Albstadt, Germany: The litespeed® needles were specially designed by Groz-Beckert for use in (high-performance) circular knitting machines. The litespeed® plus is a further development of the proven litespeed® technology. It reduces energy consumption and the machine temperature even further – by up to 20 or 17 percent, for a noticeable reduction in costs.

The needle geometry makes the difference

In the dimensions relevant for loop formation, the litespeed® plus needle corresponds exactly to a conventional needle for circular knitting machines. The difference lies in the optimized shaft geometry: Thanks to a partial reduction of the needle shaft thickness on both sides, the needle can be inserted irrespective of the machine direction. The weight and the friction of the needle in the needle trick is also reduced. Both have a positive impact on the flow characteristics of the needles in the cylinder.

Reduced energy consumption

The reduction of the contact surface through the reduced shaft thickness of the litespeed® plus on both sides leads to a lower level of friction between the needle and cylinder. This means that less energy is required for the needle movement, which can help to reduce the energy consumption in the knitting process by up to 20 percent. This not only reduces the energy consumption, but also helps to achieve a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Reduced machine temperature

In practice, extremely high temperatures can be achieved on cylinders and cam parts in modern (high-performance) circular knitting machines. This inevitably leads to problems during the needle and sinker change. In extreme cases, this can even limit the speed performance of the machines. The reduced needle shaft thickness of the litespeed® plus reduces the friction between the needle and cylinder and improves the lubrication behavior, which can reduce the temperature at maximum machine speeds by up to 17 percent.

Reduced oil consumption and optimized lubrication behavior

The partially reduced needle shaft thickness enables better distribution of the needle oil in the needle trick. For the knitting machine, this means: lower machine temperature, reduced oil consumption and less oil nebulization.

The advantages of the litespeed® plus needle at a glance

• Energy saving

• Temperature reduction

• More efficient lubrication behavior

• Reduced CO2 emissions

• Reduced energy and oil consumption

• No dependence on the running direction

• Reduced wear on the system components

• Use of the maximum machine speed

• Lower maintenance and ancillary costs

At ITMA Asia, which is due to take place from 15 to 19 October 2018 in Shanghai, Groz-Beckert will be presenting the advantages of the litespeed® plus needle in a special exhibition at the Groz-Beckert booth. There will also be a sales promotion for litespeed®-plus needles at Booth D25 in Hall 4.

About Groz-Beckert

Groz-Beckert is the world’s leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools as well as systems and services for the production and joining of textile fabrics. The products and services support the fields of knitting, weaving, felting, tufting, carding and sewing. The family-owned company, founded in 1852, employed more than 8,800 people and generated a turnover of around €740 Mio. in 2017. Groz-Beckert operates with agencies, production and distribution subsidiaries in more than 150 countries around the world.