The Karl Mayer Group is gearing up for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, set to take place from October 14 to 18 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. As the textile industry faces rapid change and global disruptions, Karl Mayer is stepping forward with cutting-edge technologies under the theme "Master the Change." The event will focus on solutions tailored to the growing demands of sustainability, profitability, and efficiency in the Chinese and international textile sectors.

Navigating market challenges with technology

China’s textile industry has remained resilient amid global uncertainties, maintaining growth through exports. However, rising costs, labor shortages, and sustainability concerns are significant hurdles. Karl Mayer's innovations aim to help manufacturers adapt to market dynamics and capitalize on new growth opportunities. Their focus will include mechanical engineering, digitalization, and customer-centric solutions to address these pressing challenges.

At their stand (3/303A), Karl Mayer will highlight solutions for the warp knitting sector, including the HKS 2-S with gauge E 44, designed for producing lightweight, dense fabrics ideal for outdoor fashion and sun protection clothing. These textiles offer excellent UVA protection and breathability, making them perfect for sun protection garments.

Additionally, the display will feature warp-knitted alternatives to cotton, ideal for sportswear, including yoga apparel. These fabrics provide the look and feel of cotton but are more sustainable and productive due to Karl Mayer’s advanced technology. The warp-knitted E-40 fabric for use in thick down jackets will also be a highlight, offering comfort and sustainability in cold-weather clothing. Karl Mayer's exhibit will also showcase breathable and stylish warp knits for shoes, produced by the HKS 3-M ON Plus and double raschel machines. These warp knits are gaining popularity as mono-material solutions for upholstery in cars and mattresses. The innovative materials offer flexibility, breathability, and sustainable production processes, expanding their use in both fashion and technical textiles.

Digital solutions to enhance textile production efficiency

At the forefront of Karl Mayer's ITMA ASIA display will be their latest digital solutions aimed at streamlining textile production. Their myKM.ON customer portal will provide visitors access to Karl Mayer’s digital ecosystem, including the new Energy Efficiency Solution (EES), which focuses on reducing energy consumption for warp knitting companies. These digital tools are designed to improve sustainability while driving down operational costs.

The Digital Production Management (DPM) system and Quality Monitoring System (QMS) for warp knitting will also be introduced. These systems use real-time monitoring and AI to optimize production processes and improve quality control. Stoll PPS, powered by KM.ON, will enhance flat knitting efficiency, reducing production times and improving delivery reliability.

Flat knitting solutions for changing market demands

STOLL, Karl Mayer’s flat knitting division, will be showcasing the CMS 703 ki knit and wear, combining flexibility, efficiency, and a competitive price point. With its 72-inch working width, the machine is designed for producing finished garments and full-fashion products in a wide size range, catering to the growing demand in Asia.

Other flat knitting highlights include the CMS 503 ki L, offering pattern variety across larger sizes, and the ADF 530-32 ki FLEX, which can produce a diverse range of items from sweaters to upholstery fabrics, thanks to its innovative comb gap control.

Sustainability and efficiency in warp preparation

Karl Mayer will also unveil a new generation of direct warpers designed to improve efficiency in warp preparation. These machines offer superior performance, producing high-quality beams for weaving with greater energy efficiency and operational reliability. The new Cascade system reduces steam consumption during the sizing process, significantly cutting environmental impact.

For predictive maintenance, the Smart Size Box technology monitors wear components, while the combined Care X-Tend and Connectivity Package ensures high machine availability.

Karl Mayer will also host an in-house show at their China subsidiary in Changzhou, starting a day before the exhibition. The event will feature demonstrations of their latest machines, including new models in the double raschel sector. Additionally, the unveiling of their new showroom in China will present solutions from all their technology areas.

Technical textiles for new market opportunities

Karl Mayer's Technical Textiles division will spotlight its multiaxial warp knitting machines, capable of producing non-crimp fabrics for composites in lightweight construction. These fabrics, made from glass and carbon fibers, offer exciting opportunities for conventional textile manufacturers looking to expand into technical textiles.

At the in-house show, visitors can see Karl Mayer’s new weft insertion machines, which will be particularly valuable in the construction industry for producing lightweight glass fabrics used in plaster grids and crack tape.

Karl Mayer's participation at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 will provide the textile industry with innovative solutions to navigate market volatility, embrace sustainability, and enhance production efficiency.