Steiger develops 3D knitted reusable protective facemasks

Swiss flat knitting machine builder Steiger has developed knitting data for 3D knitted protective facemasks, which it is making available to its customers. The Vionnaz headquartered company is also producing masks at its factory, which are for sale via its website.

“In the following months to come, the protection mask will play an important role in the public. There are many important reasons to wear a mask today,” Steiger explains. “To show to the public the graveness of the actual situation, so that even irrational persons could be animated to reflect. One collects himself with a lot of self-restraint maybe not so often in the face and washes the hands to himself furthermore often. Sick person sticks on healthy less fast.”

“Steiger has developed a knitting program to knit 3D seamless protection masks. There are 2 knitting programs for knitting gauges E14 and E12 which we offer with great pleasure to Steiger machine owners. Both programs can be downloaded from the customer area starting from April 16, 2020. We hope that we can give a small contribution to all of our customers during these difficult times,” Steiger says.

“The masks are produced on a new machine type able to knit fabrics in 3 dimensions. High tech, this zero-waste mask exits the machine almost wearable. Thanks to technological innovation, we are able to insert the elastic seamlessly during knitting. This allows us to skip one production step and increases comfort. These ecological masks are an effective way to protect yourself,” the company adds.

“These masks were designed according to the AFNOR standards «Barrier mask», adopted by the French Government as an immediate measure. They are not intended for doctors or patients of Covid-19. When you leave home, the distance requirements cannot always be guaranteed. These masks provide efficient protection for yourself and others to limit the risk of spread. As a general rule, they are intended for people travelling in public or shopping. They can also be used for professional activities where contacts cannot totally be avoided.”

“We recommend wearing the same mask not longer than 4 hours. Wash at least at 60 degrees for 30 minutes. This model is currently under certifying and will be followed by even more innovative models with new shapes and colours.”

Steiger, founded in 1949, produces industrial flat knitting machines for three market segments – the fashion industry, the medical sector and technical knitting. At its factory in Vionnaz, Switzerland it produces machinery for the European market for the production of high-quality knitwear.

“Due to the Covid-19-crisis, we decided to modify these machines and knit finished products for the first time in our history, namely protective masks,” Steiger concludes.

Source: Knitting Industry