#Knitting & Hosiery

2021-02-04

New TM 3, 290", promotes economic recovery of warp knitting in China

A newcomer conquers the market © 2021 KARL MAYER

By the end of October 2020, the company had sold over 350 machines. The forecasts for the following 12 months assume that demand will remain high. Until then, most orders came from the following towns of the province Zhejiang: Hai Ning, Tong Xiang and Chang Xing. Here the innovative tricot machine is mainly used for the manufacture of rigid and elastic velour and raised articles for clothing and furniture.

The bestsellers include various velour articles, suede leather or articles with a cotton look. „With its performance and competitive price, the new TM 3 is the right machine, at the right time, in the right place“, explains Lin Tailai, Head of Tricot Machinery at KARL MAYER.

According to the official national statistics office in October 2020, the gross domestic product rose slightly by 3.2 % in the following three months and significantly by 4.9 % in the third quarter compared to the previous year, after a 6.8 % decline in the first quarter. The good economic mood had an impact on investments. Warp knitting companies also regained confidence in the market and began to order new machines.

More performance, lower price

At ITMA 2019, KARL MAYER’s HKS 3-M ON was successfully introduced to the market as high-tech model of the latest tricot machine generation. With the TM 3, the basic machine range will follow in the generation change. The new TM 3 is characterized by a further optimized price-performance ratio. With a working width of 280", which can be extended by 10", it is much wider than its predecessor with 180" and/or maximum 186" and just as fast. So, the output is clearly higher. „The first field test machine already showed a stable machine run over several months at an operating speed of 2,200 min-1. The efficiency could be doubled compared to the previous TM generation, at a more attractive price“, says Lin Tailai to the success factors of the newcomer. The extra width available also increases flexibility when producing several fabric lines. The number and width of the textile strips can be varied in a higher band width. The TM 3 offers further versatility thanks to its ability to process elastane.

For this purpose, the standard version is modified by an optional unit for the guiding and tension monitoring of the elastic yarns in the ground guide bar GB 3. In particular for the manufacturers of elastic velour articles this equipment variant might be extremely interesting. As a further option, the standard 32" beam superstructure for the ground guide bar GB 1 can be replaced by an 40" variant when using DTY yarns.

The longer running length maximizes the beam change intervals and, thus, minimizes downtime. In addition, like all machines of the third generation, the new TM 3 offers the features of KAMCOS® 2 and the advantages of bars made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The high-tech material is extraordinarily light and provides a temperature stability that meets the requirements of the high working width. The spring elements of the tension rail could also be optimized by a solution of fiber-reinforced plastic. The result of this improvement is maximum effects when compensating yarn tensions and, thus, a smooth yarn run-in as an important prerequisite for an exact fabric appearance. The machine with the extraordinary performance at an excellent price is offered in gauges of E 28 and E 32. The patterning is done by an N-gear.

Good reputation from field tests

An important step on the way to the start of series production of the new TM 3 was the feedback from the field during the pilot phase of development. „With Hua Huang Knitting Clothing Co Ltd. we chose the right customer for our field tests. The manufacturer in Tongxiang City, Province Zhejiang, gave us great support and helped us promote the machine with his positive attitude“, emphasizes Lin Tailai. A good cooperation and the explanations of the field test partner are generally important for the acceptance of innovations in the market.

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.