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Machinery and Technology

Groz-Beckert and Santoni Develop Innovative Self-Cleaning Knitting System

• By  Textile Excellence
• April 10, 2024

Italian circular knitting machine manufacturer Santoni (part of the Lonati Group) and Groz-Beckert have jointly developed a new self-cleaning knitting system for the INNOTAS circular knitting machine.

Joint Development

Driven by the increasing focus on sustainability and to augment efficiency, Groz-Beckert had the goal of developing a new, energy-efficient knitting system. Groz-Beckert, therefore, approached Santoni with a proposal for collaboration on this area. The proposal after several vetting process received the final go-ahead in January 2015 for the joint development of a self-cleaning system in the needle area with side-by-side needles and a low shank.

Finally, the knitting needle SAN™ DUO with the sinker SNK DUO-OL was developed jointly to meet the desired requirements for circular knitting machines.

The Special Features

In this innovative knitting system, there are two needles in the needle channel and two sinkers in one sinker channel. The benefits became apparent in initial field trials at customers’ end in 2016. Since then, the knitting system was continuously analyzed and further optimized.

The double filling in the needle channel significantly reduces soiling. In addition, the further developed shape of the knitting system ensures that any yarn lint is automatically removed from the machine during the knitting process. This extends the cleaning interval of machine, thereby, making work more time-efficient and increase productivity.

Both the needle SAN™ DUO and the sinker SNK DUO-OL are characterized by a particularly low shaft with a predetermined breaking notch. The low shank minimizes soiling, while the predetermined breaking groove enables controlled needle breakage in the event of wear at the desired point. This reduces errors in the knitting process and machine downtimes.

Groz-Beckert offers cooperation opportunities to jointly develop new products or improve existing ones with interested machine builders various through its Technology and Development Center (TEZ). The cooperation with Santoni has resulted in joint patents from which both companies benefit.

The double filling in the needle channel significantly reduces soiling. In addition, the further developed shape of the knitting system ensures that any yarn lint is automatically removed from the machine during the knitting process. This extends the cleaning interval of machine, thereby, making work more time-efficient and increase productivity.