#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-05-28

The newest Lonati DC88 DE 2H2 presented in Japan

During the private show organized by UNION, held from May 20 to 23 in Amagasaki (Japan), Lonati presented the new DC88 DE 2H2 model, a double-cylinder machine designed to redefine efficiency and quality standards in the production of men's, women's, and children's socks. The DC88 DE 2H2 represents the latest evolution of the Lonati double-cylinder range: it is a full two-feeds machine developed to ensure maximum productivity and textile flexibility, thanks to a series of advanced technological solutions, including a new system that allows two-feed knitting even during reciprocation — ensuring all-time high productivity levels.

Lonati DC88 DE 2H2 presentation in Japan © 2025 Lonati

The DC88 DE 2H2 is equipped with a single HF magnetic needle selection system, enabling flexible management of rib structures, links, and Jacquard patterns.

It also allows tuck stitch knitting on the lower cylinder on both feeds, improving fabric structure and performance. The brushless motor with variable reciprocation ensures precise movements, even during heel and toe knitting phases, while HTD belts with automatic tensioners extend the lifespan of the transmission system. Cylinder positioning is controlled by a magnetic encoder integrated directly into the lower cylinder, ensuring maximum precision throughout the entire production cycle.

For heel and toe knitting, the machine uses 4 selection points that replace pickers and droppers, allowing for a wide variety of patterns in both single and double feed modes.

The newly designed knitting head is engineered to reduce compressed air consumption and enhance fabric quality. Fabric width is adjusted electronically on each stitch cam via stepper motors, with real-time automatic correction. All machine functions are electronic, featuring active self-protection and self-diagnostic systems supported by backup batteries. The user interface consists of an intuitive graphic keyboard, which allows easy access to machine data, documentation, and troubleshooting messages. Article programming is performed via the ORION graphic software, compatible with Windows environment. The machine can be connected to a LAN network and integrated with Nautilus and Arcadia systems for real-time production data collection and monitoring.

The DC88 DE 2H2 will be available in 3”1/2, 3”3/4, and 4” diameters, with gauges ranging from 9 to 22.

80% less air consumption and increased productivity: tangible benefits of the DC88 DE 2H2

Recent consumption measurements show that the two-feeds heel version of the DC88 DE 2H2 requires an average of 17 NL of compressed air per sock (short size 11). In comparison, a traditional one-feed double-cylinder machine consumes approximately 110 NL per sock. This results in an 80% reduction in compressed air usage — a major advantage in terms of energy efficiency and lower operating costs.

Productivity: +61.5% compared to one-feed machines

In addition to reduced consumption, the DC88 DE 2H2 delivers significantly higher productivity.

When producing the same article over one hour, the following results were recorded:

• One-feed machine: 24.49 socks/hour

• DC88 DE 2H2 (two-feed heel): 39.56 socks/hour

This corresponds to a +61.5% productivity increase, made possible by the “Integral” technology, which enables heel and toe knitting in double feed mode even during reciprocated motion.

ITM 2026: KARL MAYER presents new perspectives

KARL MAYER will once again showcase itself as a strong partner to the Turkish textile industry at ITM in Istanbul from June 9 to 13. At Booth 303 A in Hall 3 of the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, the industry leader will exhibit solutions for warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles – tailored to a challenging economic environment.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Closing completed – Mayer & Cie. Global starts business operations

The future of the Mayer & Cie. brand has been secured: Following the successful completion of the purchase agreement for assets in the circular knitting machinery segment of the German traditional company Mayer & Cie., which was signed in February this year, the brand will continue to exist. The transfer of these assets to the new owner, Xu Hongjie, was formally completed yesterday afternoon. This clears the way for the resumption of business operations at the Albstadt site.

“We clearly see that reliability, flexibility, service and total cost of ownership are becoming increasingly important again.”

The nonwovens industry continues to face a challenging market environment. Nevertheless, AUTEFA Solutions reports successful projects, new line sales and growing demand for energy-efficient and flexible solutions. In this interview, André Imhof of AUTEFA Solutions talks about competitiveness against Chinese suppliers, new service and recycling concepts, the growing importance of application development and the opportunities created by countercyclical investments.

“Needle punching technology is more universal and sustainable than ever!”

Needle punching technology was long regarded as a rather traditional and comparatively slow technology within the nonwovens industry. In this interview, Johann Philipp Dilo explains why needle punching is more relevant than ever today – ranging from energy efficiency and resource conservation to hygiene applications, new machine concepts and design-oriented nonwoven solutions.

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

PET spunbond from China – EDANA welcomes imposition of provisional anti-dumping measures

On 13 May 2026, after eight months of investigation, the European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of 45.6-50.0% on imports of PET spunbond from China. EDANA welcomes this expression of the Commission’s clear determination to protect EU industries from the unfair trade practices of Chinese producers.