When a warp knitting machine starts to understand human body curves, the design logic for lingerie and sportswear fabrics is being rewritten. KARL MAYER's new RJ 4/2 EL lace machine brings body mapping technology directly from virtual fitting rooms to the weaving workshop, meaning fabrics are no longer just flat covers but intelligent carriers that can be zonal-knitted according to the functional needs of different body areas.
Technology Focus: From Elastic Knitting to Zonal Functionality
The new model belongs to the RASCHELTRONIC series, known for electronic jacquard technology. The core upgrade is its ability to achieve more precise body mapping knitting—weaving multiple structures into one fabric based on the differentiated demands for elasticity, breathability, and support across various body parts.
For the lingerie industry, this means that areas like cups, side panels, and back panels can be formed in one go on a single machine, eliminating subsequent stitching steps. In sportswear, it enables seamless transitions between muscle support zones and sweat-wicking areas, directly targeting the high-end market for compression wear and sports bras.
From a technical perspective, the configuration of four guide bars and two jacquard bars significantly enhances pattern design freedom. Warp knitting mills that previously needed multiple machines to achieve zonal effects can now do so with a single unit, lowering the equipment investment threshold for small and medium-sized mills.
Industry Impact: Supply Chain Restructuring and Design Power Shift
The direct consequence of this equipment upgrade is the decentralization of design power. In the past, body mapping fabric design relied heavily on brand-side R&D teams and the engineering capabilities of large mills. Now, factories equipped with RASCHELTRONIC series machines can embed body mapping logic directly into the weaving process, with brands only needing to provide parameter requirements.
This means the role of buyers is shifting from 'product selectors' to 'parameter definers.' For lingerie and sportswear brands, establishing deep partnerships with mills that have RJ 4/2 EL capacity will be more strategically valuable than simple price comparison. Factories still relying on traditional warp knitting machines may gradually lose competitiveness in high-end elastic fabric orders.
Meanwhile, the growth of smart lingerie and athleisure categories is accelerating this trend. Industry data shows the global sports bra market is growing at over 8% CAGR, with high-end zonal-function products growing even faster. KARL MAYER's latest equipment iteration is essentially a technical response to this demand surge.