#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

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.