Manufacturers facing outdated machinery can now opt for Karl Mayer’s electrical retrofit, a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new equipment. The upgrade modernizes the control and drive systems of older multiaxial and warp knitting machines with weft insertion, ensuring production reliability while minimizing downtime.
Karl Mayer’s solution targets machines running multiple shifts daily, where mechanics remain sound but electrical components become obsolete over time. “Breakdowns due to outdated electronics lead to costly downtimes. Our retrofit prevents this,” explains Falk Preibisch from Karl Mayer Technische Textilien’s Care Solutions Team.
The retrofit package includes a new control cabinet, a modern user interface, and the latest control technology. It also comes with all necessary components for dismantling old motors and cabling. Warp knitting machines with weft insertion require around two weeks for conversion, while multiaxial machines take approximately three weeks. One or two service technicians handle the process, ensuring minimal disruption.
The upgrade standardizes machine operation, making it easier for personnel to adapt, regardless of machine age. Additionally, serviceability improves, with guaranteed spare parts availability something often challenging for older systems. Retrofitted machines can also be networked for enhanced efficiency.
Introduced in 2016, the retrofit has been ordered 55 times, mainly for machines between 15 and 25 years old. “Demand is strong,” says Preibisch. The upgrade extends machine life without costly replacements or environmental waste, making it a smart investment, especially in tough economic conditions.
