Karl Mayer Launches Multiply BX for Wind Power
The biaxial warp knitting machine targets reinforcement textiles used in wind turbine rotor blades.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Materials Science
Karl Mayer has introduced the Multiply BX, a biaxial warp knitting machine developed specifically for the wind power industry. The machine processes glass fibres into biaxial non-crimp reinforcement textiles and will be demonstrated live in Changzhou, China, during ITMA ASIA 2026.
Why it matters
The machine addresses growing demand for high-performance reinforcement textiles used in wind turbine rotor blades. It is positioned to help manufacturers reduce production costs in the expanding wind energy sector.
The Multiply BX runs at 1,600-2,200 min⁻¹ and achieves its highest performance at 4-5 mm stitch length, accommodating filler yarns up to 2,400 tex and lightweight weft yarns of 100-200 tex. The typical filler-to-weft weight ratio is 6:1.
The players
Karl Mayer
Karl Mayer is a German textile machinery manufacturer known for warp knitting technology, with production facilities in Changzhou, China.
The details
The Multiply BX builds on Max Glass ECO technology, with the weft carriage widened from eight inches to 12 inches for parallel weft insertion and 16 inches for cross weft insertion. The needle lift movement in the warp knitting zone was modified to reduce fisheye formation.
Timeline
Karl Mayer introduced the Multiply BX on November 5, 2026.
A live demonstration takes place at Karl Mayer (China) in Changzhou from November 19 to 21, 2026.
ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 runs in Shanghai from November 20 to 24, 2026.
An additional live demonstration takes place in Changzhou on November 23, 2026.
The Tech Race
The Multiply BX builds directly on the Max Glass ECO, widening the working width from 101 to 103 inches and lifting productivity 20-25%. It positions Karl Mayer to compete in the wind-blade reinforcement segment as demand for larger rotor blades grows.
For manufacturers building wind turbine blades, the Multiply BX offers a route to higher output per machine and potentially lower production costs per metre of reinforcement fabric. Buyers should evaluate the stated productivity gains against their own stitch length and yarn specifications before committing to equipment.
The takeaway
Higher-throughput biaxial knitting equipment can lower the cost of the reinforcement fabrics that wind blade makers depend on. Companies tracking wind energy supply chains should watch how quickly manufacturers adopt machines like the Multiply BX.
What happens next
Live demonstrations of the Multiply BX are scheduled at Karl Mayer (China) in Changzhou on November 19-21 and November 23, 2026, during the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 period.
Further reading
For related context, explore Materials Science coverage on how engineered fibres and composites are shaping modern manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knitting Industry.
