In 2025, the textile industry will be characterized by efficiency, digitalization, and increasing specialization. New developments are also clearly evident in circular knitting technology. As an innovative manufacturer of technical circular knitting machines, Harry Lucas is actively shaping these trends – from medical technology to aerospace.
🔍 1. specialization: from standard to high-tech niche
Demand is increasingly shifting from simple textile applications to high-performance technical products. Particular focus:
- Medical bandages with marking strips
- Filter structures for catalytic converters or oil separators
- Electrically conductive knitted fabrics for shielding
- Elastic packaging sleeves and protective tubes
Harry Lucas develops tailor-made machine solutions for this, such as the RR3-Z-L or RD-UM models, which are equipped with special features – e.g. spiral processing, glass fiber inlay or variable mesh lengths.
⚙️ 2. digitalization: real-time data for maximum control
Smart monitoring of production processes is a clear trend. Modern machines offer:
- Integrated meter counter
- Electronic thread tension and needle monitoring
- CAN-BUS or Profibus interfaces
- Digital display of production data (speed, running meters, error codes)
This not only increases process reliability, but also enables seamless integration into higher-level control systems and networked production environments.
♻️ 3. resource efficiency & reengineering
Sustainable solutions are becoming increasingly important in the face of global cost and energy requirements. What customers want:
- Reintegration of older machines into modern processes
- Material optimization (e.g. switching from braided monofilament to knitted tubes)
- Performance-optimizing add-ons, such as patented compound needles to increase machine performance by up to 30
🚀 4. cross-industry applications: More than textiles
The traditional boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. Circular knitting machines from Harry Lucas are used today in the following sectors:
- Medical technology (stents, tubular bandages)
- Electrical engineering (EMC shielding, contact strips)
- Automotive (vibration dampers, exhaust pipe insulation)
- Aerospace (specialized filters and composite reinforcements)
These applications require maximum flexibility in terms of machine diameters, material feed and mesh patterns – all core competencies of Lucas systems.
🧩 Conclusion: Shaping the future with experience & inventiveness
The textile machinery industry is changing rapidly – and Harry Lucas provides the answers: Innovative technology, practical development and advice based on partnership. Together with customers, we develop solutions that go beyond industry standards – customized, efficient and future-proof.
