Since its foundation in 1960 the KARL MAYER Academy has become established as an important competence centre for warp knitting and a source of information for the sector. Training at the Academy is offered in the form of units and given mainly in English, lasts between one and four weeks, and imparts theoretical knowledge with the emphasis on textile technology, fabric science, fault detection and analysis.

Practical training on production machines using the latest technology intensifies the learning effect. The training programme at the KARL MAYER Academy is described in greater detail below. In addition a special training programme is available in the case of warping machines.

Introduction to the fundamentals of warp knitting

The training designated WKB introduces the fundamentals of warp knitting. It is directed at users without specialist training in this sector, such as machine operators, maintenance staff or marketing men. Accordingly, there are no special preconditions as regards taking part. The course lasts a total of two weeks and covers such areas as machine and fibre technology, fabric theory, specialist calculations and finishing. During the practical stage the trainees convert the analysed patterns into fabrics on the machine, draw in yarns, operate with pattern chains and pattern wheels, and work on machine operation and fault analysis.

Continuation course on double raschel knitting

The three-week course on double raschel knitting has the abbreviation WKD and is essentially based on the WKB course. Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge is consolidated further, examples are explained and illustrated on double raschel machines, and CAD/CAM pattern preparation systems are explained on a practically relevant basis. The main emphasis of the training is on the units machine technology, maintenance and pattern preparation, fibres and yarns, fabric constructions and pattern notation, specialist calculations and finishing.

The group aimed at includes users with extensive experience of warp knitting, e.g. textile machine operators, production managers, designers and pattern developers. To take part in the two-week course the latter must have a WKB certificate or demonstrate comparative experience.

Continuation course on multi-bar and jacquard raschel knitting

Both the WKM seminar and the training regarding multi-bar and jacquard raschel machines are based on the WKB course. The course lasts four weeks and consists of consolidating the knowledge which has been acquired and putting it into practice on KARL MAYER multi-bar and raschel machines. The training is focused on machine technology, maintenance and pattern preparation and includes an extensive practical section. This includes the dismantling/fitting of knitting elements with subsequent adjustment, the setting of the zero position and the resetting of standard positions, the transfer of analysed patterns to the warp knitting machine, and the setting of the chain links in accordance with the pattern book.

The course is thus mainly intended for those who have experience of warp knitting. The prerequisite for them also is some knowledge of the WKB course.

Continuation course on warp knitting machines

The continuation course on warp knitting machines is designated WKS and is the third type of training which consolidates and broadens the basic knowledge acquired during the WKB course. Further specialization is aimed at tricot machines. The length, target group and conditions for taking part in the seminar are the same as those of the WKM course and the theoretical part also has the same title. Like that of the practical section, the contents is tailored to the requirements of tricot machines.

During training the students, in the main, learn how to transfer analysed patterns to the knitting machine. Examples: the production of pile fabrics on the HKS 3-M(P) – with EL control for training purposes -, of elastic fabrics on the RSE 4 N, and of jacquard fabrics on the RSJ 4/1. In addition training is given on how to replace the pattern drum with pattern wheels, the setting of the chain links in accordance with the pattern book, and the reworking of samples.

Course on fabric analysis/pattern preparation

This training is designated the WKA course, lasts one week and includes the analysis and microscopic examination of a large number of different fabric samples. The students, users with warp knitting experience, diagnose constructions and material combinations and convert these into reproducible pattern notation. Accordingly the courses are focused on machine technology, fabric analysis and technology, and the investigation of different fabric faults and their elimination. These themes are treated during specific forms of training in relation to machines for the production of plain fabrics (WKA-S), to multibar and jacquard raschel machines for the production of lace and net curtains (WKA-M), and to double-bar warp knitting machines (WKA-D). All the WKA courses are essentially linked with the contents and machine-specific elements of the above-mentioned courses – WKB, WKS, WKM and WKD.

In addition the WKA-M course imparts knowledge on the development of a fabric, from the pattern draft via pattern preparation on CAD/CAM systems to lace.

Maximum training efficiency

All those taking part can select their own qualification programme individually from the contents of different courses on the basis of previous knowledge and final goals. There is also the opportunity to combine several units or to organize training on special themes by arrangement with the appropriate KARL MAYER subsidiaries and specialist sections. This improves the flexibility and intensity of the training.

Course tutors with years of teaching experience, practical ability and an extensive knowledge of machine technology ensure that the training events leave nothing to be desired as regards professionalism and methodology.

Dates for training courses