23 October 2009, Obertshausen - According to raschel lace machine builder Karl Mayer, manufacturers of elegant lace fabrics for global markets want machines which operate more efficiently and offer greater variety and flexibility. Accordingly this represents a constant challenge to machine builders like the Obertshausen based company.

To give lace designers greater scope when creating designs, Karl Mayer offers multiple yarn guides for use on its lace raschel machines. Seven different types of these complex yarn guide elements are available and, depending on the machine gauge, can bring between three and 24 guides per multiple yarn guide into play when working the pattern. This facility is now also available on the company’s ML 45 multibar raschel lace machine.

The lace ribbon described here illustrates how this high-speed multibar raschel machine gives greater flexibility. A total of 26 multiple yarn guides can be used per pattern bar and again, depending on which type is used, they may combine 24 guides each, and are threaded one in, one out. 12 guides are therefore available per multiple yarn guide for working the pattern. The 0-scheme gives details of the set-up of the knitting elements.

The pattern bars with the multiple yarn guides can work a variety of patterns in the ground with two ground constructions. Depending on the lapping, relatively open-mesh nets or alternatively denser net grounds can be produced, depending on the design of the floral pattern in the background. The result is a mass of flowers with leaves entwining around transparent goblets on an  ornamental, filigree, hatched pattern. The different designs in the ground give the multibar lace a filigree appearance that has been produced with great attention to detail. A sample of this lace design is included in the ‘Patterns’ section of the latest edition of Kettenwirk Praxis under Karl Mayer pattern no. 124/09 for closer inspection.

According to Karl Mayer, the ML 45 can process 26 of these lace ribbons simultaneously with ground guide bar GB 9 producing the joining sections. With machine speeds of up to 850 rpm, this multibar raschel machine with multiple yarn guides offers top performance levels, the company says.