#Knitting & Hosiery

2026-01-22

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

The new RE 6 EL from KARL MAYER brings a breath of fresh air to raschel fabric production

The new RE 6 EL from KARL MAYER © 2025 KARL MAYER

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.

Diverse designs, rapid pattern changes, efficient production

The RE 6 EL is available with working widths of 170" and optionally 130". The standard gauge is E 32, with an E 28 model available as an option. As an upgraded version of the old RSE 6 EL, it offers the same competitive advantages in the manufacture of elastic fabrics as the original model. With six guide bars, complex patterns and diverse fabric structures can be produced. All guide bars have maximum cumulative shogging distance of 2" and are electronically controlled for quick pattern changes. The maximum underlap distance is 15 needles.

A warp beam support, which meets the same high technical standard as the RSE 6 EL, allows warp beams of different diameters to be placed in different positions, enabling flexible adaptation to different yarn capacities and production requirements.

The proven KAMCOS® 2 from KARL MAYER ensures that the machine can be precisely configured and controlled, and its electronic functions can be set exactly. Operation is extremely convenient and efficient.

Based on the proven technology of the RSE 6 EL, the RE 6 EL also impresses with its uniquely stable running, excellent fabric quality and speed. Depending on the lappings and yarn used, a working speed of up to 1,400 rpm is possible. All this at an extremely attractive price. Thanks to optimised local supply chains, the newcomer offers maximum cost efficiency without compromising on performance.

Same performance, same areas of application

Thanks to its performance and flexible processing options, the RE 6 EL can be used in the same wide range of applications as the RS 6 EL. The newcomer is the perfect machine for numerous key market segments, including:

Underwear and swimwear, through the production of high-quality fabrics for comfortable and chic lingerie and swimwear items that combine elasticity and a variety of looks

Outerwear, through the production of fashionable fabrics with texture and structure

Functional fabrics, through the production of performance materials for shapewear, corsetry and casual wear, for example

Home textiles, through the production of exclusive decorative fabrics, among other things.

Would you like to know more about the new RE 6 EL? Kay Hilbert, Product Owner Lace & Raschel at KARL MAYER, looks forward to receiving your e-mail: kay.hilbert@karlmayer.com<br />
© 2026 KARL MAYER — Would you like to know more about the new RE 6 EL? Kay Hilbert, Product Owner Lace & Raschel at KARL MAYER, looks forward to receiving your e-mail: kay.hilbert@karlmayer.com © 2026 KARL MAYER

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

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.

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).

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

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.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.