During ITMA ASIA 2026, KARL MAYER will not only welcome visitors to its exhibition booths in Shanghai but will also showcase additional innovations in the fields of WARP KNIT, WARP PREP, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES at a product show held at its Changzhou location from 19 to 21 November and on 23 November 2026. Visitors will experience exclusive new machines live in action and discover how the Textile Innovation Center (TIC) is driving the development of new textiles with high market potential. They will also have the opportunity to discuss current challenges with experts in individual workshops and consultation sessions.
With this format, KARL MAYER is once again underscoring its close ties to the Asian markets. The Product Show demonstrates how the company translates market requirements into innovative machine and textile solutions, delivering measurable customer benefits and tapping into new business potential.
Experience World Premieres under Production Conditions
Several machines are in operation in Changzhou; these are being unveiled for the first time in Asia and can be seen exclusively in Changzhou. Visitors can observe the entire manufacturing process under real production conditions, directly assess machine performance, and form their own impression of productivity, process stability, and product quality.
Innovative Warp Knitting Machines for Lingerie, Sportswear, and Athleisure
KARL MAYER presents a range of innovative machine solutions for manufacturers of functional lingerie, high-quality performance sportswear, and sophisticated athleisure products.
These include the HKS 4-S EL in 290″, which is setting new standards for speed and flexibility in the market for four-bar short-stroke warp knitting machines. With its E 36 gauge, it is the finest KARL MAYER warp knitting machine with four guide bars. The fabrics it produces stand out for their premium look and feel.
Another highlight is the RASCHELTRONIC® RJ 4/2 EL in E 32. Its combination of high efficiency and versatile patterning makes it particularly appealing to brands and manufacturers prioritising functionality in lingerie and athletic performance and aesthetics in sportswear. The E 32 fabrics in particular, with their elegant, clean appearance and cool touch, give customers a genuine edge in the market.
In addition, KARL MAYER is introducing a TM WEFT with targeted enhancements for the fashion industry. A finer gauge, an EL pattern drive, and intelligent yarn tension control improve fabric quality and expand the range of applications for this established warp knitting machine with weft-insertion.
New Prospects for the Footwear Industry
The footwear industry will be particularly interested in several public world premieres of machines in the field of double-raschel technology.
With its three Jacquard bars, the new RDJ 7/3 opens up completely new possibilities for patterning. It enables nearly perfectly round and larger openings in hole designs, precisely differentiated functional zones, creative multicolour designs, and surfaces with multidimensionality and embossed effects.
Also making its debut is an RDJ 6/2 in the new E 32 gauge. The machine produces spacer fabrics with an exceptionally soft handle, incredibly fine structures, and particularly smooth surfaces. The fabric’s homogeneous look and a delicate design are certain to impress.
New Efficiency for Composite Applications
Manufacturers of technical textiles will also benefit from the innovations in Changzhou. Highlights include a new high-performance composite machine for the production of biaxial non-crimp fabrics.
The design is specifically tailored to the needs of Asian producers, particularly in the wind energy sector. Its strengths include exceptionally high productivity, smooth running, and an intelligent operating concept that boosts efficiency in day-to-day production.
Textile Innovation Center: Inspiration for New Business Opportunities
The Textile Innovation Center (TIC) helps customers discover new business opportunities and turn innovative textile ideas into market-ready solutions. In addition to the latest machinery developments, it is another highlight of the Product Show.
Across approximately 480 m², KARL MAYER presents an exclusive selection of current textile innovations and trend themes. The exhibition demonstrates how new ideas can be translated into marketable products – and the potential that modern textiles hold for a wide range pf markets.
The TIC focuses on:
- Woven-like knits
- Athleisure innovations
- Functional sports textiles
- Stylish shoe uppers
- Items made from natural fibres
In addition, visitors will gain insights into current developments in the fields of fashion & apparel, lace, home textiles, and technical textiles.
Solutions for Today’s Challenges
The Product Show is not just a platform for innovation, but a place to collaborate on solutions for current challenges in production and the market, including:
- Expanding production capacity
- Manufacturing small batch sizes cost-effectively
- Developing differentiated materials and textiles
- Increasing cost efficiency
- Implementing sustainable production concepts.
Specialists in machinery, processes, textiles, and end-use applications will be on hand to provide guests with in-depth technical discussions, workshops, and technical consultations on these topics.
Plenty to Discover in Shanghai, Too!
KARL MAYER’s presentation at ITMA ASIA in Shanghai will also feature exclusive world premieres and practical innovations. New products for WARP PREP will be on display in Hall 3, Booth A24. The company will present additional machine innovations and textile developments for WARP KNIT in Hall 4.1, Booth C18. By combining its trade show presence with a product show, KARL MAYER is offering the Asian textile industry a unique opportunity to see how new technologies can translate into tangible business success.
