[pageLogInLogOut]

#Technical Textiles

RDJ 6/2 in E 32: Finesse in Motion

More drive for design and performance: filigree mesh looks and maximum comfort for high-performance sports footwear

Shoes from the fabric (ai generated) © 2026 KARL MAYER
The appearance of sports and casual shoes is as diverse as their applications, ranging from sporty to stylish and from functional to fashionably practical. In particular, spacer fabrics produced on highly flexible KARL MAYER double needle bar raschel machines with Jacquard technology are in high demand for manufacturing these trendy shoes. These efficient production machines enable attractive designs with integrated multifunctional zones on one or both fabric surfaces, such as breathable mesh structures. Flexible in size and positioning, these features enhance both aesthetics and wearing comfort.

The extensive range of design possibilities has now been expanded by another member of KARL MAYER's RDJ family: the RDJ 6/2 in the new E 32 gauge.

More pattern effects and exceptionally uniform surfaces

Thanks to its fine gauge, spacer textiles can be produced with an unprecedentedly soft hand feel, fine and dense structures, and particularly smooth surfaces. Pattern designs appear exceptionally delicate and clean, as the smaller loop heads provide sharper contours and more clearly defined motifs. The resulting overall appearance is uniquely uniform and refined.

Another advantage is that the RDJ 6/2 operates with two Jacquard guide bars controlled wirelessly. This enables more complex patterning, additional design effects, two-color designs, and both equal-lap and counter-lap patterning. Counter-lap patterning, for example, can be used to create breathable pore zones with nearly round openings, as well as surfaces offering greater structural variety. Everything is possible, from lightweight and thin constructions to bold designs featuring pronounced pattern effects achieved with thicker materials.

An EL pattern drive ensures quick pattern changes.

Shoe upper © 2026 KARL MAYER
Shoe upper © 2026 KARL MAYER


Maximum productivity, durability and operating efficiency

In addition to its flexibility, the RDJ 6/2 also excels in economic efficiency. It impresses with very high production speeds while maintaining outstanding fabric quality and unique operational reliability. This makes it a dependable machine for high-volume production.

The RDJ 6/2 also stands out in terms of durability and ease of operation. Handling is extremely simple, requires minimal personnel resources, and is supported by intelligent features, including the wireless Jacquard control system. This not only expands patterning capabilities but also simplifies yarn threading and improves overall accessibility and clarity.

Furthermore, specially designed trick plates tailored to the fine gauge make the adjustment of fabric thickness particularly convenient. The fabric spacing can be flexibly adjusted between 2 and 5 mm.

The RDJ 6/2 in E 32 is available with a working width of 138".

KARL MAYER will present its latest innovations at ITMA ASIA in Shanghai: for warp knitting in Hall 4.1/C18 and warp preparation in Hall 3/A24.

RDJ 6 1 EN © 2026 KARL MAYER
RDJ 6 1 EN © 2026 KARL MAYER




More News from KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.

#India ITME 2026

KARL MAYER highlights new technologies and growth opportunities at INDIA ITME 2026

India‘s textile industry is undergoing a profound transformation: What was previously a production hub driven primarily by cost and volume is increasingly evolving into a market focused on technology, exports, and value creation. KARL MAYER supports this change with high-performance machinery solutions and innovative textile concepts, and is therefore looking forward to INDIA ITME 2026 with great anticipation.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Long John puts KARL MAYER's RDJ 7/3 into operation and strengthens its position as a market leader

KARL MAYER has just unveiled its new RDJ 7/3 Jacquard Double Needle Bar Raschel Machine in the international trade press, and the innovation is already causing a stir in the market: The Long John Group, a leading manufacturer of performance footwear fabrics and a long-standing partner of renowned brands, was the first customer to invest in the new machine and celebrated its official launch at its Indonesian plant on August 20.

#Knitting & Hosiery

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

More News on Technical Textiles

#Heimtextil 2027

Heimtextil 2027 introduces Functional Futures Lab for innovative performance materials

Heimtextil 2027, taking place from 12 to 15 January in Frankfurt, will introduce the Functional Futures Lab, a new special showcase dedicated to innovative materials and their functional properties. Curated by Future Fabrics Expo, the exhibition will present developments ranging from temperature-regulating and flame-resistant textiles to bio-based composites and experimental material concepts. By bringing together early-stage prototypes and commercially available solutions, the showcase aims to provide guidance for future material selection and product development in architecture, interior design and hospitality.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

Stäubli supports Asia’s weaving industry with solutions across the full value chain

From PCB fiberglass fabrics to denim production, and from premium Jacquard weaving to 3D technical textiles, Stäubli continues to drive the transformation of Asia's textile industry through innovative technologies. With reliable machine performance, advanced automation solutions, and a comprehensive service offering covering the entire equipment lifecycle, Stäubli is committed to helping weaving mills enhance productivity and overall operational efficiency, enabling them to better meet future market challenges.

#Spinning

STC Extrusion GmbH: Specialist in artificial turf and technical monofilaments

With the foundation of STC Extrusion GmbH, headquartered in Chemnitz, Germany, a technical competence and know-how hub for the production of artificial turf and technical monofilaments has been established within the Starlinger Group.

Latest News

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Textiles Recycling Expo USA 2027 opens registration and expands with manufacturing exhibition

The second edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA will take place on 7–8 April 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a debut that attracted more than 1,800 visitors and 95 exhibitors, the event will expand its exhibition and conference programme and will be held alongside the new Textiles Manufacturing Expo.

#Research & Development

First "Korea Day" at RWTH Aachen attracts more than 300 participants

The inaugural Korea Day in Aachen brought together representatives from science, business and Korean institutions to strengthen German-Korean cooperation in research, technology and education. The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University was among the participating organisations.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

MarediModa highlights transparency and traceability with InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S.

The InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S. exhibition at MarediModa 2026 in Cannes focused on transparency, traceability and the measurable values behind fashion products. Its Decalogue of Values aims to make environmental, social and production-related information more accessible throughout the textile supply chain.

#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

White House reduces production planning time by up to 80% with Coats Digital’s FastReactPlan

Indian garment manufacturer White House has reduced its production planning cycle by 60–80% following the implementation of Coats Digital’s FastReactPlan software. The integrated planning solution provides greater visibility across production, capacity and material requirements while supporting faster decision-making and improved delivery performance.

TOP