SHIMA SEIKI at Pitti Filati 99

Leading Japanese computerized knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will exhibit at the 99th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy. It will once again exhibit as part of the CustomEasy section, which explores various aspects of customization in the presence of textile machinery and design software, realized at the SHIMA SEIKI booth through its lineup of WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, design and knit software, as well as various web services. 

MACH2®XS173 
SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology whereby an item can be produced in one entire piece on the machine without linking or sewing. The MACH2®XS173 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine in 8L, featuring 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, is capable of producing high-quality WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear in all needles. While fine gauges have remained popular, there has been renewed interest in coarser gauges, which is why the machine will be featured in 8L knitting a Norwegian sweater. 

APEXFiz® 
APEXFiz® subscription-based design software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual sampling is a digitized version of sample making, accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes. By replacing physical samples, virtual samples reduce time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain. 

SDS® KnitPaint-Online 
KnitPaint is proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Previously available only as part of SHIMA SEIKI's SDS®-ONE APEX series all-in-one design system, with SDS® KnitPaint-Online, KnitPaint becomes available as standalone software that carries over the same familiar KnitPaint functions, but enhanced with basic planning and design functionality as well. 

SHIMA SEIKI Online Services 
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world available for free download and use in virtual sampling, SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items, as well as SHIMANAVI® e-learning system. 

The booth also features several companies exhibiting in collaboration with SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA, including specialty yarn and fabric manufacturers. In addition, SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting under the concept "The New Generation" to emphasize the need for nurturing future designers and creatives through the synergy of corporations and educational institutions. Samples produced by students from schools with which SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA is collaborating will be exhibited on site.