It proved a true visitor magnet at the ITMA 07 in Munich: The Relanit 3.2 II with its High Speed Kit, a new development which allows a circular knitting machine to produce single jersey with full elastomer plating at a rate of 45 rpm in continuous operation for the very first time.

The Relanit 3.2 II could have been purpose designed to work with the latest up-to-the minute yarn types such as viscose, polyamide, cotton etc. The benefits of relative movement technology with its careful treatment of the yarn, its reliable processing with minimized fault quota, and scope for increasing production speeds without compromising on quality have all been implemented to perfection in this machine model. But the achievement of speeds of this magnitude called for further development work.

A new needle was developed specifically for use in the Relanit 3.2 II. In addition, a modified ceramic yarn feeder was inserted in front of the needle curve. The elastomer yarn roller positioned in front of the yarn feeder has also undergone further development and been tuned to work in conjunction with this high speed machine. These developments allow both threads to be ideally positioned to ensure the availability of maximum knitting output at all times.

Another new feature is the patented MCS (Mayer Cleaning System) which is offered as an optional extra for the Relanit 3.2 II. This provides impressive proof that practically oriented engineering always gives rise to the best results. With MCS, Mayer & Cie. has succeeded in achieving not only an effective cleaning function but also additional cooling of the knitting head. The MCS guides air from the atmosphere under pressure through a channel into the segments and expels it in an upward direction. This largely prevents the penetration of lint throughout practically the whole of the stitch-forming area and removes existing dirt from the cam and needle areas. By reducing the degree of wear, this substantially increases the service life of needles and sinkers, while at the same time optimizing fabric quality and extending the necessary cleaning intervals.

Given the particular importance attached to open-width technology in the field of elastomer plating, it seemed a logical next step to adjust the output of the open-width frame to keep pace with these developments in machine performance. With a fabric width of 2,200 to 2,300 mm and a 30“ diameter, Mayer & Cie. open-width frames were formerly capable of achieving a maximum speed of 32 rpm.

Development work on the open-width take-down has now allowed Mayer & Cie. to reliably achieve speeds of 40 rpm in continuous operation, both in its mechanical and electronic variants. This achievement necessitated extensive new developments which included new drive systems, improved inverters, modification of MCT’s own software, speed-controlled braking and suitable bearings for the take-down systems to name only a few. The sturdy frame design which has always characterized Mayer & Cie. open-width systems proved an invaluable aid to the work of the designers.

Knitters are now offered the facility to produce on the Relanit 3.2 II at 45 rpm either with tubular takedown or with open-width technology working at 40 rpm. The High Speed Kit provides 40% higher production when using tubular takedown, and an almost 25% production increase when working with the open-width system.

The new high-speed open-width systems can be used in all Mayer & Cie. machines with the relevant output with the exception of the BASICLine series.