#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

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Organic cotton at the crossroads: Ideology, evidence, and the road ahead

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New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.