Hello, everyone. Welcome to wearware, your go-to site for shaping the future of the fashion and apparel industry.
When planning fashion and apparel products, what software do you use? From CLO3D, Browzwear and Optitex to the familiar Adobe suite, there are certainly many options out there. Today, we introduce APEXFiz®, a design software that is extremely useful for everything from planning and production to e-commerce.
Table of Contents
What is APEXFiz®?
If you’re in the fashion and apparel industry, you might have heard of the "SDS®-ONE APEX Series." The SDS®-ONE APEX Series is a hardware-integrated design system that comes installed with specialized design and simulation software.
Already used by major apparel and knitwear manufacturers worldwide, it’s often implemented alongside the well-known 3D software, CLO. The high quality of fabric simulation is one of its praised features, leading to its broad application in the industry.
Additionally, it offers a variety of features needed to create virtual samples, such as yarn design, colorway, pattern creation, knit and woven fabric simulation, and dressing 3D models. It's a very rich software package.
However, being an all-in-one solution, some users find it expensive. Also, for some users, the inclusion of unused features makes it difficult to fully utilize, becoming a barrier to purchase.
On the other hand, APEXFiz®, released in 2021, is a software version that breaks down the many features of the SDS®-ONE APEX Series into four commonly used combinations. It is sold in a subscription format, making it affordable to introduce.
It’s very convenient and gratifying to purchase software that contains only the desired functions, tailored to the needs of your industry or job role, and be able to use it on your own computer at any time.
APEXFiz® – Make Fashion Sparkle
Subscription service for design software that overhauls the supply chain from planning and design to virtual sampling, link to production and even E-Commerce. Make your fashion sparkle, anytime, anywhere!
View the site
Related Link
Which Company Makes APEXFiz®?
The company behind the development and sales of APEXFiz® is Shima Seiki Originally established about 60 years ago to develop, manufacture, and sell industrial knitting machines, Shima Seiki also has a long history in software development. Their first design system was completed in 1981, making them a well-established company with around 40 years in the field.
The development of their graphic software began in 1979 when NASA decommissioned three graphic boards to the private sector. Shima Seiki acquired one of these boards, and interestingly, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, also obtained one of these rare graphic processing foundations.
SDS®-ONE APEX series and APEXFiz® are software developed by a knitting machine manufacturer, making them particularly strong in coordinating with flat knitting production. However, due to the abundance of uniquely developed features, they are widely applicable not only in fashion but also in other industries.
In the past, Shima Seiki was also known for developing the Hyper Paint II design system, which boasted the world's fastest image processing capabilities at the time, for industries like broadcasting, architecture, and automotive.
APEXFiz® Product Lineup
APEXFiz® offers a total of four different product lineups.
Features of APEXFiz®
APEXFiz® is packed with highly specialized features that cater to the specific needs of the fashion and apparel industry.
Fabric Simulation
Recently, the use of 3D software for sampling has been increasing in the fashion and apparel industry. Have you ever tried scanning actual fabrics to use as mapping materials? Often, the fabric doesn't scan well, resulting in poor data that requires extensive correction and adjustment. Even after data conversion, the realism might be lacking. Additionally, obtaining sample fabrics can be challenging, and specialized scanners can be prohibitively expensive. Using existing fabrics can also limit creative ideas.
But with APEXFiz®, fabric simulation is possible, utilizing actual yarn data to design high-quality knitted and woven fabrics.
Pattern Creation and Colorway
This is a fundamental feature included in APEXFiz®.
You can create original patterns using various specialized tools. The software allows for the creation of color variations freely, enabling the design of print patterns exactly as you envision. This function is also useful for E-commerce site operators, as the created design and pattern can be three-dimensionally pasted onto the product photo.
Knit Design
This feature is included in APEXFiz® Design-Knit.
It supports the design of both flat knitting and circular knitting. For example, even with jacquard patterns, the program can automatically convert the design into the required number of stitches for production while creating the data simultaneously.
This ensures that the designer's intentions are efficiently and accurately communicated to the production site, facilitating smooth communication.
Woven Fabric Design
This feature is included in APEXFiz® Design-Weave.
You can design various woven fabrics such as stripes, checks, and jacquard patterns. It is used not only in the apparel industry but also in the interior industry. The software also supports the simulation of brushed and wrinkled finishes. Since it can simulate pile fabrics, it is also popular in the towel industry.
APEXFiz® Design Pro is also available, for those who want to utilize all the features introduced so far.
3D Simulation
APEXFiz® allows you to add 3D options.
You can verify coloring and pattern creation in 3D as you go. This ensures you are always aware of the final image while designing, offering an experience similar to creating the real thing right in front of you. This feature speeds up the design process.
Especially noteworthy is the 3D knit simulation, which stands out for its high quality. Unlike other software that merely overlays fabric onto a pattern, APEXFiz® simulates each loop three-dimensionally, achieving exceptional realism.
If you are interested in seeing the actual APEXFiz® interface in action, you can apply below to watch a demo video.
You can view a demo video of APEXFiz® in operation. By filling out the form, a URL to the demo video will be sent to your email address.
View the page
Related Link
Who is APEXFiz® Recommended For?
APEXFiz® is highly recommended for anyone involved in product planning in the fashion and apparel industry. However, it is particularly beneficial for the following people:
Those who want to create more realistic virtual samples and simulations
There are numerous 3D design software options available, but are you struggling with preparing fabric swatch data for mapping onto woven items? Additionally, do you face challenges in achieving the desired realism in knit items?
The simulation software APEXFiz® can create fabric data and 3D knit data that are directly linked to actual production. The technology to simulate highly realistic fabric from yarn data is even patented.
Those who want to achieve efficiency and sustainability through the digitalization of planning operations
Fashion and apparel products have long lead times, which have been a persistent challenge. Furthermore, as the call for sustainability in the fashion and apparel industry grows louder, improving the quality of virtual samples is becoming increasingly urgent.
High-quality virtual samples created with APEXFiz® can significantly reduce not only the time spent on planning but also the costs and materials associated with physical samples. Designers can communicate their intentions more accurately, improving communication with production factories.
This enables product planning closer to the season, improving planning accuracy and reducing excess inventory, thereby contributing to more sustainable sales activities.
Those who have wanted the SDS®-ONE APEX Series but gave up
The SDS®-ONE APEX series has been sold as an integrated hardware and software package, which might have deterred some potential buyers.
Difficulty securing space for the hardware
High cost for only using part of the features
Need to use the software during remote work
However, with the introduction of subscription sales, these issues are likely to be resolved.
How to Purchase APEXFiz®
APEXFiz® can be purchased from Shima Seiki branch agents in various countries. Since it is offered in a subscription format, it is accessible not only to corporations and educational institutions but also to freelancers and individual entrepreneurs.
If you want more details, you can start by inquiring through the dedicated APEXFiz® form. They can consult with you on choosing the right software to solve your current problems and provide details about pricing and features.
Even if you are currently using other software and are hesitant to switch, combining multiple software tools can significantly enhance your product design and planning operations. Therefore, it’s worth trying out.
Especially with fabric simulation, regardless of the software you currently use, there is no doubt that APEXFiz® will improve the quality of your work.
Try APEXFiz® Now!
Now that you've learned about APEXFiz® design software, are you ready to try it out?
Shima Seiki offers demonstrations and webinar archives where you can see actual APEXFiz® software in action. If you wish to receive further information, we recommend subscribing to their newsletter.
Follow APEXFiz® Social Media Accounts for the Latest Updates!
By following the official APEXFiz® social media accounts, you can get the latest information on virtual sampling and realistic fabric simulations.
If you have a smartphone, you can follow through this 2D barcode.
wearware supports the digitalization of fashion design.
Stay tuned for more updates!
