#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.

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

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.

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.

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.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.