[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

KARL MAYER and Lenzing partner to advance warp knitting with scalable cellulose fiber solutions

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, together with KARL MAYER, the global market leader in warp knitting machines and warp preparation systems, debut a joint innovation project during Premiere Vision, Paris.

#Knitting & Hosiery

KARL MAYER opens a new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE – a new era of textile innovation begins

KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE (TIC), sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Live more beautifully and comfortably with Warp Knits

Knitted fabrics are the all-rounders among home textiles. They can be designed in many different ways and are used in mattresses, blankets and pillows as well as in terry towelling, curtains and upholstery fabrics to create trendy designs, constantly new products and good business.

More News on Knitting & Hosiery

#Knitting & Hosiery

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Terrot introduces T-Frame platform to redefine stability and flexibility in large-diameter circular knitting

Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH has unveiled the new T-Frame, a universal machine frame platform for large-diameter circular knitting machines. Designed to meet growing demands for flexibility, stability, and operational safety, the T-Frame provides a next-generation foundation for both current and future industrial knitting machines, combining German engineering expertise with a modular, future-ready design approach.

#Knitting & Hosiery

SHIMA SEIKI returns to ShanghaiTex

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the ShanghaiTex 2025 exhibition (Booth No.: Hall N3, Booth A20) held in Shanghai, China this month. This marks the return of SHIMA SEIKI to ShanghaiTex after a 14-year hiatus, its last exhibit at the show having been in 2011.

#Knitting & Hosiery

The newcomers HKS 3-M EL ECO and HKS 4-M EL ECO set new standards in the tricot market

Short development cycles, frequent pattern changes, and maximum efficiency – even with small batch sizes: Today's global fashion and apparel market demands more flexibility than ever before. High-performance warp knitting machines with compound needles (HKS) and EL pattern drive are KARL MAYER's answer to this challenge.

Latest News

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Orthopac RVMC-20 plus: German Engineering for Smarter Weft Straightening

In times of rising cost pressure and growing quality demands, textile producers worldwide are searching for solutions that combine precision, efficiency, and sustainability. With its latest innovation, the Orthopac RVMC-20 plus, Mahlo once again demonstrates the strength of German engineering: improving proven technology to meet today’s challenges.

#Textile chemistry

RUDOLF gets the exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies

With effect from today, RUDOLF officially assumes exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies from SANITIZED AG. This is the next milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in 2025, with the partnership between the two companies now fully implemented and expanded worldwide.

#Europe

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

#Raw Materials

Cotton production continues to exceed consumption, some growers shift away from cotton

World cotton lint production in the 2025/26 season is currently estimated at 26 million tonnes, continuing to exceed world consumption, which is estimated at 25.2 million tonnes, according to the February 2026 edition of Cotton This Month. Global production is estimated to be 1% higher than the previous season, while consumption is estimated to be 0.4% higher, resulting in a continued supply surplus in the world cotton market.

TOP