#Research & Development

2019-05-23

Know-how improves a company’s profile

Review TITV Workshop (c) 2019 KARL MAYER

The second workshop, “Additive manufacturing for the textile industry”, showed once again that looking beyond the boundaries of technology creates synergist effects and generates ideas for new products. This series of events was begun successfully in January 2018 and was continued on 13 May 2019.

Second workshop entitled, “Additive manufacturing for the textile industry”, brought all of KARL MAYER’s technologies together on 13.05.2019

The next event was again organised by the Textilforschungsinstitut Thüringen-Vogtland e.V., TITV (Textile Research Institute Thuringia-Vogtland) and held at KARL MAYER in Obertshausen. “We see real potential in the new technologies. As one of the leading, global textile machinery manufacturers, we believe, therefore, that we have a responsibility to promote their development,” said Arno Gärtner, the CEO of KARL MAYER, in his welcoming address. Opportunities have opened up in the areas of design, construction and product characteristics especially, as well as by shortening the value-added processes and bringing them closer to the consumer.

Roughly 80 guests were keen to learn more about the opportunities on offer. They came from companies involved in conventional warp knitting, textile machine building, filament production and the manufacture of 3D printers, as well as from institutes and universities. The guests also included users of textiles and 3D printing processes. The extensive programme of papers certainly gave them their money’s worth. The nine speakers were experts in industry and research, and presented papers on process, machine and materials technology used in 3D printing, and also showed the results of research into end-uses.

During the workshop, KARL MAYER also presented its new TEXTILE MAKERSPACE. Like the workshop, the aim of this innovations platform is to bring together the two worlds of additive manufacturing and the textile industry – a goal that was achieved perfectly on 13 May. The guests listened with great interest to the words of Michael Kieren, the chief organiser of the TEXTILE MAKERSPACE, who spoke on the opportunities and initial results of this new platform for pioneering companies. In particular, these include the customised incorporation of electrically conductive yarns on the warp knitting machine, and the 3D printing of warp-knitted textiles.

“In particular, 3D printing is an area in which many companies have already been actively engaged to some extent,” says Michael Kieren, when speaking about the conversations he had had with participants of the workshop in the TEXTILE MAKERSPACE. “Most of their ideas have been directed at products with a unique selling point, but could be transformed just by using suitable technologies.” KARL MAYER would be involved in this process as an expert partner.

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.

Pellet press enables thermomechanical textile recycling on a pilot scale at ITA

Since the end of 2025, the technical centre of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has been equipped with a pellet press from the manufacturer Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, Reinbek, Germany. This press can efficiently compact shredded synthetic textiles at a throughput of up to 25 kg/h and process them into pellets with a diameter of 4 mm.

Fabolose: Fabricating vegan and circular leather alternatives from bio-tech-derived cellulose

Fabulose is an EU funded project coordinated by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF). Its consortium consists of leading research institutes, biotech innovators, and industry stakeholders who aim to create high-performance, biobased and recyclable leather-like fabrics, using efficient biotech production routes for bacterial cellulose, cyanophycin and bacterial pigments

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.