#Knitting & Hosiery

2022-08-04

New patterning dimensions with the HKS digital generation

With the HKS 3-M ON, KARL MAYER has initiated the changeover of high-performance tricot machines to the digital generation. The subsequent patterning trials at the premises of the innovative world market leader confirmed the exceptional performance of the newcomer. The HKS 3-M ON works with lapping data that can be purchased online via KARL MAYER's WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS, and loaded immediately thanks to the machine's networking.

This means that articles can be changed in a matter of seconds without mechanical intervention. The new HKS does not need any pattern discs, but achieves the high working speeds typical of mechanical guide bar drives. The innovative machine thus contributes to improving production performance.

HKS 3-M ON demonstrates maximum flexibility in warp-knitted fabric design

Article changeover made easy

In the first patterning projects, KARL MAYER's textile product developers produced conventional basic articles, such as marquisette and flag fabric. They used the standard repeat length of up to 36 stitch courses - an increase of 12 stitch courses compared with the HKS 3-M model with pattern disc drive. All patterns could be produced with maximum efficiency and quality and changed quickly without any technical effort. There was no need for any manual intervention. Simply load the required lappings for an article via SwapKnit 36 or SwapKnit 36 Flat from the KM.ON cloud and production could start, with optimized machine data for maximum operating speeds.

Subsequent trials produced patterns with repeats of more than 36 stitch courses. The web-based software k.innovation CORE from KM.ON was used for this. With regard to the design, KARL MAYER's textile specialists opted for variants with sophisticated crinkle looks. Articles with the crepe-like surfaces had already been successfully produced on an HKS 4-M EL in E 28. Now an HKS 3-M ON in E 32 was used, with the same material. In GB 1 and GB 2, a wrapping yarn made of polyamide with elastane in the core was processed. When relaxed, the two-component material gives rise to distinct plastic surface structures. GB 3 produced the fabric ground and alternated between polyamide and polyester feed. When polyester was used, targeted cross-dyeing resulted in sophisticated two-tone coloration of the three-dimensional goods. The relief effects are strongly pronounced due to the use of two ground guide bars.

In addition to the look, the performance of the items is right with the concise crinkle design. In clothing, they offer freedom of movement and a good fit due to their high elasticity. The three-dimensional structure also creates distances to the skin, which ensures a high climatic wearing comfort.

To be continued

Encouraged by the results of their processing trials, KARL MAYER's textile product developers are implementing further pattern ideas. The focus here is on the fabric ground. "We want to make the ground structure more varied, for example, combining open and dense areas to achieve openwork looks," says Jürgen Wohlrab, product developer for textile technology at KARL MAYER.

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.