#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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2026 general meeting of the Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen at ITA

The Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen e. V. (proRWTH) looked back on a successful year of support at their 2026 general meeting. The meeting took place at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen and was combined with a joint session of the Executive Board and the Administrative Board. Before the general meeting began, participants were given a guided tour of ITA, providing them with fascinating insights into current research and development topics in textile engineering.

Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brings supply chain leaders together around cotton innovation

Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brought together more than 300 industry leaders from 140 companies across 10 countries, including more than 45 top global brands and sourcing organizations, underscoring strong global interest in cotton-rich product development, sourcing and supply chain collaboration.

HKRITA signs MoU with Jeanologia and Looptworks to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) yesterday officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two key global partners, Jeanologia and Looptworks, to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem – a first-of-its-kind collaboration to accelerate the large-scale recycling of blended textiles.