SDS-ONE APEX4
SDS-ONE APEX4 is SHIMA SEIKI’s integrated design system for textile and apparel development, combining hardware and software.
What SDS-ONE APEX4 is
SDS-ONE APEX4 is SHIMA SEIKI’s integrated design system for textile and apparel development, combining hardware and software. It brings together planning, design, colorway creation, fabric simulation, virtual sampling, pattern CAD, and knitting-machine programming. Textile tools cover flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving, and the system can scan and simulate real yarn. High-definition virtual samples can reduce the need for physical samples. Pattern-making tools support knitwear, apparel, and industrial designs; knitting programming includes shaping and WHOLEGARMENT production. Its Auto-suggest function generates colorways and designs automatically. SHIMA SEIKI describes APEX4 as linking planning, production, and sales processes, and lists industries including fashion, healthcare, automotive, and industrial materials. The system runs on Windows, including Windows 11, but upgrade steps depend on the machine number. For units numbered 60001 or higher, updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 may deactivate Windows licensing. Pricing is available on request.
Good
- Tools cover four textile processes.
- High-definition virtual samples can reduce physical sampling.
- Pattern CAD supports apparel and industrial designs.
- Auto-suggest generates colorways and designs.
- Customer-specific training and maintenance are offered.
Watch out
- Pricing is available only on request.
- Windows 11 24H2 may deactivate licensing on units numbered 60001 or higher.
- Upgrade methods depend on the machine number.
Who it suits
It suits textile, apparel, and industrial design teams that need pattern CAD, textile simulation, and knitting-machine programming. Windows users should check upgrade requirements for their machine number.
Verdict
SDS-ONE APEX4 combines textile design, virtual sampling, pattern work, and knitting programming in one system. Its machine-number-dependent Windows upgrade conditions and request-based pricing are worth checking before choosing it.
The facts
Each one read from SDS-ONE APEX4's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- CAD and machine programming
- The all-in-one system includes pattern CAD functions and knitting machine programming.checked 9 Oct 2026
What it does
- Certification
- SHIMA SEIKI states that it holds ISO 9001 certification for the design and manufacturing of design systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Colorway generation
- An auto-suggest function automatically generates colorways and designs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Design and sampling
- The SDS-ONE APEX series supports planning, design, colorways, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Design and simulation
- The system includes textile design and simulation for flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Design automation
- Its Auto-suggest function automatically generates colorways and designs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Industries
- The manufacturer lists fashion, sports and outdoors, healthcare, shoes and accessories, home furnishings, automotive, aeronautical, and industrial materials as industries served.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Knitting programming
- The system supports knitting-machine programming, including shaping and WHOLEGARMENT production.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Pattern CAD
- Pattern-making functions are available for knitwear, apparel, and industrial designs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Pattern making
- The pattern-making function can be used for industrial designs as well as knitwear and apparel products.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Pricing
- The opened manufacturer product pages direct prospective customers to inquire about tailored solutions and do not state a price.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- SDS-ONE APEX4 is an all-in-one 3D design system with integrated hardware and software.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Product type
- SDS-ONE APEX4 is an all-in-one design system with integrated hardware and software.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- SHIMA SEIKI states that it holds ISO 9001 certification for the design and manufacture of design systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Simulation
- SHIMA SEIKI says the system can scan and simulate real yarn and minimize physical sample-making.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supply chain
- SHIMA SEIKI describes the system as connecting planning, production, and sales processes for apparel manufacturing.checked 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.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- SHIMA SEIKI says its user support includes maintenance, customer-specific training, and long-term supply of genuine parts.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Textile capabilities
- The system includes textile design and simulation software for flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Training
- SHIMANAVI provides self-paced e-learning courses for the SDS-ONE APEX series.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Virtual sampling
- Its high-definition virtual samples support product development and can reduce the need for physical sample-making.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. was established on February 4, 1962, and lists its headquarters at 85 Sakata, Wakayama 641-8511, Japan.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1962checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Wakayama, Japanchecked 28 Sep 2026
Alternatives to SDS-ONE APEX4
- 1

Browzwear VStitcher
Free planAPImacOSSelf-hostedWindows7.5From $750 a year - 2
PatternMaker
Free planWindows7.2$110 one-time - 3
Valentina
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.9From €82.57 a year - 4

garment.dev
Free planWeb6.7From $16.20 a month - 5
Marvelous Designer
LinuxmacOSWindows6.7From $8.25 a month - 6
PAD System
WebLinuxmacOSWindows6.6From $15 a year
