Karl Mayer targets wind blade supply chain with Multiply BX

Karl Mayer will launch the Multiply BX biaxial warp knitting machine at ITMA ASIA 2026, claiming a 20-25% productivity gain over its Max Glass ECO for glass-fibre reinforcement fabrics used in wind turbine rotor blades. The German machinery maker developed the machine specifically for the wind power sector, where demand for high-performance non-crimp fabrics continues to grow. The launch forces a sourcing decision on blade fabric producers: upgrade capacity now or watch competitors cut cost per metre.

The Multiply BX produces biaxial non-crimp fabrics with a high proportion of filler yarns, lightweight weft yarns and long stitch lengths. These structures suit the longitudinal reinforcement requirements of modern rotor blades. Production speeds run at 1,600-2,200 min⁻¹, with output of up to 500 metres per hour depending on stitch length.

The machine reaches peak performance at stitch lengths of 4-5 mm, the range most common in wind power applications. It processes filler yarns up to 2,400 tex alongside weft yarns of 100-200 tex, which provide transverse stabilisation while keeping the emphasis on longitudinal reinforcement. The typical weight ratio of filler to weft yarns is 6:1.

"When developing the Multiply BX, we consistently focused on the needs of our wind power customers. The starting point was a special fibre reinforcement fabric; the result is a highly efficient machine in its field," said Dr Jürgen Tröltzsch, Product Specialist for Composite Machines at Karl Mayer Technical Textiles.

What changed against the Max Glass ECO?

The Multiply BX builds on Max Glass ECO technology and retains its operating concept and key elements of the laying system. Karl Mayer added targeted changes to raise output and fabric quality.

• The weft carriage widened from eight inches to 12 inches for parallel weft insertion and 16 inches for cross weft insertion, enabling higher speeds.
• A modified needle lift movement in the warp knitting zone reduces "fisheyes" — small holes created when needles penetrate the laid fabric. These defects can compromise the mechanical performance of fibre-reinforced materials.
• Changes to the lever mechanism minimise vibration at high speed, cutting wear and improving operating conditions.
• Working width rises from 101 to 103 inches, allowing more efficient material use when fabrics are cut into narrow strips for blade manufacturing.

For structural composite producers, the fisheye reduction matters most: fewer defects mean higher mechanical reliability in demanding blade applications. The wider format trims waste at the cutting stage.

Where and when can buyers see it?

Karl Mayer will demonstrate the machine live at its facility in Changzhou, China — Karl Mayer (China) — during a Product Show running 19-21 November and again on 23 November 2026. The dates coincide with ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 in Shanghai, held 20-24 November 2026.

By combining higher output, improved fabric quality and more efficient material use, Karl Mayer positions the Multiply BX as a specialised route to lower production costs in the expanding wind energy sector. Blade fabric manufacturers planning capacity investment should weigh the 20-25% productivity claim and wider working width against retrofit costs on existing Max Glass ECO lines before the November demonstrations.