Calendering

Finishing process passing fabric through heated rollers. Creates smooth surface, lustre. Not typically used for terry towels.

Calendering is a finishing process where fabric passes through heavy heated rollers under pressure, smoothing and compacting the surface.

Effects

Calendering creates:

  • Smooth, polished surface
  • Increased lustre/sheen
  • Compacted fabric
  • Flattened fibres

Not for Terry Towels

Calendering is rarely used for terry towels because:

  • Flattens the pile (defeats the purpose)
  • Reduces absorbency
  • Removes soft, fluffy texture

Terry towels need lofty pile, not smooth surfaces.

Where It's Used

Calendering suits:

  • Flat-woven fabrics
  • Sheets and pillowcases
  • Some peshtemals (light calendering)
  • Industrial textiles

Types

  • Simple calendering: Basic smoothing
  • Friction calendering: High polish
  • Embossing calendering: Creates patterns

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