#Knitting & Hosiery

2021-09-29

Layering quickly and flexibly for the mid-range segment

Guests attending a BIAXTRONIC® II performance demonstration, held at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in spring 2021 © 2021 KARL MAYER

Fibre-reinforced composite solutions with non-crimp fabrics as reinforcement layers offer many advantages in lightweight construction and are therefore in demand in a wide range of applications, particularly when the price is right.

KARL MAYER’s new BIAXTRONIC® II opens up new market prospects

KARL MAYER Technische Textilien offers the BIAXTRONIC® to produce biaxial non-crimp fabrics highly efficiently. The high-performance warp knitting machine processes textile glass fibres and makes it possible to incorporate mats made from chopped textile glass fibres or other substrates directly into the reinforcement structure. This results in high-quality composite reinforcements that are firmly established in the transport, marine, construction and renewable energy sectors.

At the end of last year, the proven composite machine underwent a generational change. The new BIAXTRONIC® II is characterised by a clear focus on the mid-range market and even more customer benefits.

Flexible, productive and affordable

The new BIAXTRONIC® II is based on the technically mature concept developed for its predecessor. Building on this technology, the machine was further tailored to the needs of the commodity market in terms of its price-performance ratio, and changes were made to the weft insertion. Unlike before, the BIAXTRONIC® II can work with both course-oriented and non course-oriented weft-insertion. A conversion kit – available as an optional extra – makes a variable change possible, thus increasing flexibility. “In the event of significant market changes, the machine can be converted, thereby offering a real advantage,” says Jochen Schmidt, President of KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles business unit.

The new weft-insertion system processes textile glass fibre material with a gauge of up to 2,400 tex into reinforcement structures with a maximum weight per unit area of 500 g/m². Glass mats weighing up to 600 g/m² can therefore be integrated by means of a chopping unit , while maximum output of 1,100 m²/h can be achieved thanks to intelligent technical solutions and a coherent overall concept. Despite the high working speed, the BIAXTRONIC® II handles the fibre material extremely delicately.

Other innovations include a state-of-the-art operator interface for simple, intuitive handling, as well as KAMCOS® and connectivity features from the latest KARL MAYER machine generation.

Successful market launch

With its extended performance potential and sharper pricing profile, the BIAXTRONIC® II has been well received by the market. The first machine has already been sold in Europe, and in-depth project discussions are currently underway with various Chinese customers.

The BIAXTRONIC® II was most recently presented to selected manufacturers in China as part of a presentation at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in spring 2021. The performance demonstrations in Changzhou attracted significant interest. “We had many excellent conversations. In particular, our guests from the areas such as of shipbuilding, sports and leisure and construction wanted to know more about the technical details and new possibilities. This should result in some promising projects,” says Zhang Bin, Head of the Technical Textiles Machinery department.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

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SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).

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.

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.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

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