Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Korean subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI KOREA INC., will participate in the 27th edition of Preview In SEOUL exhibition in Seoul, Republic of Korea this month, with a lineup of knitting machines and design systems.

SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its SWG 091N2 WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine in 15 gauge. This compact machine can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG-N2 series “Mini” range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as dog wear, cozies, shoe uppers, bags, card cases, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items. At Preview In SEOUL it will be knitting a medical knee brace, demonstrating the capability of the latest knitting technology for producing non-apparel items.

The N.SSR series, SHIMA SEIKI’s global standard in shaped knitting, features a brand-new model. The N.SSR 132 builds on proven and renowned SHIMA SEIKI technology such as the R2CARRIAGE system, Digital Stitch Control System (DSCS), and spring-type moveable sinker system, and features a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to accommodate larger sizes, offering the flexibility required for responding to diverse customer and market needs at an economical price-range, all while maintaining Made-in-Japan SHIMA SEIKI quality and reliability. The N.SSR132 will be shown in 16 gauge. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience firsthand, the potential of knitting across a wide range of industries besides fashion, through WHOLEGARMENT and other knit samples.

On the creative side, the SDS-ONE APEX4 design system and APEXFiz subscription-based design software will be on display. Both support fashion creation 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 combined with on-demand WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology, production can be adjusted to optimize inventory and minimize leftover waste. Virtual sampling on SDS-ONE APEX series thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain across different disciplines including circular knitting, weaving and textile converters.