#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-05-09

Lightweight construction technology is gaining momentum – thanks to a new production line

KARL MAYER Technische Textilien GmbH is launching a completely new line for efficiently producing thermoplastic UD tapes, a special type of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs). FRPs are important drivers in the lightweight construction sector and are contributing to the concept of sustainability in the building sector. UD tapes score points here by offering maximum potential for producing lightweight structures.

They are made up of unidirectional, continuous reinforcing fibres, which means that they can absorb high levels of stress. Using thermoplastic rather than thermosetting matrix systems gives rise to further advantages. For example, thermoplastic UD tapes can be recycled but, above all, they can be processed more efficiently – an important requirement for mass production.

The mass production of semi-finished products forms the focus of the new line for processing thermoplastic UD tapes. There is a need for reproducibility, quality and efficiency at a reasonable cost – challenges that this company, with its many years of experience in non-crimped fabrics (NCFs) made from glass and carbon fibres, has been tackling.

More specifically, KARL MAYER Technische Textilien has extended its spreading technology to include suitable heating and impregnating modules.

The result is a machine system that is setting the trend. This new development delivers a continuous mode of operating, a high production speed, and large tape widths. It represents KARL MAYER Technische Textilien’s latest step along the way to being a systems supplier for dry and impregnated NCFs.

The first line for producing thermoplastic UD tapes will be ready to be presented in autumn of 2019 at KARL MAYER Technische Textilien in Chemnitz and will be available for producing samples on behalf of customers. The first public debut of the new line will be at ITMA, which is to be held from 20 to 26 June 2019 in Barcelona. The machine will also be part of KARL MAYER Technische Textilien’s presentation in the forum of the next Techtextil fair in Frankfurt. The date of this event is 15 May 2019.

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.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

TM WEFT, 270" – More width, more design freedom for the fashion world

KARL MAYER is expanding its successful TM WEFT series with an innovative model that opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fashion & apparel sectors. With a working width of 270", this new machine with weft-insertion not only offers significantly higher output than its narrower counterparts but is also specifically tailored to the demands of dynamic clothing market – particularly in China and Türkiye. A well-thought-out upgrade also ensures even greater design versatility.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.