From 19-23 November 2023, ITMA Asia + CITME will host the global textiles industry at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China. Germany’s Groz-Beckert will be presenting the highlights and innovations from its six product areas – Knitting, Weaving, Felting, Tufting, Carding and Sewing – in Hall H4 Booth C06.

Circular Knitting

The Knitting product area will show the novelties of its four product groups Circular Knitting, Flat Knitting, Legwear and Warp Knitting. The Circular Knitting product group will show two new knitting systems and a new compound needle, developed together with cooperation partners.

One of the new knitting systems is the innovative LCmax circular knitting machine needle in combination with the newly developed sinker SNK-F. The LCmax features a completely new, wave-shaped shank geometry. The use of the needle reduces energy costs in the knitting process through minimal power consumption and reduced machine temperatures. Compared to a standard needle, up to 20 % of energy consumption can be saved by using the LCmax, and at the same time, it enables utilisation of the maximum machine speed and easy handling.

The new SNK-F sinker also features significantly higher wear resistance and also enables smoother running of the circular knitting machine and improved loop structure. Together with the innovative sinker SNK DUO-OL, the new SAN DUO forms the second new knitting system from Groz-Beckert. Both the SAN DUO and the SNK DUO-OL feature a particularly low shank with predetermined breaking groove. The low shank minimises soiling in the knitting process with abrasive yarns. The predetermined breaking groove in turn enables controlled needle breakage in the event of wear at the desired point, which reduces errors in the knitting process as well as downtimes.

New compound needle

Another innovation is a new compound needle from Groz-Beckert for circular knitting machines. With this needle variant, the closer is guided safely and precisely in the groove in the needle shank. At the same time, however, the base of the needle shank is worked in a closed manner, ensuring maximum stability. The compound needle reliably prevents latching and thus makes a decisive contribution to process reliability. Its use ensures a uniform and speed-independent loop structure, even at maximum speeds.

Under the motto ‘Innovation through cooperation’, live presentations on the innovations of the circular knitting sector will be held at the exhibition booth, which will highlight the successful cooperation with development partners.

Flat Knitting

The Flat Knitting product group will put special application needles at the centre of its presentation. The SAN TT is particularly suitable for knitting of narrow loops in the field of technical or medical textiles and the new SAN FY is designed for processing robust, uneven fancy yarns. The advantages of the SAN series are an increase in process reliability and a reduction in needle breakage rates, as well as a particularly precise loop pattern.

Legwear

Particularly durable dur needles for the sock and fine hosiery sector with high load limits, as well as the steadily growing portfolio of system parts, will be presented by the Legwear product group. In addition, products for application-related use in the production of smooth, plush or patterned plush knits will also be presented. Thanks to their high resistance, these needles help to reduce knitting process costs.

Warp Knitting

Groz-Beckert’s continuously growing portfolio of modules is showcased by the Warp Knitting product group. They enable individual and varied production spectrum including easy needle handling. The system components have been supplemented by the newly developed guide needle for piezo jacquard machines. The perforating needles are characterised by fast assembly and ensure an optimised appearance of the fabric. The new guide needle is presented with the specially developed JacquART Visualizer, which visually and interactively simulates the function and movement of the system parts.

Sustainability

Numerous products, services and the latest innovations from Groz-Beckert focus on reducing the company's carbon footprint. That Groz-Beckert's commitment also goes beyond this will be shown by the sustainability theme corner. Here, examples from the company will be presented to show which measures have already been implemented and what role the topic plays in everyday life.

Groz-Beckert is the world's leading supplier of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools, as well as systems and services for the production and joining of textile fabrics. Its products and services support the fields of knitting, weaving, felting, tufting, carding and sewing. Groz-Beckert is part of the Groz-Beckert Group, a market leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of process-critical textile precision tools, industrial cutting solutions and solution provider for textile construction and reinforcement solutions made from high-performance technical fibres for composite materials. The group consists of the companies Groz-Beckert, TKM and solidian, and generated sales of EUR 814 million in 2022 with around 9500 employees worldwide. The company is active in more than 150 countries with agencies, production and sales subsidiaries.

www.groz-beckert.com