#ITMA-Asia + CITME-2014

2014-07-23

The HKS 2-M, with an optimised cost:benefit ratio, is premiered

The HKS 2-M on the visitor’s focus at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 in Shanghai

Two-bar, high-speed tricot machines can now produce plain warp-knitted textiles even more efficiently. KARL MAYER launched the HKS 2-M onto the market at this year’s ITMA ASIA + CITME fair in June, thus presenting a machine that is roughly 20% faster than its predecessor.

At a working width of 180", the HKS 2-M can reach maximum speeds of 3,200 min-1. The version with a width of 210", which can operate at up to 3,000 min-1, is setting new standards. This increase in speed has been achieved by optimising the knitting motion and making the bars even lighter.

The HKS 2-SE is one of the models equipped with lighter knitting elements and was unveiled at the ShanghaiTex trade fair last year. In addition to increasing the speed, KARL MAYER’s engineers also focused on reducing the cost. Thanks to a number of clever modifications to the construction, the HKS 2-M is being offered at an attractive price. The 210"-wide machine is likely to be particularly well received by the market, thanks to its perfect cost:benefit ratio.

This flexible, medium-stroke machine is especially suitable for producing non-stretch fabrics with a low stitch number, loose yarn running, and gauges of up to E 32. These mainly include technical and semi-technical textiles, for example, mattress covers, velour fabrics for the furniture industry, nets, sports goods, shoe fabrics and printing grounds. But tulle, stylish, open mesh fabrics and plain fabrics for the clothing sector can also be produced on the HKS 2-M.

This all-round machine is also user friendly and operates reliably and accurately. This is due to its well-thought-out construction and its tried-and-tested components, such as the KAMCOS® computer platform, electronic speed control of the main drive, and electronic systems for controlling the fabric take-down and yarn feed.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

TM WEFT, 270" – More width, more design freedom for the fashion world

KARL MAYER is expanding its successful TM WEFT series with an innovative model that opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fashion & apparel sectors. With a working width of 270", this new machine with weft-insertion not only offers significantly higher output than its narrower counterparts but is also specifically tailored to the demands of dynamic clothing market – particularly in China and Türkiye. A well-thought-out upgrade also ensures even greater design versatility.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.