Shima Seiki, a leading computerized flat knitting innovator from Wakayama, Japan, has partnered with Italian sock machine manufacturer Lonati to promote digitalization and sustainability in the sock industry. The collaboration brings together Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz design software and Lonati’s Orion programming software, combining strengths to modernize traditional production processes.

3D virtual sampling offers a smart alternative to physical samples for design and production decisions, allowing faster prototyping, reduced environmental impact, and lower production costs, giving companies a competitive edge by responding swiftly to market demands.

Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz software, already well-received in the sock industry, lets designers visualize knitted products in 3D with real-time feedback. A dedicated sock design version, APEXFiz Design-Soxs, is in development.

Lonati’s Orion software supports technical 3D verification, helping users detect and resolve potential issues early in the programming and manufacturing process. Both Orion and APEXFiz Design-Soxs are expected to launch in June 2025.

By integrating design and production workflows, APEXFiz and Orion streamline virtual sampling, shorten product development cycles, and enable efficient, high-quality output—positioning the Shima Seiki–Lonati alliance as a key force in reshaping the future of sock manufacturing.