Project description
The making of a new knitting machine
Circular knitting machines are widely used in the garment industry. However, their use is often associated with manual work or additional linking machines. The EU-funded ClosedToe project proposes an innovative solution to convert existing machines to all-in-one machines. The solution is a retrofitting intervention that consists of an instrument added to circular knitting machines. The ClosedToe technology is already installed and tested in knitting machines producing socks and the result is that allows easy sewing of both toe part and the sock together. The project will study the technology’s adaptation to the most common types of circular knitting machines and consequently carry out extensive market research and plan the commercialisation strategy.
Objective
We have 20+ years’ experience working with precision mechanics for several industries. We have a number of own developments and products including patents for knitting machines. Based on our experience with knitting machines we have developed (and patented) the ClosedToe technology and have installed it on 50 circular knitting machines. Our ClosedToe solution allows the retrofitting of circular knitting machines with a device which folds the toe part of the sock together so it can be sewn together with the same machine. As a result, existing machines can be converted easily to become an all-in-one machine eliminating the need for a linking machine and manual labour.
At present we have developed the ClosedToe solution for one brand to be used in two of their machines, but to reach commercial success we need to adapt it to the most common brands and types of circular knitting machines used by the industry. The aim of the ClosedToe Phase 1 project is to carry out an extensive market research and identify the most commonly used knitting machines by the industry and conclude a market entry and commercialisation strategy. During the Phase 2 development we will develop the ClosedToe solution for the identified machine types and enter the market according to the predefined strategy.
The potential impact of this development is huge in the long term, but even in the short term we see that the ClosedToe technology will generate a significant profit 3 years after the development is completed. We have wide range of networks (over 50 past customers) and based on feedback from our flagship partners there is a significant need for our innovation. This gives us the perfect platform to commercialise our new technology.
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
Italy