#Additive Manufacturing

2022-10-26

Added value through addition

Inline 3D printer for the roll-to-roll process (©STFI-Ines Escherich)

Additive manufacturing already enables completely new product solutions in many sectors, including the textile industry. The combination of 3D printing technology and textiles in particular is opening up previously unknown opportunities, including the ability to create both individual looks as well as specific functionalities.

‘Additive manufacturing in the textile industry’ symposium shows new ways to new products, 17.11.2022 in Obertshausen

Additive manufacturing and its potentials for the textile industry are set to be the focal points of the ‘Additive Manufacturing in the Textile Industry’ symposium, which for years has been organised by the KARL MAYER GROUP in cooperation with the textile research institutes Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and Textilforschungsinstitut Thüringen-Vogtland e.V. The event will be showcasing the innovative production methods along with their applications in research and industry from various different perspectives.

The countdown to the event on 17 November 2023 is now on, with the fifth symposium on additive manufacturing taking place in the company headquarters of KARL MAYER GROUP in Obertshausen once again. KARL MAYER co-organiser Michael Kieren is looking forward to a broad exchange of information between designers, technology experts and product developers alike. “3D printing allows us to completely rethink our whole approach to textile product design. The world of sportswear is already showing us what strides can be made, with mass-produced articles complete with 3D-printed branding and functional elements already firmly established in this domain,” notes the expert. Symposium guests can already look forward to a very special innovation in the form of a technological solution for combining textile manufacturing with 3D printing in the roll-to-roll process. This new development already enjoyed a successful premiere at the Techtextil Trade Fair in Frankfurt am Main.

In addition to the live demonstration of the inline 3D printer, guests can enjoy an exciting guided tour of KARL MAYER and exclusive technical lectures, including presentations by 3D printer manufacturers and companies that already work with additive manufacturing processes. The presentations involve the latest developments in FDM, dispenser, SLA, TFP, and inline processes and materials, as well as applications for auxetic textiles, privacy cover and fashion.

Registration for the live event is now open at:

https://www.titv-greiz.de/de/akademie/workshops/anmeldeformular-workshop/view/form

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.