Wakayama - Flat knitting solutions provider Shima Seiki exhibited at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics show in Shanghai, China this week where it showcased its SDS-ONE APEX4 design system and APEXFiz subscription based design software, both of which support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling.

Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste.

Virtual samples can furthermore be used in e-commerce to gauge consumer demand before production begins.

Feeding that information back to production and combining with Shima Seiki's own on-demand WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology whereby garments can be produced in an entire piece without the need for sewing or linking afterward, production can be adjusted to optimize inventory and minimize leftover waste. APEXFiz thereby helps to realise sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.

Knitwear samples produced on the latest lineup of computerized flatbed knitting machines and exclusive to Shima Seiki computerized knitting technology were also on display.

WHOLEGARMENT knitwear that features superior fit, comfort and draping characteristics was joined by the latest samples produced on the next-generation SWG-XR WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine. Also on display were samples produced on the N.SVR-SP and N.SIR-SP series conventional shaping machines that feature loop presser beds.

These included inlay fabrics with hybrid knit-weave structures, as well as unique and novel patterns produced using inverse-plating with the i-Plating option, combined with 3D structure capability of spring-type moveable sinkers.