A comparative study of seamless versus traditional seamed mesh garments utilizing industry standard state-of-the-art knitting machinery

Innovaknits, LLC (IK) is a contract manufacturing company specializing in flatbed knitting. We have both product development and production services located in Conover, NC. IK will collaborate with North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles (NCSU), specifically Zeis Textile Extension (ZTE), as a subcontractor, focusing on their extensive knitting laboratory and physical textile and garment testing capabilities. There are only two leading manufacturers of wholegarment seamless knitting machines in the western hemisphere: Shima Seiki Mfg., LTD from Japan and Stoll (by Karl Mayer Group) from Germany. These machines specialize in producing highly technical, functional, and engineered garments. Currently, Innovaknits exclusively has 20+ Stoll machines, while NCSU’s Wilson College of Textiles exclusively has nine Shima Seiki machines. As noted in the RFP, the diversity of the available equipment is key to making a thorough evaluation of current state-of-the-art knitting machinery as it relates to SBIR Topic # N231-002. This partnership would allow a comparative study of seamless versus seamed mesh garments using this current state-of-the-art knitting machinery. IK’s position as an established domestic contract knitwear manufacturer would also contribute a unique perspective regarding feasibility in knitwear for this application. Combined with NCSU’s historic background and expertise in textiles and textile product development research, this study would create a favorable position to take knowledge and research findings ascertained from Phase I into a potential Phase II and beyond. Our team of expert knit programmers, designers, and comfort specialists have had previous experience with baselayers and mesh structures for military combat wear. Combined with the support of the only two major manufacturers of whole garment knitting equipment, this will allow us to be successful and fulfill the Navy’s wearer needs. This investigation will examine the potential impact of seamless knitwear technology for the U.S. Navy. The goal is to determine if it is domestically possible to produce comfortable seamless baselayer knitwear for sailors that would provide: improved fit, better air permeability, enhanced moisture-wicking, reduced seams and chafing, decreased bulk, and potential increased protection (FR and No Melt/No Drip), while also reducing production waste and saving time and money.