#Knitting & Hosiery

2021-09-01

New tricot machine for the volume market

Thanks to its four-bar tricot machines, KARL MAYER offers a product family suitable for a wide range of applications. The highly flexible models produce elastic and non-elastic fabrics, can process various material combinations and work a wide variety of patterns. The use of an electronic guide bar control system offers even greater design possibilities, while machines with the appropriate configuration are also available for special requirements, such as the production of terry and pile fabrics.

The new TM 4-S expands KARL MAYER’s range of four-bar tricot machines

A new model has now been added to the wide range of four-bar machines available: the newcomer is called TM 4-S and is with its performance focused on the volume market. Its performance features include an exceptionally high speed – the maximum is 1,800 rpm – and a working width of 280?, which can be further extended by 10?. The TM 4-S therefore offers maximum productivity at an extremely attractive price, and the needle and guide bars were manufactured using proven carbon fibre technology to achieve high temperature stability and low weight.

The new development also relies on tried-and-tested operability and quality. The TM 4-S is extremely easy to handle thanks to KARL MAYER’s well-thought-out man-machine interface and meets the exacting requirements set by the Group of companies.

As with all models in the four-bar product family, the new machine covers an extremely diverse production spectrum. Lightweight silk net and lingerie articles can be converted just as easily and efficiently as raised velour fabrics, shoe fabrics, home textiles or even upholstery fabrics for the automotive sector.

The TM 4-S made its first public appearance as part of an in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA), which took place in June 2021 over the course of the ITMA ASIA + CITME. The performance demonstration for this rapid all-rounder was met with great interest here; numerous project meetings were held during the exhibition, thereby generating ideas for how to use the newcomer.

From the third quarter 2021, the TM 4-S will be sold. It is currently available in gauges E 28 and E 32, and the standard equipment includes a 4 x 32? beam frame.

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.

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.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

SHIMA SEIKI to show complete knitting and cutting workflow at ITM 2026

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses.

Mayer & Cie. Global is getting ready for ITM 2026

ITM 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mayer & Cie. Global. For the first time, the company will present itself to the international textile machinery industry in its new setup: combining proven circular knitting technology engineered in Germany with a clear commitment to its Albstadt headquarters and an internationally shaped, agile management approach.

GenuTrace client advisory: Is your cotton supply chain UFLPA ready?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated operational guidance (CBP Publication No. 5560-0526) expanding its forced labor enforcement framework. The guidance supersedes the original 2022 UFLPA Operational Guidance and now covers all forced labor enforcement authorities — UFLPA, CAATSA, and WROs/Findings — in a single unified document. For cotton importers, the enforcement posture has not softened. It has become more structured, more documented, and more demanding. Learn more about UFLPA.

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.