#Knitting & Hosiery

2021-05-04

Working more flexibly with wider machines

KARL MAYER has further extended its range of double needle bar raschel machines. After launching an RD 7 with a new knock-over comb bar distance (from 2 to 6 mm), models that produce spacer fabrics in tried-and-tested thicknesses but at new working widths are now being launched on the market: the RD 7/2-12 EN and RD 6/1-12 EN are available now in a working width of 190".

KARL MAYER’s RD 7/2-12 EN, RD 6/1-12 EN and HD 6/20-35 with new working widths

The seven-bar machine was previously available in working widths of 77" and 138", while the six-bar equivalent was available as a 138" variant. Apart from the expansion in width, there were no other changes at all – especially not in terms of speed. Both 190" machines achieve an unchanged speed of 850 courses per minute, which compared to the narrower 138" versions, means an increase in productivity of 37%. The high efficiency is reflected in the price-performance ratio – with an increase of 15.7% for the RD 6/1-12 EN and 16.3% for the RD 7/2-12 EN. The width of the HIGHDISTANCE® has also been upgraded: the HD 6/20-35 was added to KARL MAYER’s product portfolio with a 160" version.

By extending the working widths, the innovative textile machine manufacturer is primarily supporting its customers in the mattress sector. They can now produce not just more, but also more flexibly: two panels can now be produced simultaneously next to each other instead of singularly, or three fabric lines instead of two, for example. This greater production scope has been well received by the market. A number of customers in Asia are already working with the 190" machines and are extremely satisfied with the performance.

Manufacturers in other spacer textile business sectors are also benefitting from KARL MAYER’s innovative strength and market intuition. The right technical configuration for every customer group – that’s the motto the global player has been working to for around the last two years to successfully differentiate its RD machine range. “With the RD 7/2-6 EN, we can offer the footwear fabric market a high-speed machine. A speed of 1,100 stitch courses per minute is setting standards in practice. The 138” RD 7/2-12 EN is a true all-rounder that is suitable for a wide range of applications, from footwear fabrics to articles for upholstered furniture and mattresses. With the 190" versions of the RD 7/2-12 EN and RD 6/1-12 EN, we are able to offer models that meet the special requirements of the mattress market,” explains Albert Wong, Product Owner Double Needle Bar Machinery at KARL MAYER.

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.

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.