#Knitting & Hosiery

2020-04-02

Increased productivity with dur sock needles

As original equipment in sock machines from leading manufacturers, Gros-Beckert products are known in the market for their reliability and quality. To ensure that all product requirements are met and all aspects are taken into account, development and further development not only take place in consultation with machine builders, but also in dialog with end users who know their requirements best. The result is top class knitting tools that stand for efficiency and perfect product appearance. This is the only way to achieve uninterrupted production in light of the complex work steps involved in producing socks.

dur™ can offer even more

The latest development of the Groz-Beckert sock needles was recently presented under the name dur™. This too was based on feedback received from end users. It is the answer to the increased loads in modern sock production due to fashion or technical aspects. dur™ needles reduce the risk of tuck stitches, needle lines and other faults in the knitted fabric caused by damage to the needle under extreme usage conditions. It is currently demonstrating its effectiveness in the latest machine generations of Lonati and Santoni.

dur™ – the durable

"dur" stands for "durability", i.e. resilience and long service life. Equipped with different properties, needles with dur™ technology are optimally designed for use under higher loads, without compromising the performance of the sock machine.

The technical features at a glance:

Increased hook stability

Increased latch stability

Modified slot design

The higher hook stability reduces the risk of hook breakage and bent open hooks. The increased latch stability and modified slot design reduce the risk of bent latches and also guarantee the latch movement, even with slightly bent latches.

Customer benefits at a glance:

Lower needle consumption

Reduced machine downtime

Increased productivity

Fewer rejects

Lower production costs

Field tests in over 50 machines showed a clear reduction in needle consumption, which depending on the application was as low as -30 %. This not only saves costs, but helps to protect the environment too. The reduction of rejects means that the dur™ needle contributes to sustainability.

How to identify dur™ needles

Sock needles with dur™ technology can be identified by the suffix dur™ in the needle designation.

For visual differentiation, dur™ needles have a notch on the back on the butt directly below the predetermined breaking groove.

dur™ needles are currently available for various Lonati and Santoni machine models. The product range can be expanded as required.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

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ITMA 2027 receives strong industry response

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Business situation weakens slightly, but the industry stays cautiously optimistic

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has published the results of its 39th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 14 to 22 July 2026 among companies along the entire global textile value chain. Worldwide, 10% of participants rated their business situation as good, 53% as satisfactory and 37% as bad — a balance of -26pp, down from -17pp in May but still well above the 2023 lows. All regions are now in negative territory, from South Asia at -3pp to North & Central America at -58pp.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.