Leading computerized knitting machine manufacturer SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at the Première Vision show in Paris this month. It will once again participate in the "Knitwear Solutions" category for the flatbed knit sector as sole machine technologist, following its successful participation in past editions.

Recent consumer trends such as increase in online shopping activity have changed supply chain requirements, with growing demand for mass customization and short turnaround. The combination of SHIMA SEIKI's pioneering WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology that allows a garment to be produced in its entirety without the need for linking or sewing afterward, along with the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system offers an ideal manufacturing model to support such trends.

Demonstrating the latest in WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology will be the flagship MACH2XS machine that features the company's original SlideNeedle on 4 needle beds and patented spring-loaded full-time sinker system. Capable of WHOLEGARMENT knitting in all-needles, MACH2XS offers great flexibility for knitting beautiful and sophisticated, high-quality WHOLEGARMENT products with a seemingly endless variety of knit patterns at very high speed and efficiency, all while minimizing dependence upon labor-intensive sewing and linking.

WHOLEGARMENT knitting forms a synergy with the aforementioned SDS-ONE APEX3 that provides revolutionary game-changing flexibility in the knit supply chain. Ultra-realistic simulation capability on APEX3 allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the impact that the sample-making process has on current manufacturing in terms of time and cost. With this new manufacturing model, the production cycle can be shortened to such an extent that on-demand production is possible without being limited to seasonal cycles. APEX3 also supports design and simulation in a variety of other industries such as circular knitting, weaving, pile weaving and printing.

To further enhance the capabilities of APEX3, SHIMA SEIKI's new web-based fashion service "staf" (shima trend archive and forecast) will also be demonstrated. staf is dedicated to empowering its members with the means to search and download from a rich stock of information as well as tools to organize that information to aid in fashion planning, design and presentation. staf features an information archive of fashion and color trends covering the past 50 years, as well as a massive collection of fashion-related content, covering materials, flat sketches, design patterns and collection photos. All this information can be neatly organized on a virtual concept board that can be shared across various devices, improving on planning efficiency significantly.