The new HKS 3-M ON by Karl Mayer is a high-performance, digital generation tricot machine that works with electronic pattern data obtained directly from the KM.ON cloud, which allows it to offer extremely short and flexible design changes, minimal down-time, and operation without the previous expense of ordering pattern discs, having them delivered, and changing and storing them.

The machine’s customer-oriented features also reduce the risk of operating errors. One of the most important of these is the Spring Motion Assistant – an automatic return device that makes changing guide bars much easier. The new solution starts with the most labour-intensive part of the process: the handling required for the spring motion and pattern push rod.

Together with the push rod, the spring motion forms a system that transmits the pattern-specific movement impulse from the electronic pattern drive to the guide bar. One end of it is hooked into a peg on the guide bar as a loop, while the other end leads to a spring unit that is screwed into a sleeve on the drive unit via a bushing. The operator fastens the connection tight and tensions the spring motion using two spanners. This results in highly-precision guide bar movement in line with the requirements of the electronic guide bar drive. This spring motion system needed to be optimised to work with the new ON gear in the HKS 3-M ON, and the developers also took this opportunity to improve it in terms of ease of use.