The highlights from Groz-Beckert at ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai

Knitting

The Knitting product area is showing the novelties of its four product groups Circular Knitting, Flat Knitting, Legwear and Warp Knitting. The Circular Knitting product group is presenting 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™. At the same time, the LCmax™ enables utilization of the maximum machine speed and easy handling. 

The new SNK-F sinker also features significantly higher wear resistance. It 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 minimizes 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. This reduces errors in the knitting process as well as downtimes.

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. They highlight the successful cooperation with development partners.

The Flat Knitting product group puts special application needles at the center of its presentation. The SAN™ TT is particularly suitable for knitting of narrow loops in the field of technical or medical textiles. 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.

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, is presented by the Legwear product group. In addition, products for application-related use in the production of smooth, plush or patterned plush knits are presented. Thanks to their high resistance, these needles help to reduce knitting process costs.

Its continuously growing portfolio of modules is showcased by the Warp Knitting product group. They enable an 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 characterized by fast assembly and ensure an optimized 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.

Weaving

The Weaving product area is presenting two weaving preparation machines: the KnotMaster tying machine and the automatic drawing-in machine WarpMasterPlus. The high-performance KnotMaster tying machine is characterized by simple handling, fast warp changes and reduced waiting times. The spectrum ranges from single and double knots with short knot ends to four combined knotting types based on Quattro technology.

The WarpMasterPlus enables maximum efficiency in the drawing-in process. The machine is divided into four individual modules and guarantees not only flexibility but also simple set-up and maintenance procedures. Due to its modular design, the WarpMasterPlus is either available without any drop wire module or with up to eight drop wire magazines that can be adjusted individually. For draw-in widths of over four meters, an individual machine width is possible. The WarpMasterPlus offers an optional transport of healds and drop wires and eliminates defective healds and drop wires.

In addition to the machines for weaving preparation, the division will be presenting its broad product portfolio of healds and heald frames. The healds from Groz-Beckert enable fast warp preparation, high filling insertion performance, fewer production interruptions and perfect fabric quality. An extensive heald program with different materials and end eye shapes is available depending on the application. 

The wide range of Groz-Beckert heald frames ensures effective fabric production on modern, high-performance weaving machines. High stability, low weight and easy handling define the proven quality and reliability. The heald frames offer a variety of innovative solutions, such as intelligent damping systems or high-performance carbon fiber profiles.

Felting (Nonwovens)

The Felting product area presents products for classic needling or hydroentanglement. Likewise, its comprehensive range in the field of application advice. In the field of felting needles, visitors can see two world firsts: a new barb design for felting needles and the Groz-Beckert felting needle module.

The new barb design of the felting needles was specially developed for needling highly abrasive fibers to achieve delayed wear. The barb shape also reduces clogging of the barbs, for example when needling bentonite mats.

The new Groz-Beckert felting needle module was developed in cooperation with the Dilo Group for their innovative MicroPunch intensive needling technology. Groz-Beckert felting needles are embedded as a module in a plastic mold. The felting needle modules are characterized by very high deformation resistance and offer new dimensions in needle density. This is made possible by the new intensive needling technology, which was specially developed for light grammages. The assembly and replacement of the modules are also particularly economical.

In the field of hydroentanglement, Groz-Beckert shows its HyTecTM P jet strip, which features significantly improved wear resistance and handling properties. The division also presents its extensive range of trials on the staple fiber needling line at the Technology and Development Center (TEZ) in Albstadt, Germany, with a virtual tour.

Tufting

For the production of tufted floor coverings such as carpets, bath mats or artificial turf, the Tufting product area is presenting its proven gauge part system at the Groz-Beckert booth. In addition to needle and looper modules, the system also comprises the reed finger module and tufting knives. To ensure the interaction of all components, the highest precision is required in the production of all individual components. The coordinated combination of different materials and the functional interaction ensure a convincing result when using the Groz-Beckert gauge part system.

Carding

Various new and further developments are presented in the Carding product area. For those interested in the nonwovens industry, for example, the world's finest interlocking wire for reduced risk of crash is included. In addition, new SiroLock™ plus types from the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series are presented, enabling higher uptime of the card and a more uniform carding result due to their special tooth geometry.

For customers in the spinning industry, the division is exhibiting a new maintenance-free cylinder wire with increased service life and lower maintenance costs. In addition, further developed stationary flats and revolving tops are presented. The revolving tops have been adapted to the processing of fine yarns, while the stationary flats have been provided with a new, resistant aluminum profile.

The comprehensive range of services offered by the Carding division is also presented. All facets, from sales and service to application consulting are clearly demonstrated in a video.

Sewing

The Sewing product area focuses on presenting its special application needles SAN™. The sewing machine needles of the SAN™ series have been specially developed for demanding sewing operations. The SAN 5.2™, for example, is particularly suitable for sewing technical textiles such as airbags thanks to its increased stability and secure loop pick-up. The SAN 6TM offers high process reliability when processing woven fabrics such as denim.

Both the SAN™ 5.2 and the SAN™ 6 are equipped with a GEBEDUR™coating. This protects the needles from wear and damage, especially in the point area. The slim yet dimensionally stable SAN™ 10 is used for sewing fine  knitted and woven fabrics. The even slimmer SAN™ 10 XS is perfect for extremely fine materials or materials that require critical sewing.

The Sewing product area is also presenting its patented INH (Ideal Needle Handling) quality management system at the trade show. INH enables easy handling of sewing machine needles in sewing shops, as well as seamless and digital documentation of all needle changes and breakages. The quality management system includes various work tools such as the needle dispensing trolley, the needle return box, and two software components developed by Groz-Beckert: the "INH@site" app and the "INH@office" administration program.

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 is shown by the sustainability theme corner. Here, examples from the company are presented to show which measures have already been implemented and what role the topic plays in everyday life.