#Knitting & Hosiery

2022-06-21

Sales success of a solution for more efficiency in warp preparation

The fully automatic knotting unit on the LINK-MATIC® system (c) 2022 KARL MAYER

Lotustex Textile invests in KARL MAYER's first LINK-MATIC® system for automatic batch change on PRODYE®-S slasher indigo dye range

KARL MAYER has placed its first LINK-MATIC® system on the market. The sophisticated automation solution considerably simplifies the batch change on indigo and sizing machines, thus increasing productivity. An increase of up to 30 % is possible, depending on the number of batch changes per day.

In addition, less yarn waste is produced. Up to 600 m, on indigo dyeing range, of unusable yarn material can be saved with each batch – while at the same time requiring less manpower. During batch changes, only one operator is required to prepare the warper beams for entry into the machine. A fully automatic knotting unit couples the warp yarns of the new batch to the yarns of the batch just finished.

Lotustex Textile has recognized all these advantages for itself. The Egypt-based denim manufacturer, which was only founded in 2019, was the first company to invest in the innovative LINK-MATIC® system in recent months in order to optimize the performance of its PRODYE®-S sizing machine. Especially for its activities in the fashion sector, Lotustex Textile expects a significantly higher flexibility and cost reduction. The delivery date for the new acquisition is November 2022

Continuous processes with LINK-MATIC®

LINK-MATIC® makes it possible to automate the batch change on the PRODYE®-S and PROSIZE® with two subsystems. The first subsystem focuses on feeding the yarn sheets of the new batch from the warper beams to the infeed of the machine. The yarn material is guided to its destination in the lower section of the warper beam frame. Previously, it had to be threaded by hand, usually by two skilled workers, under the bottom cover. The lengthy, complicated process resulted in a batch of waste and numerous sources of error.

With the new solution, only one operator fixes the warp yarns of a warper beam in homogeneous distribution by a clamp in beam length. He then guides the clamp downward and hooks it into a transport chain on each side. The circulating chains take care of the transport to the machine. The time savings are immense. What's more, the quality is right. The yarns are guided to the machine with uniform, constant tension. Here, the second dividing system cuts the warp yarns of the finished batch at the infeed and knots on the warp yarns of the new batch - each with high precision and fully automatically. The actual batch change can thus be reduced to 90 seconds. What appears to be so simple is the result of the precise interaction of well thought-out components such as the clamping device for string formation before knotting and the pneumatic solution for sucking in the yarn ends.

The new LINK-MATIC® system can develop its full potential in conjunction with an moveable creel.

New business momentum for the Turkish warp knitting industry

Warp knitting companies can look forward to new opportunities for their business development when they visit the KARL MAYER stand at ITM. At the important trade fair in Istanbul, the industry leader will be presenting selected solutions to support customers in a market that is as important as it is difficult. The focus will be on flexibility and speed.

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.

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.