Karl Mayer's HKS 2-3 high production tricot knitting machine produces elastic fabrics for use in the manufacture of swimwear, foundation garments, and fine underwear. Continuous production rates of up to 3,100 stitches per minute are possible. Despite the high speeds, the noise level, failure rate, and energy consumption are low. The machine, which has two guide bars, is notable for its optimized crank drives. The crank drive motion has improved mass distribution, which permit the increase in speed without an increase in noise. The hollow construction of the needle, tongue, sinker, and guide bars, which are designed on the basis of the finite element method, contribute to load reduction and improve guide bar stability. Low levels of heat generation and the hollow guide bars, which are not sensitive to thermal expansion, result in optimized gage accuracy during production.