#Knitting & Hosiery

2023-11-01

New multifunctional RASCHELTRONIC® expands market opportunities

KARL MAYER has continued its successful two-product line strategy in the RASCHELTRONIC® sector, and has added a price-performance-optimized variant to the four-bar machine. The new RJ 4/1 EL is the counterpart to the RSJ 4/1, but, in a departure from the previous approach, it can do more than the premium machine.

The RJ 4/1 EL sets new patterning standards in the field of four-bar RASCHELTRONIC® machines

Patterns can be changed quickly and easily without any restrictions on repeat length. The equipment with KAMCOS® 2 also makes it possible to work with pattern data from the KM.ON cloud, for even greater speed and convenience in the transfer of pattern data to the machine. In addition to the patterning performance, the output is also impressive. With a speed of 1,300 min-1, the RJ 4/1 EL offers the high efficiency for which the RASCHELTRONIC® series is renowned.

A wide-ranging product portfolio

With its enormous design potential, the RJ 4/1 EL is a breath of fresh air, especially in the lingerie and sportswear sectors. "The possibilities include Spotnet articles and lace-like bands, as before. New for a four-bar RASCHELTRONIC® are multi-faceted patterned satin stripe designs and other lapping changes, which are feasible thanks to the EL pattern drive," says Stefan Gross, Product Developer Textile Technology at KARL MAYER.

The opulent floral and geometric motifs stand out with filigree mesh fillings and concise contouring that create a subtly sculptural surface appearance. When the split Jacquard bars process bright polyamide in patterns with long and short underlaps alternating, matt-gloss effects are also created, giving the fabrics a touch of extravagance and luxury. Other features of RASCHELTRONIC® articles include a subtle drape, a silky, smooth handle and freecut style for garment production with minimal effort. A 2-needle-overlap ensures the implementation of a firm fabric edge directly on the machine. This can be done by using the GB 3 or GB 4 ground guide bar threaded with elastane.

Performance show during ITMA ASIA

The RJ 4/1 EL is offered in gauges E 28 and E 32 and with a working width of 130?. It was launched for worldwide sales at ITMA 2023 in Milan after a pre-release in China and is a smash hit. Several customers have already invested in the new machine. Interest from manufacturers in China is particularly high.

Many Chinese customers have already seen the new RASCHELTRONIC® machine in the showroom at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in Changzhou City. Processing tests have also been successfully run on it. The next opportunity to get to know it better will be at a product show that KARL MAYER (CHINA) is inviting to its premises from 19 to 23 November, i.e. during ITMA ASIA. Here, RJ 4/1 EL in E 32 will be producing a soft, lightweight lingerie fabric made of polyamide and elastane.

Interested parties are requested to register under the following link:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wN-xQvoWVUme0yq53uw9Hp6EVE41oPtGtA5BADYEQ1BUOTVEVDU5VVNKVU5JOFBNOVJMSUlWSDhPSy4u

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

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.

“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.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.