#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

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.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

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.

ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

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.

JEC Forum Southeast Asia 2026 highlights Taiwan as a strategic hub for the global composites industry

The third edition of JEC Forum organized in Southeast Asia brought together 350+ participants from 22 countries for three active days of high-level Business Meetings, conferences, and networking, emphasizing Southeast Asia’s growing role in the global composites market. Held for the first time in Taipei from 23 to 24 June 2026, following the successful first editions in Bangkok, JEC Forum Southeast Asia 2026 confirmed its position as the region’s leading business platform dedicated to the composites industry.

IMG Group, parent of Evertis and Selenis, launches Everbio Innovation Hub backed by €15 million in financing from C2 Capital Partners

IMG Group launched the Everbio Innovation Hub, backed by €15 million in financing from C2 Capital Partners. Located at the Group’s industrial site in Portalegre, Portugal, the Everbio Innovation Hub brings together the capabilities of Evertis (PET-based packaging films), Selenis (specialty copolyester resins), Renascis (advanced multilayer recycling) and Renewis (renewable energy) to develop, test and mature the next generation of recycled and bio-based polymer materials and technologies.