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#Knitting & Hosiery

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
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.



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#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

30 Years of WHOLEGARMENT®: SHIMA SEIKI showcases ‘Reborn’ innovations at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 Singapore

Leading flat knitting solutions company SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, will be participating in the ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 exhibition in Singapore in October. SHIMA SEIKI continues with its concept of “SHIMA SEIKI Reborn” for this year’s exhibition.

#Home Textiles

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

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#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Live more beautifully and comfortably with Warp Knits

Knitted fabrics are the all-rounders among home textiles. They can be designed in many different ways and are used in mattresses, blankets and pillows as well as in terry towelling, curtains and upholstery fabrics to create trendy designs, constantly new products and good business.

#Knitting & Hosiery

The newcomers HKS 3-M EL ECO and HKS 4-M EL ECO set new standards in the tricot market

Short development cycles, frequent pattern changes, and maximum efficiency – even with small batch sizes: Today's global fashion and apparel market demands more flexibility than ever before. High-performance warp knitting machines with compound needles (HKS) and EL pattern drive are KARL MAYER's answer to this challenge.

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#Fabrics

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#Denim

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

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#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS: Focus topic shifts to the beginning of the value chain

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#Associations

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

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