#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-02-27

A new, sure-fire success is in the starting blocks

Patterning with the counter-operating split jacquard bars (c) 2020 KARL MAYER

KARL MAYER has expanded its range of machines with piezo jacquard technology for producing stylish shoe fabrics, and the new RDJ 6/1 EN has now been incorporated into the series comprising the RDPJ 7/1 EL and RDJ 5/1 machines. This new machine has a better price, and operates faster than the higher-bar version.

Successful launch of the RDJ 6/1 EN, with its high cost:benefit ratio, for the shoe fabric sector

However, there is very little difference in terms of the design potential. Almost 90 % of the jacquard shoe fabrics currently produced can be manufactured on the RDJ 6/1 EN. The configuration of this new machine makes it ideal for producing engineered spacer textiles. Compared to the RDJ 5/1, the RDJ 6/1 EN has one extra guide bar, EN drive and a wellthought- out yarn feed system to the jacquard bars, and offers extended design possibilities, a higher product quality, and easy pattern change. The cost is still competitive.

A high-performance machine for producing shoe fabrics

The RDJ 6/1 EN is available in the gauges of E 22 and E 24, and has a working width of 138". The distance between the knock-over comb bars can be adjusted continuously from 2 mm to 8 mm. Customers can now buy a flexible production machine with five guide bars, one split jacquard bar, whose split bars can operate in a counter lapping operating mode, and an EN pattern drive. It can also produce an extensive range of fabrics. Dense structures can be worked, as well as a wide range of patterns with holes, which can be of any size and placed in any location. The result is attractive shoe fabrics with a specific breathability. If the split jacquard bars are moved in a counter lapping operating mode, the contours of the openings are exceptionally clear. In this case, the yarn is fed from two sectional warp beams. T

his facilitates yarn drawing-in and doubles the yarn running times – with a positive effect on the productivity The EN drive makes a further contribution to increasing the efficiency. The seven electronic guide bar drives enable the patterns to be changed very easily and flexibly, and the costs of buying, storing and changing the pattern discs are eliminated. Like all KARL MAYER’s machines, the RDJ 6/1 EN can also be operated very easily. A new feature compared to the RDJ 5/1 is that the machine and knitting elements are equipped with LED lighting as standard. The increased visibility simplifies handling even more, especially when drawing-in the yarns. This new doublebar raschel machine is completely compatible with the RDJ 5/1 and the RD 7/2-12 EN as far as the knitting elements are concerned. This reduces the storage requirements for spare parts.

Successful market launch

The RDJ 6/1 EN was presented to a wide audience for the first time at the in-house show held at KARL MAYER (CHINA) during ShanghaiTex, which took place from 25 to 28 November 2019. The visitors asked many questions about the new machine. Yuji Yamamoto, the Product Manager at NIPPON MAYER, is preparing to have many discussions on various projects in the next few months. Mass production was scheduled to start in September 2019, and the first machines have already been sold.

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.

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.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.