#Techtextil 2022

2022-05-16

Sustainability is the new functionality

Processing of flax fibres on a multiaxial warp-knitting machine © 2022 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER Group will be presenting solutions for a better future at Techtextil.

The KARL MAYER Group ( Hall 12.0, C93) will be presenting itself at Techtextil from June 21 to 24 2022 in Frankfurt am Main as an innovative partner in the production of high-performance textiles. The global player can be found in Hall 12.0 on Stand C93. Innovative patterns and application examples of warp knitting and flat knitting will be shown.

More sustainability through solutions from the warp knitting industry

The KARL MAYER Group manufactures biaxial and multiaxial warp-knitting machines, as well as warp-knitting machines with and without weft insertion, on which functional articles for a wide range of applications are produced.

With its exhibition, the manufacturer joins the key theme of Techtextil: sustainability. For the composites industry, it presents solutions for the production of fiber-reinforced plastics made from natural fibers. The renewable resources are processed on weft and multiaxial warp knitting machines into reinforcement structures that open up completely new perspectives in terms of their environmental performance.

The textile innovation 4D-KNIT offers new possibilities for a better life cycle assessment of fashion articles and outdoorwear. The fabric for midlayer and softshell performance solutions scores with a sophisticated textile construction that leads to significantly lower fiber release during washing than when using double-sided raised fleece fabrics. Besides, a positive effect for the environment is a reduction in microplastic pollution.

Another focal point on the KARL MAYER stand is the topic of "Smart Textiles and Wearables". With the possibilities of jacquard and multibar patterning of warp knitting machines, electrically conductive yarns can be integrated directly and tailor-made into knitted fabrics in order to implement functional elements such as sensors, conductors and coils in an uncomplicated way. The textile properties remain unaffected. The potential arising from the seamless combination of electronics and textiles is being researched in the company's own TEXTILE-CIRCUIT unit. The latest results of this work will be on show at the KARL MAYER stand at Techetxtil.

As an innovative pioneer, the Group is also working on forward-looking solutions in the field of additive manufacturing. The work under the heading RAPID TEXTILE focuses in particular on the combination of 3D printing with textile technology. In principle, the combination of the versatile printing process with traditional fabric formation technology offers new possibilities for production on demand. If only what the consumer needs is manufactured, this is also a contribution to greater sustainability. Techtextil will show how the 3D printing process can be integrated into series production.

Shoe fabric solution from STOLL, using technologies such as inverse plating, STOLL-ikat plating® and STOLL-weave-in® Technology, it can incorporate a wide range of knitwear looks and all the components of the upper directly into the fabric, thus speeding up the making up process. (shoe created in a project with DESMA) © 2022 KARL MAYER

For the first time, the KARL MAYER Group also has flat knitting innovations from STOLL in its trade fair baggage. The presentation will include solutions for waste-free production, the implementation of multifunctionality in a single process step, 3D shaping without additional work steps, and efficient knitting-on-demand production.

Minimize the ecological footprint with flat knits

For the first time, the KARL MAYER Group will also have flat knitting innovations from STOLL in its trade fair baggage. This business unit of the KARL MAYER Group will also be exhibiting samples on the themes of sustainability and recyclability. Both are basic requirements which the flat knitting technology meets excellently from the outset, for example with solutions for waste-free production, the implementation of multifunctionality in a single process step, 3D shaping without additional work steps, and efficient knitting-on-demand production.

For this purpose, STOLL will be showing current and innovative application topics from the currently important areas of bandage technology as well as shoe uppers and cover fabrics, which correspond 100% to the required expectations of sustainability.

Warp-knitted footwear fabric with 3D-printed reinforcement structure © 2022 KARL MAYER

In addition, special industrial and transport topics will be the focus of the exhibition. A wide range of synergies are expected from the first trade fair appearance under the umbrella of the KARL MAYER Group. For example, the STOLL team would also like to get to know the customers of other KARL MAYER business units and open up the wide product world of the entire group to its customers.

warp-knitted sensors with optimised skin contact © 2022 KARL MAYER

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

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.

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.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.