#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-03-05

Controlling the service life

If the machinery is becoming outdated, investments in targeted upgrade offers are an interesting alternative to cost-intensive new purchases for many manufacturers, especially in difficult economic times. KARL MAYER therefore offers an electrical retrofit for its customers in the technical textiles sector. The retrofit solution brings the control and drive technology of older multiaxial and warp knitting machines with weft insertion up to the current standard, thus minimising production risks.

Maximum production reliability thanks to the electrical retrofit for KARL MAYER multiaxial and warp knitting machines with weft insertion with a long running time © 2025 KARL MAYER

“The machines are often in operation for several shifts, seven days a week. After years of use, the mechanics are usually still in good condition, but the electrics are outdated after regular generational changes. If this leads to breakdowns, the result is high costs and long downtimes. This can be avoided with our electrical retrofit,” explains Falk Preibisch from the Care Solutions Team at KARL MAYER Technische Textilien.

Short conversion times

Anyone ordering an electrical retrofit will receive a new control cabinet with a user interface and control technology from the latest generation of KARL MAYER machines. In addition, everything required for dismantling the old motors and for the new cabling is supplied. The conversion work takes around two weeks on warp knitting machines with weft insertion and around three weeks on multiaxial warp knitting machines and requires the deployment of one or two service technicians - an effort that is well worth it.

Standardised operation, improved serviceability, reliable spare parts supply

The electronics upgrade offers the customer the familiar, modern user interface of the new KARL MAYER machines and therefore maximum ergonomics, intuitive functionality and a standardised user interface. The operating personnel always know their way around immediately, regardless of the year of manufacture of the machine. The electric retrofit also scores highly when it comes to service and maintenance. The service specialists at KARL MAYER Technical Textiles, who are familiar with the modern machines, know what needs to be done and, unlike for the old systems, spare parts are guaranteed to be available in the long term. Another advantage is that the machine can be networked through targeted retrofitting.

Successful solution

The offer to modernise at minimal cost and downtime, without the environmentally harmful disposal of old machines, is generally recommended for machines built in 2000 or later.

“The electrical retrofit is now selling very well,” says Falk Preibisch, satisfied with the demand.

Since its introduction in 2016, the electronics upgrade has already been ordered around 55 times, mostly for machines that have been in operation for between 15 and 25 years.

KARL MAYER opens a new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE – a new era of textile innovation begins

KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE (TIC), sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.

Terrot introduces T-Frame platform to redefine stability and flexibility in large-diameter circular knitting

Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH has unveiled the new T-Frame, a universal machine frame platform for large-diameter circular knitting machines. Designed to meet growing demands for flexibility, stability, and operational safety, the T-Frame provides a next-generation foundation for both current and future industrial knitting machines, combining German engineering expertise with a modular, future-ready design approach.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.