Karl Mayer has added a new model to its successful HKS 3-M ON tricot machine family. The newcomer is called HKS 3-M ON PLUS, and as the name suggests, offers more flexibility than ever before.

One particular recent addition to the machine’s production repertoire are net-like fabrics that can be produced in a variety of densities and structures, including square marquisettes and shoe fabrics, with both also realisable in coarse gauges.

The extended fabric spectrum increases the HKS 3-M’s range of uses and unlocks new potential areas of applications. The HKS 3-M ON PLUS is the go-to machine especially when rough, durable textiles are required, Karl Mayer says. The all-rounder also scores additional bonus points with even better fabric quality, and increased competitiveness thanks to higher speeds. Karl Mayer’s ON pattern drive makes it possible to create patterns without repeat limitations in a highly efficient way.

Technical features

The performance upgrade is based on specific technical adaptations. The modifications include reinforced needles and knitting elements, and a more robust knitting motion. The sinkers now also have more room to manoeuvre, which increases the patterning flexibility.

Apart from the targeted modifications aimed at increasing the range of uses, the HKS 3-M ON PLUS offers all of the features and technologies of the latest digital generation of three-bar HKS models. These include a batching device that provides additional benefits, Multispeed optimisations to avoid speed losses, and energy-data monitoring – all presented in the form of prototypes at ITMA 2023. Further innovations simplify the handling and ensure a better product quality.

HKS 3-M ON PLUS is available in the gauges E 14 to E 28, and with working widths of 130”, 180” and 210”.

Patterning with the utmost flexibility and efficiency

Customers who want to fully exploit the extensive patterning potential offered by the HKS 3-M ON PLUS efficiently can use the HKS 3-M ON family’s digital options with either k.innovation CORE or k.innovation CORE lite.

KM.ON’s two web-based software solutions from the k.innovation product range were developed for patterning with unlimited repeat lengths without mechanical data carriers, and the machine must be connected to the Karl Mayer Group subsidiary’s cloud. Pattern changes take considerably less time and effort, which offers significant advantages. No more lengthy ordering processes and transport costs, stock holdings or elaborate manual interventions on the machine, as is usually the case when pattern discs are used.

k.innovation CORE lite is a browser-based chain link editor. For already existing patterns, the required chain link information can be conveniently imported from any mobile device and simply edited with k. innovation CORE lite. New patterns can be created by entering the lapping values of simple designs for any ground guide bar. Before loading them directly onto the machine, the software completes a plausibility check.

In addition, patterns can be created on any mobile device using a design tool via the web-based software k.innovation CORE, with everyone involved in the creative process participating online. Working from a single source shortens processes, helps to prevent mistakes and promotes creative output through uncomplicated exchange.

Development led by practical requirements

As the HKS 3-M ON PLUS focuses on maximum performance, Karl Mayer closely collaborated with its customer Heathcoat Fabrics when designing and developing the new model. The UK-based company, which was established in 1808, has been a Karl Mayer partner for many years, and is one of the market leaders in the area of warp knitted and woven fabric manufacturing.

Heathcoat specialities include technical textiles for specific uses, whose development and manufacture often poses complex challenges that must first be resolved. Heathcoat Fabrics supplied Queen Elizabeth’s veil fabric on the occasion of the royal wedding in 1947, as well as parachute fabrics for NASA’s Perseverance rover mission to Mars, for which this pioneering company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2022.

To manufacture its product portfolio even more efficiently, the company-initiated development of the HKS 3-M ON PLUS and provided support in the form of processing tests with yarns that were heavier than the previous norm for tricot machines. In addition, the customer contributed their wide-ranging practical expertise to the cooperation.

www.karlmayer.com