#Knitting & Hosiery

2013-06-14

Bringing the shoe sector up to speed

Tricot machine with four guide bars (c) 2013 Karl Mayer

KARL MAYER has completed its TM machine series in time for Shanghaitex at the beginning of June this year. Until now, this successful machine series has been made up of the TM 2, TM 3, TM 4-T and TM 4-T EL.

The new TM 4 – a four-bar tricot machine for producing high-quality plain fabrics efficiently

The new TM 4 machine with four guide bars can produce plain fabrics and thus complements the TM 4-T, which is designed to produce terry fabrics. The technical platform of both machines is the same and their performance features are comparable. Speeds of up to 1,400 min-1, user-friendliness, and a high product quality make the new TM 4 extremely interesting for producing apparel fabrics as well as semi-technical textiles, particularly shoe fabrics.

Technical details The knitting motion and needle tool of the existing four-bar TM machine were modified to enable plain fabrics to be produced. Just like the TM 4-T, the machine for producing plain fabrics can either be fitted with an EL or an N drive for moving the ground guide bars. The EL version in particular enables a wider variety of patterns to be produced. In conjunction with the KAMCOS® system and the Multi Speed facility for controlling the warp beam let-off and fabric take-down, the TM 4 with electronic control operates sequentially and can easily work different sections of the pattern next to each other, for example.

Batchers no. 6 and no. 34 are available for winding up the final fabric. A frame with four positions for mounting warp beams having a diameter of 32" is available for delivering the yarn. The standard working width of the new TM 4 is 186" and the gauges are E 28 and E 32. Additional gauges are available on request if needed.

Market launch The new TM 4 was premiered at this year’s Shanghaitex fair and will be built by KARL MAYER (China) in Changzhou City. “With the TM 4, we have completed our twin product line strategy for our tricot machines. For all our two-, three- and four-bar machines, there is now a high-performance, high-tech range equipped with carbon-fibre bars as standard, i.e. our HKS machines and the price-optimised TM series catering for the mid-range sector. “We are expecting good sales opportunities in the future, particularly in those applications where there is a need for flexible patterning and shorter runs,” said Oliver Mathews when talking about the sales potential of this latest addition to the TM series of machines.

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.