#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-11-28

A machine for summiteers

The HKS 2-S is a proven high-performance tricot machine from the KARL MAYER product portfolio. The ultra-efficient machine impresses with top values in terms of output, product quality, operational reliability and durability and is predestined for the production of elastic and rigid fabrics.

The HKS 2-S in E 44 sets new standards in outdoor wear, especially for mountain sports © 2024 KARL MAYER

Just in time for ITMA ASIA + CITME in October 2024, the bestseller was launched with an upgrade in the gauge area. With a gauge of E44, HKS 2-S brings a breath of fresh air to many areas of application, especially the promising outdoor clothing segment: With their dense surfaces, the supple E44 fabrics offer excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays. Their UV protection factor is more than twice as high as that of circular knitwear. The silky fabrics are also soft, comfortable to wear, breathable and quick-drying, and they can be produced extremely efficiently. At a speed of up to 3,200 rpm and a working width of 130", around 200 kg of fabric is produced per day. This made the HKS 2-S a real highlight at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, and the machine was sold several times during the trade fair.

The HKS 2-S has been equipped with the modern automation platform KAMCOS® 2 Connect. This allows customers to network their machines and utilise all cloud-based solutions from the digital world of KARL MAYER. The Pattern Data System (PDS) enables the secure and simple storage and management of article data without the need to exchange sensitive data via USB stick. Digital offerings for optimising remote service also ensure shorter downtimes and more efficient after-sales service. Other solutions enable the integration of systems, for example for monitoring threads and the operating status of the machine, thereby maximising machine performance.

The HKS 2-S offers simple operation with other successfully established features, including laser stop, camera and homogenous lighting of the working area, which indicates the operating status of the machine, which is visible from a distance. Other tried and tested features of the HKS series in the HKS 2-S include bars based on carbon composite technology, a mechanical pattern drive, an electronically controlled yarn feed and a continuous fabric take-off that is also electronically controlled.

However, the latest upgrade required some fine-tuning.

“The high gauge required even more precise coordination of all components. The stable running of the HKS 2-S in E 44 at the uniquely high speed is only possible thanks to their very precise interaction,” says Kai Sulzmann, Project Manager of the KARL MAYER warp knitting business unit.

ITM 2026: KARL MAYER presents new perspectives

KARL MAYER will once again showcase itself as a strong partner to the Turkish textile industry at ITM in Istanbul from June 9 to 13. At Booth 303 A in Hall 3 of the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, the industry leader will exhibit solutions for warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles – tailored to a challenging economic environment.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.

Closing completed – Mayer & Cie. Global starts business operations

The future of the Mayer & Cie. brand has been secured: Following the successful completion of the purchase agreement for assets in the circular knitting machinery segment of the German traditional company Mayer & Cie., which was signed in February this year, the brand will continue to exist. The transfer of these assets to the new owner, Xu Hongjie, was formally completed yesterday afternoon. This clears the way for the resumption of business operations at the Albstadt site.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.