#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-11-28

A machine for summiteers

The HKS 2-S is a proven high-performance tricot machine from the KARL MAYER product portfolio. The ultra-efficient machine impresses with top values in terms of output, product quality, operational reliability and durability and is predestined for the production of elastic and rigid fabrics.

The HKS 2-S in E 44 sets new standards in outdoor wear, especially for mountain sports © 2024 KARL MAYER

Just in time for ITMA ASIA + CITME in October 2024, the bestseller was launched with an upgrade in the gauge area. With a gauge of E44, HKS 2-S brings a breath of fresh air to many areas of application, especially the promising outdoor clothing segment: With their dense surfaces, the supple E44 fabrics offer excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays. Their UV protection factor is more than twice as high as that of circular knitwear. The silky fabrics are also soft, comfortable to wear, breathable and quick-drying, and they can be produced extremely efficiently. At a speed of up to 3,200 rpm and a working width of 130", around 200 kg of fabric is produced per day. This made the HKS 2-S a real highlight at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, and the machine was sold several times during the trade fair.

The HKS 2-S has been equipped with the modern automation platform KAMCOS® 2 Connect. This allows customers to network their machines and utilise all cloud-based solutions from the digital world of KARL MAYER. The Pattern Data System (PDS) enables the secure and simple storage and management of article data without the need to exchange sensitive data via USB stick. Digital offerings for optimising remote service also ensure shorter downtimes and more efficient after-sales service. Other solutions enable the integration of systems, for example for monitoring threads and the operating status of the machine, thereby maximising machine performance.

The HKS 2-S offers simple operation with other successfully established features, including laser stop, camera and homogenous lighting of the working area, which indicates the operating status of the machine, which is visible from a distance. Other tried and tested features of the HKS series in the HKS 2-S include bars based on carbon composite technology, a mechanical pattern drive, an electronically controlled yarn feed and a continuous fabric take-off that is also electronically controlled.

However, the latest upgrade required some fine-tuning.

“The high gauge required even more precise coordination of all components. The stable running of the HKS 2-S in E 44 at the uniquely high speed is only possible thanks to their very precise interaction,” says Kai Sulzmann, Project Manager of the KARL MAYER warp knitting business unit.

RDJ 6/2 in E 32: Finesse in Motion

The appearance of sports and casual shoes is as diverse as their applications, ranging from sporty to stylish and from functional to fashionably practical. In particular, spacer fabrics produced on highly flexible KARL MAYER double needle bar raschel machines with Jacquard technology are in high demand for manufacturing these trendy shoes. These efficient production machines enable attractive designs with integrated multifunctional zones on one or both fabric surfaces, such as breathable mesh structures. Flexible in size and positioning, these features enhance both aesthetics and wearing comfort.

3D designs with a wow factor made on HKS 4-M EL ECO: When crepe, ruffles, and sheer fabrics redefine fashion

Seersucker, flip-flap items, Fırfır, or crepe materials: structured fabrics have long been more than just a passing trend. They lend timeless looks depth, dynamism, and an exciting tactile dimension. Whether classic striped patterns or modern solid-color interpretations, these versatile pieces pair perfectly with casual and business-casual outfits and effortlessly create a modern look.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase flat knitting and digital design solutions at Egypt Stitch & Tex

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Egypt, TTS (EL MASRIA FOR TRADE & TECHNICAL SERVICES), will participate in the upcoming 24th International Exhibition for Textile & Carpet Machineries, Printing Technologies and Accessories (Egypt Stitch & Tex) to be held in Cairo, Egypt this month.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

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.

HeiQ & Archroma and Lenzing & Armedangels win ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2026

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has named two industry partnerships as winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2026. The awards go to collaborations between HeiQ and Archroma as well as Lenzing and Armedangels, highlighting joint approaches to innovation and sustainability across different parts of the textile value chain.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Moving Advanced Recycling from Innovation to Implementation

The Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 explores technologies, markets, financing and scale-up of innovative recycling solutions for waste streams including mixed plastic waste, textiles and PVC. Europe’s chemical and materials sector faces growing pressure to close carbon loops, strengthen raw-material safety and resilience and meet increasingly ambitious EU recycling targets. Against this backdrop, the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators and policy-makers on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany.

German textile industry and retailers form alliance to shape textile EPR system

Germany’s textile and fashion industry and retail sector have joined forces to establish the “Alliance for Textile Circularity” (Allianz für textile Kreisläufe). Initiated by the German Textile and Fashion Industry Association (Gesamtverband textil+mode) and the German Retail Federation (HDE), the alliance aims to contribute industry expertise to the development of Germany’s future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for textiles and footwear.