Shima Seiki has highlighted a series of machine, software and digital service developments launched over the past year, reinforcing its focus on advanced manufacturing, productivity and digitalisation across the knitting and related industries.

At the centre of the latest hardware introductions is the new SES-R computerised flat knitting machine. Featuring a newly developed sinker system, the SES-R enables ultra-3D shaping, significantly expanding the range of products that can be knitted. The machine also incorporates automatic yarn carriers and loop presser beds, supporting flexible intarsia, i-Plating and inlay knitting. These capabilities allow efficient production of complex and innovative designs, with applications extending beyond apparel into sectors such as sports, interiors and industrial materials.

Also newly updated is the P-CAM R computerised cutting machine. Redesigned from the ground up, the flagship cutter delivers improved productivity and cutting precision while maintaining strong cost performance. Shima Seiki says customer feedback played a key role in the redesign, alongside a restructuring of its internal organisation into a dedicated Cutting Solutions Division. This approach is intended to accelerate development and enhance the company’s ability to propose tailored cutting solutions.

In digital services, Shima Seiki continues to expand its Shima HelpCenter, a free online support platform that brings together help resources, FAQs, manuals, parts lists and glossary functions. Access to parts lists is available to registered customers using Shima Seiki products.

Software development has also remained a priority. Two new additions were released within the SDS-ONE APEX series. APEXFiz Design-Sox is a dedicated sock design program added to the APEXFiz Design subscription family, while SDS KnitPaint-Online makes Shima Seiki’s knit programming software available as a standalone, cloud-enabled solution with added design functionality. Both are designed to allow flexible use on users’ own PCs, regardless of location.

Shima Seiki has further promoted digital yarn sourcing through yarnbank, the online yarn information and supplier connection service. For a limited period, the company has opened access to a webinar archive explaining how designers and manufacturers can efficiently collect yarn data online and integrate it into digital knit design workflows.

In addition, APEXFiz Design software has been featured in The Interline’s Digital Product Creation Report 2026, which explores virtual sampling, digital fashion workflows and case studies from across the industry.

www.shimaseiki.com

www.yarnbank.com