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Italian circular knitting machine manufacturer Santoni, a part of the Lonati Group, has joined forces with Groz-Beckert to introduce a groundbreaking self-cleaning knitting system for the INNOTAS circular knitting machine. This collaborative effort has led to the development of the innovative INNOTAS system, featuring the SAN™ DUO needle and SNK DUO-OL sinker, designed to meet the evolving demands of sustainability and efficiency in the textile industry.

Driven by the growing emphasis on sustainability and the need for enhanced efficiency, Groz-Beckert embarked on a mission to create a new, energy-efficient knitting system. In pursuit of this goal, Groz-Beckert approached Santoni with a proposal for collaboration. After thorough preliminary investigations, the partnership was officially initiated in January 2015, marking the beginning of a journey towards developing a self-cleaning system with side-by-side needles and a low shank.

The SAN™ DUO needle paired with the SNK DUO-OL sinker was engineered to fulfill the desired objectives. The distinguishing feature of this innovative knitting system lies in its utilization of two needles and two sinkers in a single channel. Initial field trials conducted with experienced end customers in 2016 demonstrated the system's advantages, prompting continuous analysis and optimization in subsequent years.

The double filling in the needle channel effectively reduces soiling, while the refined design ensures automatic removal of yarn lint during the knitting process, extending the cleaning interval and enhancing productivity. Both the SAN™ DUO needle and the SNK DUO-OL sinker feature a low shaft with a predetermined breaking notch, minimizing soiling and enabling controlled needle breakage at the desired point, thus minimizing errors and machine downtimes.

Groz-Beckert, known for its commitment to innovation and collaboration, offers machine builders various opportunities to develop new products or enhance existing ones through cooperation. The company's Technology and Development Center (TEZ) serves as an ideal platform for co-development projects. The collaboration between Santoni and Groz-Beckert has resulted in the creation of joint patents, benefiting both companies and further solidifying their positions as leaders in the textile machinery industry.

The introduction of the INNOTAS system signifies a significant advancement in circular knitting technology, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and performance. As the textile industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one exemplify the power of collaboration in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile manufacturing.