Santex (Shanghai) Textile will present its new Decofast machine, which is now assembled at the Chinese subsidiary of Santex Group, at the upcoming ShanghaiTex international textile machinery exhibition that takes place from 15-18 June.

The machine is used for continuous decatizing of both knitted and woven fabrics made from wool and wool-like material. The continuous method has several advantages compared to traditional batch processing, according to the manufacturer. For example, the risk of sewing joint marks, wrap marks and colour differences is said to be eliminated.

Decatizing is a well-known method of improving dimensional stability and other physical features of warp-knitted and woven fabrics by the use of steam and temperature.

Process

The Decofast uses steam pressures of up to 2 bar and temperatures up to 135 °C. The steaming, suction and cooling units of the machine can be controlled separately. In the main unit the fabric is led under adjustable conditions between a steel drum and a felt blanket, which is made from a special permeable material.

After processing the finished fabric is said to have an improved hand and look, as well as enhanced stability, drapability, tailorability and lustre. The new finishing technology meets market requirements, where new types of woollen blended fabric are used, such as elastic fabric for casual and sports wear, the company reports.

Design and manufacturing

The Decofast was originally designed and manufactured at SperottoRimar, Italy, a subsidiary of the Santex group. Over the last years the machine has been widely used in the Chinese textile industry.

With the new assembly of the machines in Shanghai, Chinese customers benefit from shorter delivery times and better price/performance ratio, while the quality stays very high, according to Santex.

At the show Santex (Shanghai) will also present the complete portfolio of textile machinery for the finishing of knitted fabric.

Santex

Swiss company Santex AG, established 1982, is one of the leading manufacturers of textile machines for knit fabrics finishing.

R&D of machines including electronics and software is located in Switzerland. The subsidiaries in China and India serve the most important markets in the world with Swiss engineered quality products.

Santex (Shanghai) Textile Machinery is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santex AG. Considering the importance of the Chinese Market, Santex (Shanghai) was established in Qingpu Industrial Zone in Shanghai, China, in April 2005.

www.santex-group.com