[pageLogInLogOut]

#Knitting & Hosiery

Net capable

HKS 3-M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER
KARL MAYER has added a new model to its successful HKS 3-M ON family. The newcomer is called HKS 3-M ON PLUS, and – as the name suggests – offers more flexibility than ever before. One particular recent addition to the production repertoire are net-like fabrics that can be produced in a variety of densities and structures, including square marquisettes and shoe fabrics, with both also realisable in coarse gauges.

Launch of HKS 3-M ON PLUS with considerably increased fabric spectrum

The extended fabric spectrum increases the limits of the HKS 3-M’s range of uses, and unlocks new potential areas of applications. The HKS 3-M ON PLUS is the go-to machine especially when rough, durable textiles are required. The all-rounder also scores additional bonus points such as an even better fabric quality and increased competitiveness thanks to higher speeds. KARL MAYER’s ON pattern drive makes it possible to create patterns without repeat limitations in a highly efficient way.

Shoe fabric feasible on a HKS-3 M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER
Shoe fabric feasible on a HKS-3 M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER


Technical features for maximum utilisation effects

The performance upgrade is based on specific technical adaptations. These modifications include reinforced needles and knitting elements, and a more robust knitting motion. The sinkers now also have more room to manoeuvre, which increases the patterning flexibility. Apart from the targeted modifications aimed at increasing the range of uses, the HKS 3-M ON PLUS offers all of the features and technologies of the latest digital generation of three-bar HKS models. These include a batching device that provides additional benefits, Multispeed optimisations to avoid speed losses, and energy-data monitoring – all presented in the form of prototypes at ITMA 2023. Further innovations simplify the handling and ensure a better product quality.

HKS 3-M ON PLUS is available in the gauges E 14 to E 28, and with working widths of 130”, 180” and 210”.

Patterning with the utmost flexibility and efficiency

Customers who want to fully exploit the extensive patterning potential offered by the HKS 3-M ON PLUS efficiently can use the HKS 3-M ON family’s digital options with either k.innovation CORE or k.innovation CORE lite.

KM.ON’s two web-based software solutions from the k.innovation product range were developed for patterning with unlimited repeat lengths without mechanical data carriers, and the machine must be connected to the KARL MAYER GROUP subsidiary’s cloud. Pattern changes take considerably less time and effort, which offers significant advantages. No more lengthy ordering processes and transport costs, stock holdings or elaborate manual interventions on the machine, as is usually the case when pattern discs are used.

k.innovation CORE lite is a browser-based chain link editor. For already existing patterns, the required chain link information can be conveniently imported from any mobile device and simply edited with k. innovation CORE lite. New patterns can be created by entering the lapping values of simple designs for any ground guide bar. Before loading them directly onto the machine, the software completes a plausibility check.





In addition, patterns can be created on any mobile device using a design tool via the web-based software k.innovation CORE, with everyone involved in the creative process participating online. Working from a single source shortens processes, helps to prevent mistakes and promotes creative output through uncomplicated exchange.

Development led by practical requirements

As the HKS 3-M ON PLUS focuses on maximum performance, KARL MAYER closely collaborated with its customer Heathcoat Fabrics when designing and developing the new model.

Hoey comb structure from HKS-3 M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER
Hoey comb structure from HKS-3 M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER


The UK-based company, which was established in 1808, has been a KARL MAYER GROUP partner for many years, and is one of the market leaders in the area of warp knitted and woven fabric manufacturing. It specialities include technical textiles for specific uses, whose development and manufacture often poses complex challenges that must first be resolved. Heathcoat Fabrics supplied Queen Elizabeth’s veil fabric on the occasion of the royal wedding in 1947, as well as parachute fabrics for NASA’s Perseverance rover mission to Mars, for which this pioneering company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2022.

Marquisette from HKS-3 M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER
Marquisette from HKS-3 M ON PLUS © 2023 KARL MAYER


To manufacture its product portfolio even more efficiently, the company initiated development of the HKS 3-M ON PLUS, and provided support in the form of processing tests with yarns that were heavier than the previous norm for tricot machines. In addition, the customer contributed their wide-ranging practical expertise to the cooperation.



More News from KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

#Knitting & Hosiery

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Significantly greater versatility and productivity with the HKS 4-S EL from KARL MAYER

With the new HKS 4-S EL, KARL MAYER is introducing an innovation to the market that impresses in two ways: with outstanding speed and maximum flexibility.

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

More News on Knitting & Hosiery

Latest News

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

German 'ZOLL' turns end-of-life uniforms into valuable raw materials

Together with CWS Workwear, the German Customs Administration is extending the life cycle of service uniforms through reuse, recycling and material recovery, demonstrating how circular economy principles can be successfully implemented in the public sector while delivering significant savings.

#Spinning

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.

#Spinning

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.

TOP