Santoni, an Italian manufacturer of circular knitting machines, in partnership with Groz-Beckert, has worked on innovating a self-cleaning knitting system for the INNOTAS circular knitting machine.

Groz-Beckert aimed to develop an energy-efficient knitting system with Santoni for collaboration, emphasisng on sustainability and efficiency. Following preliminary studies, the joint development of a self-cleaning system with side-by-side needles and a low shank was initiated in January 2015.

The SAN™ DUO circular knitting machine needle and the corresponding sinker SNK DUO-OL were designed to meet the desired criteria. The innovative system features two needles and two sinkers in one channel, offering benefits evident in initial field trials with experienced customers in 2016. Subsequent years saw continuous analysis and optimization of the knitting system.

Both the SAN™ DUO needle and the sinker SNK DUO-OL feature a low shaft with a predetermined breaking notch, minimizing soiling and allowing controlled needle breakage to reduce knitting errors and machine downtime.

Groz-Beckert provides machine builders with opportunities for collaboration to develop new products or enhance existing ones, leveraging its Technology and Development Center (TEZ). The collaboration with Santoni has led to joint patents benefiting both companies.