#228 Karl Mayer Technical Textiles Explained | Warp Knitting, Raschel & Multiaxial Machines

In Part 2 of our deep-dive at the Karl Mayer Textile Innovation
Center in Obertshausen, Ilkay Özkisaoglu is joined by Jürgen
Trötzsch (Project Manager Machine Specials) to explore the
fascinating world of technical textile machinery.

This episode goes beyond materials and dives into how advanced
warp knitting technologies enable high-performance applications
across industries—from composites and infrastructure to medical
and filtration systems.

What you’ll discover in this walkthrough:

Multiaxial Warp Knitting Machines (Non-Crimp Fabrics)
We start with the backbone of composite reinforcement: multiaxial
fabrics. Learn how fibers are precisely oriented (0°, 90°, ±45°)
to create high-performance reinforcements used in automotive
lightweight structures, sandwich panels, and pultruded
components.

Raschel Machines with Weft Insertion
A key technology in technical textiles: Raschel machines allow
the integration of additional yarn systems. With weft insertion,
fibers are laid in a controlled, perpendicular orientation and
then stitch-bonded—enabling precise mechanical performance and
tailored functional textiles.

Handling Sensitive Functional Fibers
Discover how Karl Mayer machines process delicate fibers such as
hollow fibers for filtration and medical applications. These
systems operate at extremely low tensions to preserve fiber
geometry and functionality—critical for dialysis, oxygenation
(ECMO), and advanced filtration.

Tricot Machines – The Core of Warp Knitting
Understand the fundamentals of warp knitting with tricot
machines, where multiple yarns are knitted simultaneously to
create flexible, durable fabrics used in applications ranging
from apparel to camouflage textiles.

Specialized Machinery for Filtration & Medical Textiles
We explore how aligned fiber structures are produced for
filtration cartridges, enabling precise control over spacing,
density, and flow characteristics—opening opportunities in water
treatment, healthcare, and beyond.

Laboratory & Modular Innovation Systems
Inside the Innovation Center, Karl Mayer showcases flexible
lab-scale machines used for customer trials. These systems allow
rapid prototyping—from fiber spreading and coating to
winding—bridging the gap between idea and industrial
production.

Investment & Market Trends
What does it take to enter the technical textiles space? Jürgen
shares insights on machine investments (€500k–€1M), long
lifecycle performance, and key growth areas such as medical
textiles, filtration, and functional composites.
 
Key takeaway:
Karl Mayer is not producing textiles—they are engineering the
machines that enable entire industries. Their technologies sit at
the very beginning of the value chain, shaping the performance of
products that follow.
 
This video is for: • Composites & advanced materials
professionals
• Textile engineers & manufacturers
• Investors exploring technical textile markets
• Anyone curious about the machinery behind high-performance
fabrics
 
Filmed at: Karl Mayer Textile Innovation Center, Obertshausen
(Germany)
Stay tuned for more deep dives into warp knitting, composites,
and industrial innovation.
#technicaltextiles  #WarpKnitting #KarlMayer


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YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OJc5AGe2l8