Bodymapping Revolution article from Karl Mayer. © Karl Mayer

Following its first successful time exhibiting at ISPO Munich 2019, Karl Mayer intends to attend the next fair, which will take place from 26-29 January 2020. The company has prepared a performance show of functional, warp-knitted textiles and smart, on-trend lingerie and clothing items for its visitors.

The highlights of Karl Mayer’s stand will include an ECG shirt for measuring vital signs. This garment, which features integrated sensor technology, was developed under the concept of Textile-Circuit in the company’s Textile Makerspace and was premiered at ITMA 2019 in June. The sensors have been upgraded for the ISPO show. One of the reasons for doing this was to improve the wear comfort. The electrically conductive material required is incorporated directly into the textile on the warp knitting machine in the desired arrangement.

Warp knits for sportswear

Another focal point will be a presentation of warp-knitted textiles that have been especially developed to meet the requirements of the sports sector. These include lightweight, stable mesh linings, hardwearing shoe fabrics, stylish four-way-stretch fabrics with breathability and compression characteristics, a variety of tricot fabrics with decorative, striped patterns, and warp-knitted spacer textiles for a range of end-uses.

The new development 4D-Knit.Solutions is illustrating what can be achieved with double-bar raschel technology for 3D warp-knitted textiles. With their unique, 3D, cushioning construction, these voluminous fabrics offer a new level of design potential. Ready-made panels, e.g. entire back components for use in midlayer jackets, can be produced, as well as imaginative designs with pronounced sculptured effects, and combinations of 4D effects and breathable openings. Different fabric weights can also be produced. Thanks to the internal cushioning, the cuddlesome fabrics provide good insulation, without any micro-particles being produced – performance characteristics that are tailor-made for functional garments and shoes.

Bodymapping Revolution

Under the concept of Bodymapping Revolution, Karl Mayer will be showing the potential of the Rascheltronic for producing new, virtually seamless, comfortable clothing for wearing during active sports or for every day. Design edges and hems, as well as functional zones, can be worked during actual production on this versatile machine. Breathable mesh designs, stable areas, and zones with different elastic moduli for providing support and a perfect fit can be placed wherever they are needed.

Karl Mayer has developed a warp knitted alternative to conventional knitted fabrics for sportswear manufacturers who rely on jersey fabrics. “The soft textiles offer a high degree of elasticity with good recovery, smooth, stable edges with no tendency to curl for free-cut style and a wonderful, flowing fall – just like their knitted counterparts. Unlike these, however, they can be produced incomparably more efficiently: A knitting machine can replace 2.5 circular knitting machines, depending on the lapping and yarn selection,” the manufacturer explains.

The design potential of Karl Mayer’s machines can be exploited optimally by linking them to KM.ON’s digital systems. The digital products and software of this Karl Mayer start-up will also be at the centre of the ISPO presentation.

www.karlmayer.com