#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.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

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.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.