Groz-Beckert is one of the few manufacturers who still produce different types of wire butt needles for scores of machines. Wire butt needles represent the first generation of flat knitting needles. In contrast to stamped latch needles, which are made of rolled sheet steel, wire butt needles are made of steel wire that is pressed flat and then bent.

Links needles are used in the manufacture of knitted fabrics showing purl stitches on both fabric sides. Characteristic samples are baby rompers and traditional Alpine jackets to which the purl-knit structure lends a special elasticity. However, double-headed needles are now seldom used in flat knitting, since purl fabrics are nowadays manufactured with latch and compound needles with transfer function. Still, we continue to offer this niche product to our customers in typically high quality.

Groz-Beckert guarantees the high quality and precise execution of the needles. Especially in the collar, where also very fine gauges are knit, this is very important in order to ensure a uniform loop structure.

For latch needles with transfer function there are essentially two concepts: latch needles with transfer clip and latch needles with an additional slot on the back of the needle shank. In the transfer process with latch needles with transfer clip, the head of the receiving needle plunges into the transfer clip of the transferring needle. With latch needles with additional slot on the back of shank, the receiving needle plunges the needle head into the additional slot on the back of the shank of the transferring needle. Both cases require the transfer elements to be precisely executed in order to ensure secure plunging. With precisely executed transfer elements and exact edge rounding, Groz-Beckert needles provide high security in the transfer process.

In spring-loaded latch needles a latch spring is installed under the needle latch. The latch spring provides for the automatic raising of the needle latch in closing and open position, thereby safeguarding yarn insertion and preventing loose loops from rebounding. Using spring-loaded latch needles from Groz-Beckert helps to produce a uniform loop structure, even when knitting bulky and fleecy yarns or yarns with several threads.

The closing element thus replaces the function of the latch on a latch needle. For this, the needle and closing element must move separately from one another.

Compound needles either transfer loops with a transfer clip attached to the side, similar to latch needles, or via a special closing element with transfer function. This involves a very sophisticated technology that enables even finer gauges to be reached.

Typical application fields for compound needles are shape knits and so-called 'finished knits', which are fully knitted, seamless items. Other working operations, such as sewing or joining individual parts, are not needed. Compared to traditional flat knit fabric, the manufacture of complete shape-knitted items boasts three-dimensional and anatomically correct fit.

The reliability of the interaction of needle and coupling part is ensured by closely collaborating with machine builders. Joint development projects facilitate process reliability and high quality products.

In contrast to other coupling parts, the intermediate jack is not engaged. This means that it is not connected to the needle, but is located separately in the needle trick and can be separately moved.

The requirements for selecting jacks constantly increase with higher machine speed, higher feeder density and finer gauges. Nevertheless, optimized surfaces at crucial points, weight reduction and an optimal design of the selecting jacks in close cooperation with the machine builders ensure functionality and reliable selection.