During its latest webinar, Shima Seiki delved into more detail about the 3D garment design development processes that its new software Apex Fiz offers.

Shima’s SDS-ONE APEX series system supports planning, design, production and sales promotion, spanning the whole supply chain. Apex Fiz is the company’s latest development within this software offering, allowing remote access with subscription plans.

Part of this supply chain support comes through the realisation of 3D knitted garments based on accurate pattern measurements and yarn data, allowing visualisations of garment designs pre-production. Creativity can be explored through ‘sampling’ multiple design options digitally before investing in physical production, and efficiency can be achieved through less material waste from rejected prototypes.

SDS-ONE Apex and Apex Fiz stand out from other 3D fabric simulation software systems because they accurately produce loop simulations stitch by stitch for 3D knitted products based on actual numbers of stitches. Other software maps a fabric on a 3D avatar and renders the image, meaning the attention to detail regarding stitches is lost. It is this loop structure accuracy that enables Apex software to digitally simulate sheer fabrics and simulate drape and weight with sensitivity to fabric transparency.

With virtual samples gradually becoming the industry standard, Shima Seiki shared some tips on how to utilise its software specifically for 3D garment design in its latest webinar, introducing the new online training programme, Shimanavi.

Read the full report on Knitting Industry Creative