Focus on the textile world: from ITMA review to innovation
The product innovation litespeed® plus
Following Groz-Beckert's presentation of its new product litespeed® plus in November 2015 at the ITMA Milan, the company is already receiving the first reactions from the market. Issues such as energy cost reduction, significant temperature reduction and improving the CO2 balance will be discussed. But what exactly is behind the "plus"?
The needle geometry makes the difference
The original idea of further developing the geometry of the tried and tested litespeed® circular knitting needle led to the creation of a new product – the optimized litespeed® plus. In both the litespeed® and the litespeed® plus, the needle shank thickness has been partially reduced in comparison to a standard form.
While this reduction is on just one side in the litespeed® design – either on the left or the right hand side of the needle – the litespeed® plus features this partial reduction on both sides. This means that the litespeed® plus version can also be used independently of the machine's direction of rotation. Its big "plus," however, is the more efficient design that provides more benefits in terms of energy savings, temperature reduction, and oil distribution.
The benefit of temperature reduction
In extreme cases, the speed of modern (high-performance) circular knitting machines can be limited by high temperatures. The reduction in shank thickness on the litespeed® plus reduces friction and improves lubricating performance. This demonstrably lowers the temperature, even at high machine speeds.
The benefit of energy savings
The additional reduction in the contact area due to the reduction of shank thickness on both sides means lower friction between needle and needle trick. This results in lower power consumption, and thus a reduction in CO2 emissions.
The benefits at a glance
In short, the new product litespeed® plus represents an evolution of the previous litespeed® version, but with two-sided reduction of needle shank thickness – and it is designed for use in large circular knitting machines. The "plus" stands for more energy savings, temperature reduction, even more efficient lubrication behavior, and reduction of CO2 emissions.
Seen as a whole, the minimized friction, improved lubricating properties, and significantly reduced machine temperature all improve handling, and reduce wear on system components. This also allows the maximum machine speed to be fully exploited, and results in optimal needle service life.
Now available worldwide, following the ITMA 2015
The litespeed® plus version is available at our sales offices worldwide as of now. The product portfolio is being gradually expanded with the addition of further types in this version. Have we got you interested? Your personal contact partner will be happy to inform you on which needle types are already available in the litespeed® plus version.