SDS-ONE APEX4

Paid Windows

What SDS-ONE APEX4 is

SDS-ONE APEX4 is SHIMA SEIKI’s all-in-one design system, combining hardware and software for textile and apparel development. It brings planning, design, colorway creation, fabric simulation, virtual sampling, pattern CAD, and knitting-machine programming into one system. Textile design and simulation tools cover flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving. SHIMA SEIKI says the system can scan and simulate real yarn, and that its high-definition virtual samples can reduce the need for physical samples. Auto-suggest generates colorways and designs automatically. Pattern-making functions support knitwear, apparel, and industrial designs; knitting programming includes shaping and WHOLEGARMENT production. The manufacturer describes the system as connecting planning, design, production, and sales promotion among yarn spinners, apparel brands, and manufacturers. Listed industries include fashion, sports and outdoors, healthcare, shoes and accessories, home furnishings, automotive, aeronautical, and industrial materials. SDS-ONE APEX4 runs on Windows, with Windows 11 operation confirmed by the maker. Upgrade methods depend on the machine number. For units numbered 60001 or higher, updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 may deactivate Windows licensing. Pricing is available by inquiry. SHIMA SEIKI offers maintenance, customer-specific training, long-term genuine-parts supply, and self-paced SHIMANAVI courses.

Who it suits

SDS-ONE APEX4 suits textile and apparel teams that need design, fabric simulation, virtual sampling, pattern CAD, and knitting-machine programming in one system. Its listed applications also extend to industrial designs and materials, while the maker’s training and maintenance services support organizations adopting the system.

What it does well

Combines design software with integrated hardware.
Covers flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving.
Includes pattern CAD and knitting-machine programming.
Auto-suggest generates colorways and designs.
Virtual samples can reduce physical sample-making.
Maker offers maintenance, tailored training, and self-paced courses.

What to know first

Pricing is available only by request.
Runs on Windows only.
Windows 11 24H2 updates may deactivate licensing on units numbered 60001 or higher.

Limits

Pricing is available by request. The maker reports that updating APEX4 units numbered 60001 or higher to Windows 11 version 24H2 may deactivate Windows licensing; its repair instructions apply.

Getting started

Visit SHIMA SEIKI’s product website.
Contact SHIMA SEIKI or a local distributor or agent to inquire about a tailored solution and pricing.
Check the machine number and upgrade method with a local distributor or agent before a Windows upgrade.
Use SHIMANAVI for self-paced SDS-ONE APEX-series e-learning courses.

Verdict

Choose SDS-ONE APEX4 if your work needs textile design and simulation alongside apparel pattern making and knitting-machine programming. Its virtual sampling and supply-chain tools span several stages of product development. Consider another option if you need a non-Windows platform or require a published price before contacting the maker.

Questions

How much does SDS-ONE APEX4 cost?

Pricing is available on request. The manufacturer directs prospective customers to inquire about tailored solutions.

Which operating system does it support?

The listed platform is Windows. SHIMA SEIKI confirms operation on Windows 11.

What does the system do?

It provides textile design and simulation, virtual sampling, pattern CAD, and knitting-machine programming. Its tools cover flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving.

Who makes SDS-ONE APEX4?

It is made by SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., established in 1962 and headquartered in Wakayama, Japan.

Does it support Windows 11 version 24H2?

The maker reports that updating units numbered 60001 or higher to Windows 11 version 24H2 may deactivate Windows licensing, and advises following its repair instructions.

What training and support does the maker offer?

SHIMA SEIKI says support includes maintenance, customer-specific training, and long-term supply of genuine parts. SHIMANAVI provides self-paced courses for the SDS-ONE APEX series.

Facts from SDS-ONE APEX4's own pages

CAD and machine programming: The all-in-one system includes pattern CAD functions and knitting machine programming. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Certification: SHIMA SEIKI states that it holds ISO 9001 certification for the design and manufacturing of design systems. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Colorway generation: An auto-suggest function automatically generates colorways and designs. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Company: SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. was established on February 4, 1962, and lists its headquarters at 85 Sakata, Wakayama 641-8511, Japan. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Design and sampling: The SDS-ONE APEX series supports planning, design, colorways, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Design and simulation: The system includes textile design and simulation for flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Design automation: Its Auto-suggest function automatically generates colorways and designs. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Founded: 1962 · shimaseiki.com, 28 Sept 2026
Headquarters: Wakayama, Japan · shimaseiki.com, 28 Sept 2026
Industries: The manufacturer lists fashion, sports and outdoors, healthcare, shoes and accessories, home furnishings, automotive, aeronautical, and industrial materials as industries served. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Knitting programming: The system supports knitting-machine programming, including shaping and WHOLEGARMENT production. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Pattern CAD: Pattern-making functions are available for knitwear, apparel, and industrial designs. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Pattern making: The pattern-making function can be used for industrial designs as well as knitwear and apparel products. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Pricing: The opened manufacturer product pages direct prospective customers to inquire about tailored solutions and do not state a price. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Product: SDS-ONE APEX4 is an all-in-one 3D design system with integrated hardware and software. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Product type: SDS-ONE APEX4 is an all-in-one design system with integrated hardware and software. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Security and compliance: SHIMA SEIKI states that it holds ISO 9001 certification for the design and manufacture of design systems. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Simulation: SHIMA SEIKI says the system can scan and simulate real yarn and minimize physical sample-making. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Supply chain: SHIMA SEIKI describes the system as connecting planning, production, and sales processes for apparel manufacturing. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Supply-chain use: The maker says the system connects yarn spinners, apparel brands, and manufacturers digitally across planning, design, production, and sales promotion. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Support: SHIMA SEIKI says its user support includes maintenance, customer-specific training, and long-term supply of genuine parts. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Textile capabilities: The system includes textile design and simulation software for flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Training: SHIMANAVI provides self-paced e-learning courses for the SDS-ONE APEX series. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026
Virtual sampling: Its high-definition virtual samples support product development and can reduce the need for physical sample-making. · shimaseiki.com, 9 Oct 2026

Where SDS-ONE APEX4 stands on Freedom251

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