#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-07-12

The HKS series gets an upgrade

KARL MAYER has two new machines available in its successful, high-speed tricot machine range for the first half of 2019, i.e. a new model with a wider working width is available in the HKS 3-M machine series and the HKS 2 will be entirely replaced by the HKS 2-M.

The width range of the HKS 3-M is extended and production of the HKS 2 is finally stopped

The HKS 3-M has a new working width

The HKS 3-M is a bestseller in KARL MAYER’s range of machines. In 2018 alone, roughly 500 machines were sold worldwide. This manufacturer is specifically offering different working widths in its successful machine range in order to optimally meet the requirements of its customers. As well as widths of 186" and 218", an extra-wide machine with a width of 280" has been available since last year. With an HKS 3-M, 238" or 248", as a version with an extended width, KARL MAYER is now bridging the gap between the extra-large model and the next, narrower version. Warp knitting companies can now produce all the latest metre goods with widths of 2 m or 3 m by optimally utilising the machine width – thus guaranteeing maximum production efficiency. A prototype of the HKS 3-M, 238" was successfully presented at the in-house show held at KARL MAYER in Obertshausen to coincide with Heimtextil 2019. The sales release of the HKS 3-M, 238" and 248", was in March 2019.

The HKS 2-M is now the only machine remaining

The HKS 2-M was successfully launched onto the market at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014. Since then, this efficient, high-speed machine for producing non-stretch articles has become extremely well established on the market. There is a particularly high demand for the HKS 2-M in China. With the introduction of the latest generation of its KAMCOS® 2 control platform, KARL MAYER has decided to stop building the HKS 2, which has also been available until now. As of now, the HKS 2-M is now the only model remaining in this manufacturer’s product portfolio. Equipped with the KAMCOS® 2 platform, this two-bar, high-speed tricot machine offers all the features of the latest HKS models. These include an integrated camera monitoring system for complete fabric inspection, an integrated laser stop device for fabric monitoring, LED lighting as standard, and easy-to-understand operating functions based on smartphone technology. It is also technically possible to use mobile devices.

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.

ITM 2026: KARL MAYER presents new perspectives

KARL MAYER will once again showcase itself as a strong partner to the Turkish textile industry at ITM in Istanbul from June 9 to 13. At Booth 303 A in Hall 3 of the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, the industry leader will exhibit solutions for warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles – tailored to a challenging economic environment.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

SHIMA SEIKI to show complete knitting and cutting workflow at ITM 2026

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses.

Mayer & Cie. Global is getting ready for ITM 2026

ITM 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mayer & Cie. Global. For the first time, the company will present itself to the international textile machinery industry in its new setup: combining proven circular knitting technology engineered in Germany with a clear commitment to its Albstadt headquarters and an internationally shaped, agile management approach.

DYNEEMA® and NP Aerospace advance personal protection for military servicewomen

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to world-leading armor manufacturer NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armor systems designed specifically to fit the female body. With 2,000 new armor systems, including 4,000 plates, made in the United Kingdom (UK) and delivered in June 2026, this collaboration addresses a long-standing lack of high-quality personal protection specially built for female defense and security personnel.

Textile Exchange publishes comprehensive polyester LCA study

Textile Exchange has released a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyester, providing detailed data on the environmental impacts of both virgin and recycled polyester production. The study aims to strengthen understanding across the fashion, textile and apparel industries and support more informed decision-making regarding polyester sourcing and production.