Leading Japanese flat knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki has entered into a strategic collaboration with Italian circular sock knitting specialist Lonati to promote digitalisation and sustainable product development within the global sock industry.

The partnership leverages each company’s advanced software platforms - Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz design software and Lonati’s Orion programming software - to transition the sector away from its reliance on physical sample production. Traditionally, sock design has depended on physical prototypes for design validation and decision-making, a practice that often results in wasted materials, increased costs, and extended development timelines.

To address these inefficiencies, the industry is increasingly embracing 3D virtual sampling. Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz, widely adopted in the industry, offers real-time 3D visualisation of knit designs, enabling designers to iterate quickly and sustainably. A new version, APEXFiz Design-Sox, tailored specifically for sock design, is currently under development and scheduled for release in June 2025.

Meanwhile, Lonati’s Orion software- part of its Unlimitex suite - offers 3D verification of programming data from a technical standpoint. By identifying potential issues before production, Orion helps streamline the transition from design to manufacturing. The forthcoming release of Orion and APEXFiz Design-Sox will offer an integrated workflow, allowing manufacturers to optimise time-to-market and deliver high-quality, on-demand products.

The partnership represents a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing for the sock industry, uniting virtual sampling and technical programming in a single, efficient pipeline. Shima Seiki and Lonati aim to set a new standard for environmentally conscious, digitally driven textile production.

www.shimaseiki.com

www.lonati.com