Karl Mayer expands HKS 2-SE warp knitting range with new models for fashion and home textiles

New HKS 2-SE variants enhance productivity, fabric quality, and application flexibility for stretch warp knitted fabrics

As demand for premium-quality warp knitted fabrics continues to grow across the global fashion and textile industries, KARL MAYER is expanding its market-leading HKS 2-SE series with two new machine variants designed to deliver greater productivity, enhanced fabric quality, and broader application possibilities.

The latest developments reinforce KARL MAYER’s commitment to advancing warp knitting technology, enabling manufacturers to efficiently produce high-performance stretch fabrics for apparel and home textiles while meeting evolving consumer expectations for comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

Growing demand for stretch warp knitted fabrics

The popularity of stretch warp knitted fabrics with a woven appearance continues to rise, particularly in the fashion and apparel sectors. Combining the sophisticated look of woven textiles with the performance advantages of warp knitting, these fabrics offer excellent freedom of movement, breathability, dimensional stability, and exceptional wrinkle resistance.

Their versatility has made them increasingly popular for modern fashion categories, including smart casual, business casual, sportswear, swimwear, lingerie, and now, home textiles.

To support this growing demand, the HKS 2-SE has established itself as KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine, renowned for producing premium elastic fabrics featuring high gauges, smooth surfaces, delicate textures, and a soft hand feel.

HKS 2-SE TWO E40 delivers double productivity

A key highlight of the latest expansion is the introduction of the HKS 2-SE TWO in gauge E40, adding new production capabilities to KARL MAYER’s innovative two-in-one tricot machine platform.

Featuring a working width of 2 × 134 inches, the HKS 2-SE TWO simultaneously manufactures two identical fabric panels while maintaining exceptional quality standards. The dual-production concept significantly improves manufacturing efficiency, allowing textile producers to maximize output without compromising fabric consistency.

Previously available in gauge E36, the machine now comes in gauge E40, making it particularly suitable for manufacturing durable, fine-quality fabrics with smooth textures. The new gauge expands production opportunities for applications such as polo shirts, trousers, and premium casual wear, where both appearance and comfort are essential.

Combined with high operating speeds and user-friendly operation, the HKS 2-SE TWO establishes new benchmarks for productivity in two-bar tricot knitting.

New 312-inch HKS 2-SE targets bedding and home textiles

KARL MAYER has also introduced a new 312-inch working width HKS 2-SE, significantly extending the machine’s application range beyond apparel manufacturing.

Operating at an impressive 3,800 rpm (min⁻¹), the wider machine delivers exceptional productivity for large-format textile production, making it ideal for manufacturing bedding fabrics.

The growing consumer preference for lightweight, smooth, satin-finish bedding—particularly during warmer seasons—has created increasing demand for high-quality warp knitted fabrics in the home textile sector. The new HKS 2-SE enables manufacturers to produce supple fabrics that offer a cool, silky touch, making them ideal for duvets and premium bedding products.

The 312-inch model is available in both E36 and E40 gauges, incorporates an N-pattern gear drive, and comes equipped with KAMCOS® 2, KARL MAYER’s advanced electronic control system that ensures precision, reliability, and efficient machine operation.

Greater flexibility for textile manufacturers

With the introduction of these new machine variants, KARL MAYER further strengthens the versatility of the HKS 2-SE platform.

Manufacturers can now benefit from:

• Higher production efficiency through wider working widths and dual-panel manufacturing.
• Expanded fabric development possibilities with the new E40 gauge.
• Superior fabric quality featuring smooth surfaces, soft hand feel, and excellent elasticity.
• Broader market opportunities across fashion apparel, sportswear, business casual, lingerie, swimwear, and home textiles.

These innovations enable textile producers to respond more effectively to changing market trends while improving operational efficiency and reducing production costs.

Driving the future of warp knitting

As consumer demand increasingly shifts toward versatile, comfortable, and performance-oriented textiles, advanced warp knitting machines are becoming essential investments for manufacturers seeking greater competitiveness.

With the launch of the HKS 2-SE TWO E40 and the 312-inch HKS 2-SE, KARL MAYER continues to push the boundaries of warp knitting innovation, delivering solutions that combine higher productivity with exceptional fabric quality across an expanding range of textile applications.

The latest additions further reinforce the HKS 2-SE’s position as one of the industry’s most efficient and reliable tricot machines for producing premium stretch warp knitted fabrics, supporting manufacturers in meeting the evolving needs of both the apparel and home textile markets.