Leading computerized flat knitting innovator Shima Seiki, of Wakayama, Japan, has announced a new collaboration with Lonati, based in Brescia, Italy, to promote digitalization and sustainable product development within the sock industry.

The partnership forms a synergy by leveraging software solutions offered by each company – APEXFiz design software developed and sold by Shima Seiki and Lonati’s Orion programming software.

Together the two companies aim to help the industry shed its dependence on the traditional physical sample creation processes.

In the fashion industry, particularly in the sock sector, it is common practice to create physical samples for design consideration and production decisions. This process, however, presents numerous challenges, including waste of resources and labour, economic burdens such as sampling costs and material expenses, as well as delays due to lead times before market launch.

3D virtual sampling has gained attention as an effective method of addressing these challenges, allowing for design considerations without physical samples and enabling rapid and efficient prototyping. As a result, companies can significantly reduce costs and time while minimising their environmental impact. Rapidly developing products that meet market needs enhances competitiveness.

Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz is design software that is available with 3D virtual sampling capabilities for knitted products and has already been adopted by many companies in the sock industry to high acclaim. By using this tool, designers can visualise sock designs in real-time and receive instant feedback. Moreover, specialized software dedicated to sock design – APEXFiz Design-Soxs– is in the works for future release.

Lonati’s Orion programming software meanwhile allows users to proactively verify data in 3D from a technical perspective, identifying and resolving potential issues in advance at each stage from programming to manufacturing. Orion and APEXFiz Design-Sox are both scheduled for release in June 2025.

Together, APEXFiz and Orion further streamline virtual sampling by integrating the workflow from design to production. This integrated process enables companies to shorten time-to-market while efficiently delivering high-quality products. The workflow developed through the partnership between Shima Seiki and Lonati will serve as a key driver for creating new business opportunities and competitive advantage.

www.shimaseiki.co.jp

www.lonati.com