A partnership between SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, a pioneer in computerised flat knitting and Lonati S.p.A. of Brescia, Italy is fostering digitalisation and sustainable product development in the sock sector.
The use of software solutions from both businesses—ORION programming software, created and marketed by Lonati, and APEXFiz® design software, created and marketed by SHIMA SEIKI—creates a synergy in the relationship. Collectively, they seek to assist the sector in reducing its reliance on conventional physical sample production methods.
Making physical samples for design consideration and production decisions is standard procedure in the fashion industry, especially in the sock sector. Nevertheless, this procedure has certain drawbacks, such as labour and resource waste, financial strains like material and sampling costs, and delays brought on by lead times prior to market introduction.
“3D Virtual Sampling” has emerged as a successful technique to overcome these issues. This method facilitates quick and effective prototyping and permits design consideration without the need for real prototypes. As a result, businesses may minimise their environmental effect while drastically cutting expenses and time. Creating goods that satisfy consumer demands also makes a company more competitive.
Many businesses in the sock sector have embraced SHIMA SEIKI’s ApexFiz® design software, which offers 3D virtual sample capabilities for knitted goods. Designers may see sock designs in real time and get prompt feedback with this tool. Additionally, APEXFiz® Design-Sox, a specialised program for sock design, is being developed for a future release. Lonati’s cutting-edge programming tool, ORION, which is a component of the UNLIMITEX® package, enables users to proactively validate data in 3D from a technical standpoint, spotting and fixing possible problems before they arise at every level, from programming to manufacture. The release dates for ORION and APEXFiz® Design-Sox are set for June 2025.
By merging the design to production process, APEXFiz® and ORION significantly simplify virtual sampling. Businesses can produce high-quality items more quickly and efficiently thanks to this integrated approach. The creative process created by SHIMA SEIKI and Lonati’s collaboration is poised to transform the sock market and play a significant role in generating fresh business prospects and a competitive edge.
