#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

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

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.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Barmag presents metering pump solutions at ASE China

From September 15 to 17, 2026, Barmag’s Pumps Division will present its solutions for the precise delivery and metering of adhesives, sealants, and other high-viscosity media at ASE China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The focus of the exhibition will be on high-precision gear metering pumps that help plant managers sustainably optimize material usage, process stability, and product quality. (Booth E4235).

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.