#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-12-13

Rapid ordering of spare parts – it’s in your hands!

KARL MAYER is expanding its WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS platform in order to support its clients in their day-to-day operations even more effectively. With a number of new functions, this online ordering platform is now even more useful. This manufacturer is “beating the publicity drum” even harder – to disseminate more information about it. A new film was being premiered at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona, showing the webshop, together with its functions and advantages.

An upgrade of the WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS platform is on the starting line

The WEBSHOP was also celebrating a first for the warp preparation sector at this leading trade fair. It was being successfully presented to clients with all the existing functions, together with the web shops that have already been installed. Webshops for the KARL MAYER’s business units are also being presented at specific trade fairs. The Webshop for Technical Textiles was being promoted at the JEC World exhibition in March 2019, which generated a great deal of interest.

Extending the online procurement of spare parts for technical textiles

The WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS for Technical Textiles began on a small scale in 2017, and has been expanding gradually ever since. By the end of 2018/19, the range covered more than 3,200 items – so it was time for a relaunch. The ordering platform, with specific actions, was presented to a wide circle of customers and was very well received. The webshop for KARL MAYER Technische Textilien is now being used by customers from 13 countries. “We are extremely pleased, and we are increasingly expanding our spare parts business via our webshop,” said Jessica Schwabe from KARL MAYER Technische Textilien in July 2019. She found a new innovation, which was unveiled at ITMA, particularly useful: this was the setting up of the central access address, shop.karlmayer.com, which directs the user straight to the webshop that has been made available to him. Alternatively, he can select the webshop that he wants to use via a landing page.

An upgrade that increases efficiency

In the latest upgrade, the WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS has been extended by the ability to specify the delivery times. In addition to the standard delivery times, an additional display now also gives information on the current availability of selected items, as a function of the number of pieces required. This new function gives the customer optimum support when planning his requirements. The WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS for Warp Knitting also offers some new functions that go beyond the conventional procurement of spare parts. This extended feature relates to work on the machine operations of the customers on site. KARL MAYER has linked service packages for standard applications to meet the requirements of its customers.

The focus here is on the mechanical and electrical work, which can be booked via a contact at KARL MAYER. For example, if a customer is intending to change the gauge on his HKS machine, or if he is planning to update the software, he can obtain information on the type and extent of the work and which person to contact in the webshop under the heading of SERVICE Packages. In addition to the use of personnel on site, the package includes selected web seminars from the KARL MAYER online training programme. The cross-selling features have also been extended as part of the process for expanding the contents of the webshop. This now contains even more cross-references to the associated products.

k.maintenance iPhone X (c) 2019 KARL MAYER

Easy access and switching

To provide additional support, the procurement of spare parts has also been made more mobile. For example, the k.maintenance app from KM.ON allows direct access to the WEBSHOP SPARE PARTS. This practical app can also be used for the Scan-to- Order function for simple ordering, and the Check Parts function for quickly checking the authenticity of the spare parts. A special symbol in the delivery note enables a switch to be made easily from conventional ordering to online ordering. Every product shown in the document, together with its availability in the webshop, is marked by a shopping cart symbol. By specifying a code, subsequent orders can also be placed very easily using the Scan-to-Order function. This practical symbol will soon be transferred to other documents.

Maximising efficiency and halving loss

KARL MAYER has developed 2"-guide units with separable 1"-segments for maximum efficiency when threading the ground guide bars of its warp knitting machines. These long units reduce the time needed for rethreading the guide bars compared to the current 1"-types, and they eliminate the disadvantage of the current 2"-units in the event of any damage. Previously, the entire 2"-unit had to be changed if there was a defect in a guide, but now just the 1"-section with the defect can be removed easily and replaced separately.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

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.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens with focus on AI, circularity and new sourcing regions

More than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world are gathering at Paris-Le Bourget as Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens its doors from August 31 to September 2. With around 500 textile manufacturers and a similar number of apparel and accessories suppliers, the trade fair reflects the ongoing transformation of global sourcing and the growing diversification of supply regions.