#Techtextil 2019

2019-04-04

KARL MAYER is inviting the sector to an exchange of ideas at Techtextil

KARL MAYER is showcasing warp-knitted textiles having an exceptional level of performance in hall 3.0/E 18 at Techtextil 2019 in Frankfurt. On show will be products with integrated electrical conductivity and shaping characteristics from the new TEXTILE MAKERSPACE platform, an extremely efficient textile solution for protecting buildings, and a completely new generation of warp-knitted spacer textiles.

Highlights from the universe of high-performance warp knits

KARL MAYER is also inviting people to attend an in-house show, to be held at the same time as the fair, at its headquarters in nearby Obertshausen. This event is easily accessible by bus transfer and will be premiering a new nonwovens machine for the visitors. KARL MAYER is also a trendsetter in the field of digitisation. This manufacturer has grouped all its digital solutions under the KM.ON brand, and will also be showcasing this system on its stand at the Techtextil.

RAPID TEXTILE– the quick way to new solutions

Textiles with an excellent performance and lower manufacturing costs can be produced by combining the possibilities of additive production with warp knitting technology. Examples of this include warp knits functionalised by 3D printing and these are being presented at Techtextil.

KARL MAYER has grouped together all its activities relating to the use of new technologies and innovative products under the concept of RAPID TEXTILE. They form part of the TEXTILE MAKERSPACE system, a platform that offers the space to try things out, develop new products and think outside the box.

TEXTILE CIRCUIT – the quick way to electrifying designs

Electrically conductive textiles are a hot topic at the moment and can be produced in a variety of different ways. The easiest method is to directly incorporate conductive yarns during fabric production on the machine.

TEXTILE CIRCUIT, another element of TEXTILE MAKERSPACE, shows the potential of warp knitting here. Conductive zones offering maximum flexibility in terms of geometry, dimensions and location can be produced on KARL MAYER’s multibar raschel machines. Examples include inductive charging stations and the remote control of robots, and these are being demonstrated at Techtextil.

Innovative cut-resistant warp-knitted textile (c) 2019 KARL MAYER

New solutions for patterns with plastic effects

Double-bar raschel machines have become firmly established in the production of warp-knitted spacer textiles featuring a variety of designs. A new model is now enabling completely new designs to be produced, i.e. warp-knitted textiles with decorative, relief surfaces. Instead of the spacer layer, three-dimensional design elements are worked on the upper and lower sides. The designs can be shaped and positioned almost without any restrictions, and can be combined with openwork designs. This is opening up a new dimension in near-net-shaped production in particular.

Conductive warp-knitted textile from the TEXTILE CIRCUIT platform (c) 2019 KARL MAYER

Security panels made from weft-inserted warp-knitted textiles – efficient cut protection for buildings and vehicles

Burglars frequently use chainsaws and drills during attempted break-ins, but they can be stopped effectively by a new type of patented security panel with weft-inserted warp-knitted textiles in the core. On contact with the cut-resistant textiles, the rotating tools quickly release large amounts of fibres from the material. These become entangled and the tool is stopped. The highly effective security panels are also very light and can be applied very easily to e.g. security doors, armoured vehicles, vaults and cash machines.

New raschel machine for web bonding – more opportunities on the nonwovens market

A model in the new RACOP-NW series will be demonstrated at an in-house show in Obertshausen at the same time as Techtextil. This efficient nonwovens machine produces stitch-bonded nonwovens from feed webs, a technology that offers many advantages. This process produces nonwovens having textile characteristics, such as elasticity and voluminosity, which is not the case when using chemical bonding agents. Furthermore, much less energy is consumed compared to thermal processes. In addition to these general advantages, the new RACOP-NW model also offers an exceptional cost:benefit ratio. It is also extremely flexible and can, therefore, be used in a variety of applications. A RACOP-NW, 160", gauge E 14, is producing a textile for the application area heating textiles at the in-house show.

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.

KARL MAYER celebrates 35 years of EL pattern drive

KARL MAYER is celebrating an anniversary this year: on 30 November 1990, the first warp knitting machine with electronic guide bar control, the KS 4 EL, was delivered – another milestone for patterning. As early as 1980, the SU gearbox with the MRS42SU had initiated the transition from mechanical chains to digital data.

India becomes growth engine for the warp knitting industry

ITMA ASIA 2025 exceeded all expectations for KARL MAYER – above all thanks to the strong interest from India: around 30% of the qualified discussions were held with partners from this traditional textile country. The response underlines the growing importance of the Indian market, which could become the second largest sales region for KARL MAYER after China. The warp knitting industry in particular is developing dynamically.

Solution for lower energy consumption proves itself in practice

Getzner Textil is one of KARL MAYER’s first customers to use PROSIZE with CASCADE. The innovative weaving specialist has tested the steam and condensation system by KARL MAYER and determined the energy savings it achieves. Karl-Heinz Vaaßen, Head of Textile Drying at KARL MAYER, assisted Getzner Textil’s production specialists both with the tests and with all questions relating to CASCADE. In a conversation with Werner Egger, Head of Weaving, and Thomas Rossi, Head of Warp Preparation at Getzner Textil, he learnt more about the system’s benefits for his customer.

Mimaki demonstrates versatile, simple TRAPIS textile printing at Heimtextil 2026

Mimaki’s textile pigment transfer printing system, TRAPIS, is able to print on a diverse range of fabrics - unlike traditional processes - including natural fibres and synthetic fabrics. The full solution will be shown on Mimaki’s booth (Hall 3.0 Stand A97), as the company returns to Heimtextil to showcase its advancements in sustainable, high quality and efficient textile printing.

The Technology Hub for global denim trends: ITM 2026

The ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, to be held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul from June 9–13, 2026, brings together groundbreaking technologies in denim production. From smart production systems to eco-friendly raw materials, from digital washing solutions to laser effect technologies, innovations that will shape the future of denim will be showcased for the first time at ITM 2026.

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.