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Warp Knitting/​Crochet

New Raschel machines for stone bag production

Karl Mayer introduces two high-performance machines for efficient stone bag manufacturing.

28th March 2025

Knitting Industry
 |  Obertshausen, Germany

Technical Textiles

Karl Mayer has launched the RMF 8 EL and HDR 9 EL NET, two new Raschel machines designed for the economical production of stone bags in a range of sizes and completion stages. The HDR model, a double needle bar raschel machine, produces fully formed sacks in one piece, while the RMF 8 EL raschel machine manufactures textile sheets that are later assembled into tubular net products.

Stone bags made from coarse net structures are used in demanding applications, including coastal erosion control, foundation consolidation for bridge piers, and disaster recovery construction. Designed for high-performance environments such as marine and coastal projects, these bags offer exceptional durability and flexibility. Depending on the net structure, they can hold between one and 12 tonnes of stones and are made from recycled polyester or polyethylene fibres.

The RMF 8 EL provides extensive size flexibility, producing nets up to a maximum width of 190 inches. Different gauges - E3, E4, E8, and E9 - allow for customisation based on robustness requirements. Meanwhile, the HDR 9 EL NET streamlines production with its ready-to-use tubular nets, available in gauges E4 and E7, eliminating the need for additional sewing or finishing work.

RMF 8 EL. © Karl Mayer

Warp-knitted stone bags have distinct advantages, including resistance to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for harsh environments like seawater exposure. Their flexible stitch structure enables smooth adaptation to uneven surfaces, effectively filling gaps and open spaces in construction applications. Additionally, these bags are lightweight yet stable, facilitating easy transport, handling, and installation while reducing the need for skilled labour.

RMF 8 EL stone bag. © Karl Mayer

The RMF 8 EL and HDR 9 EL NET can manufacture nets tailored to diverse industrial applications. Their primary uses include:

Shore protection: Absorbing and dissipating wave energy to prevent coastal erosion.

Bridge pier foundation consolidation: Enhancing structural stability in erosion-prone areas.

Disaster recovery construction: Providing quick and effective stabilisation for damaged infrastructure.

Temporary road foundations: Supporting the safe movement of heavy machinery on unstable terrain.

www.karlmayer.com

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