innovations patented by Steiger: the compound needle and the storage punch. This unique construction allows complete garment knitting with intarsia, multilayer knitting, and complex weft knitting.
Stich Lap is also applicable to the new Antares 3.130 which offers several of the key benefits that Steiger’s equipment offers, such as the takedown and the open carriage. Further features include the independent motorized clamps and the vertically and horizontally motorized yarn-guides which have been developed to making this model increasingly user-friendly and easy to use.
