#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-05-15

SHIMA SEIKI announces partnership with Lonati

Leading computerized flat knitting innovator SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, is collaborating with Lonati S.p.A. of Brescia, Italy, to promote digitalization and sustainable product development within the sock industry. This partnership creates a strong synergy by combining SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® design software and Lonati’s ORION programming software, with the shared goal of helping the industry reduce its reliance on traditional physical sample creation processes.

SHIMA SEIKI and LONATI workflow © 2025 SHIMA SEIKI

In the sock sector, it has been common practice to produce physical samples for design evaluation and production decisions. However, this method poses significant challenges, including wasted resources, labor intensity, high sampling and material costs, and long lead times that delay market launches. To address these inefficiencies, 3D Virtual Sampling has gained traction as a highly effective alternative, enabling design consideration without the need for physical samples. This approach facilitates rapid and efficient prototyping, helping companies lower costs, shorten development timelines, and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, it enhances competitiveness by supporting the creation of products that are better aligned with market needs.

SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® software, already widely adopted and highly regarded within the sock industry, offers advanced 3D virtual sampling capabilities for knitted products. Designers using APEXFiz® can visualize sock designs in real time and receive immediate feedback, streamlining the development process. To further specialize in this sector, SHIMA SEIKI is also preparing to launch APEXFiz® Design-Sox, a dedicated sock design tool, in the near future.

On the technical side, Lonati’s ORION software, part of the UNLIMITEX® suite, provides comprehensive 3D verification of data throughout the programming-to-manufacturing workflow. This enables early detection and resolution of potential issues, ensuring higher production efficiency. Both APEXFiz® Design-Sox and ORION are scheduled for release in June 2025.

By integrating SHIMA SEIKI’s design strengths with Lonati’s programming expertise, the collaboration streamlines virtual sampling workflows from concept to production. This integrated digital process empowers companies to significantly reduce time-to-market while maintaining high product quality. The innovative workflow developed through the SHIMA SEIKI and Lonati partnership is poised to transform the sock industry, driving new business opportunities and offering a decisive competitive advantage.

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.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Preview in Seoul

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Korean subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI KOREA INC., will participate in the 26th edition of Preview in Seoul exhibition in Seoul, Republic of Korea this month, with a lineup of knitting machines and design systems. SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting two SWG®091N2 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines in different gauges.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Future Fabrics Expo

Leading textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will participate in the Future Fabrics Expo 2025 exhibition in London, England this month. Held during London Climate Action Week, Future Fabrics Expo showcases sustainably and responsibly produced materials to the textile industry, and is considered a platform for exchange of knowledge and sourcing of sustainable textiles, materials and leading innovations for fashion, home and interior brands.

Innovation and customer proximity – KARL MAYER’s clear focus makes an impression

ITMA ASIA in Singapore was a resounding success for KARL MAYER, exceeding all expectations. The company welcomed visitors from 39 countries and held around 570 expert discussions. Most guests came from India, followed by China, Indonesia and Pakistan. The exchange with them was both well-founded and targeted. Conversation topics ranged from investment projects and new technologies to opportunities for cooperation and business expansion.

Compact, powerful, cost-efficient – KARL MAYER launches its HKS 2-SE TWO

KARL MAYER is launching a new two-bar tricot machine for the elastic sector at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025. This newcomer is called HKS 2-SE TWO, stands for double customer benefits, and offers even more advantages than the predecessor model. With this innovation, the leading textile machinery company is once again asserting its top position in the market.

KARL MAYER is launching two machines that set new standards in performance and cost-effectiveness

At this year's ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER is exhibiting two advanced developments in the field of tricot machines. Both newcomers expand the portfolio with highly practical solutions for increased efficiency and cost-effective production – making the exhibition booth once again a focal point for more than just the warp knitting industry.

Groz-Beckert showcases textile innovation at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore

From October 28 to 31, 2025, the global textile industry will gather at ITMA Asia + CITME at the Singapore Expo, where Groz-Beckert will present its latest highlights and innovations across its six product areas – Knitting, Weaving, Nonwovens, Tufting, Sewing, and Spinning – at Hall 5, Booth B301.

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.

ICAC to collaborate with Uzbekistan and Bizpando on regenerative agriculture

The Government of Uzbekistan has allocated 55,000 hectares of land to implement a regenerative agriculture program for cotton as part of a collaborative project with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Bizpando, a company with a a blockchain-based internet platform designed to ensure supply chain compliance.