#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.

Groz-Beckert showcases textile innovation at ShanghaiTex 2025

From December 16 to 19, 2025, the global textile industry will gather at ShanghaiTex at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), where Groz-Beckert will present its latest highlights and innovations across its five product areas – Knitting, Weaving, Nonwovens, Sewing, and Spinning – at Hall N3, Booth A05.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.