#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-02-28

Major update of "VR-knit.com" App

Leading computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan has released a major update to its smart device app "VR-knit.com." New features include an AR mode and ultra-realistic knit fabric viewer, enabling a richer virtual knit experience.

VR-knit.com

VR-knit.com was initially released in November 2017 as an app for showcasing SHIMA SEIKI's original knit collection as 3D images in virtual space. Knitwear can be browsed by trend theme and rotated 360°, and with the use of VR goggles, the collection can be enjoyed in 3D. Traditionally, fashion trend collections involved prototype samples designed and produced each season worn by models at fashion events. With VR-knit.com, collections can be viewed anytime, anywhere, without limitations in time, place or opportunity.

New themes and items are added to VR-knit.com on a regular basis. By allowing push notifications on any smart device, it can receive the latest fashion trend information from SHIMA SEIKI.

All knitwear featured in VR-knit.com is planned, designed, and simulated using SHIMA SEIKI's 3D design system . Such digitized knitwear is attracting attention as a tool for advancing IT in the fashion industry. Furthermore, simulation with APEX3 becomes the basis for data to be used for actual programming of dedicated industrial knitting machines (computerized flat knitting machines). Until now, it was common for apps to simply allow for viewing of fashion designs in virtual space. Now, by linking virtual designs to actual production, VR-knit.com presents a production model for IT-based 21st century manufacturing.

New functions

1. AR mode

AR (augmented reality) function allows a virtual model wearing SHIMA SEIKI original knitwear to be viewed within the user's actual surroundings, offering an even more effective "real world" presentation of virtual knitwear. The model can be viewed from all angles, and the intensity and direction of the light source can be adjusted as well. Screenshots can be taken of the virtual model in AR mode as well.

2. Ultra-realistic knit fabric viewer

SHIMA SEIKI original knitwear can be viewed as ultra-realistic virtual samples in full detail. This is made possible by the extremely high quality of knit simulation on SDS-ONE APEX3.

Details

App overview

Supported for iOS, Android device, Windows PC, and Macintosh. To download the app, visit the official website www.vr-knit.com, or access the respective app store and search for "VR-knit."

The VR-knit.com app is free of charge.

version: iOS / Android

requirements: iPhone 6S/iOS11 or higher / ver. 7 or higher

current version: ver. 1.2.5 / ver. 1.2.2

update: February 2019 / January 2019

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.

SHIMA SEIKI returns to ShanghaiTex

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the ShanghaiTex 2025 exhibition (Booth No.: Hall N3, Booth A20) held in Shanghai, China this month. This marks the return of SHIMA SEIKI to ShanghaiTex after a 14-year hiatus, its last exhibit at the show having been in 2011.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Intertextile Shanghai

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition 2025 show in Shanghai, China next month. It will exhibit once again as part of the Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors various opportunities to partake in the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry.

KARL MAYER opens a new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE – a new era of textile innovation begins

KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE (TIC), sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

Terrot introduces T-Frame platform to redefine stability and flexibility in large-diameter circular knitting

Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH has unveiled the new T-Frame, a universal machine frame platform for large-diameter circular knitting machines. Designed to meet growing demands for flexibility, stability, and operational safety, the T-Frame provides a next-generation foundation for both current and future industrial knitting machines, combining German engineering expertise with a modular, future-ready design approach.

Epson launches SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer delivering greater productivity and reliability

Epson today announces the launch of the SureColor G9000, a new high-production Direct-To-Film (DTFilm) printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. Expanding Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.

Better Cotton Initiative opens enrollment in the US with promising opportunities for producers

Producer enrollment for the US Program of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is open until May 15 for the 2026-2027 season. With over 2,600 members spanning the cotton supply chain and more than 11,000 users of its Better Cotton Platform (BCP) as of 2025, BCI’s standard is implemented in 15 countries and covers one fifth of global cotton production.