Germany-based Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH gets its warp-knit spacer fabric machine RD 6/1-12 and RD 7/2-12 (EL) upgraded as fabrics produced on the machines include 3-D upholstery fabric and textiles for shoes for more smoother and efficient production

On the RD 7/2-12 (EL), Karl Mayer has reconfigured the warp beam frame to make it more compact. The beams for GB 1 and GB 2 ground guide bars are now found at the front support; guide bars GB 3 to GB 6 are attached to the girder; and guide bar GB 7 is located at the rear support. A footbridge has been added running lengthwise between warp beams GB 4 and GB 5, with additional footbeams running along the warp beam rolls on the right and left front side of the machine.

Karl Mayer also has modified the machine to simplify changing the pattern when knitting using pattern chains. A pattern drum with two separate parts now is available. Four tracks for the GB 1 to GB 4 pattern chains are located on the front of the drum, and the three pattern chains for GB 5 to GB 7 are on the rear of the drum. A chain path 1.5 meters long also is available.

The company has added to the RD 6/1-12 an optional feature for processing multifilament yarns. This package of features includes special guide needles — 1 in/1 out — for pile bars GB 3 and GB 4. An accessories kit offers yarn sleys for the pile bars, which allows multifilament yarns to be processed provided the type of yarn and stitch density is considered and meets the following requirements for a machine gauge of E 22: guide bars GB 2, GB 5 and GB 6 should handle a maximum yarn count of 167 decitex (dtex) per latch needle head; pile bars GB 3 and GB 4 should process a maximum yarn count of 350 dtex per latch needle head; individual filaments should have a yarn count greater then 1 dtex; pile bars GB 3 and GB 4 should handle a maximum of 150 filaments; and the stitch density should not exceed 20 to 22 stitch courses per centimeter.

In other machine developments, Karl Mayer also has extended the gauge range of its Rascheltronic® RSJ 4/1 machine to gauge E 32. Other technical changes to the machine include separate threading for the jacquard bars; increased maximum repeats on the pattern disc from 12 to 24 per revolution; and using KAMCOS®/Multi-Speed to convert the line-dependent sequential mode of operation.

According to the company this machine is one of the fastest machines on the market for the production of fine warp-knit lace-look fabrics.