In light of the continuing worldwide shortage of surgical masks due to the increased spread of the COVID19 corona virus infection, leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan has released knitting data for another version of knitted mask to be produced on its computerized knitting machines. This is in addition to mask data released on two previous occasions on 19th and 25th March.
Data released this time consists of a cotton mask to be produced on SHIMA SEIKI’s SVR093SP, SVR123SP and SVR183SP computerized knitting machines equipped with a dedicated loop presser bed mounted above the rear needle bed that permits full use of inlay technique, as well as the springtype moveable sinker system for additional flexibility in knitting a wider range of patterns and designs, in 14 gauge. Users of these machines can download the mask data from the SHIMA SEIKI Users’ Site, an archive featuring over 10,000 knit samples for use by SHIMA SEIKI customers.
The mask is knitted by dimensional shaping and provides improved fit and comfort. While previous mask data for knitting on conventional shaping machines required elastic bands to be inserted afterward for ear straps, the new masks are knit with elastic bands preattached through inlay technique and only require tying afterward, for even more efficient production. As before, a filterpouch is knitted in for inserting commercially available virus filters and other filtration fabrics.
Knitted cotton masks can be washed and reused repeatedly. It should be noted however that unlike common nonwoven surgical masks, knit masks do not have virus and pollen filtration functionality. Its main use is for prevention of spray from coughing and sneezing, and for reducing exposure to allergens.