A continuous decatizing machine runs fabric continuously through a steam chamber to set it in dry finishing. Steam makes the fibre structure briefly plastic, and cooling right after locks that in, fixing the lustre and handle that pressing leaves only temporarily. QL's WPF-LXZN Continuous Decatizing Machine, equipped with proprietary Decatizing Uniformity Technology, serves this setting station on worsted, woollen, and wool/blend knit lines.
Where this machine sits in the line, and what comes before and after
The WPF-LXZN sits at the final setting station of the dry-finishing chain, after steam preshrinking (chain-type WPF-LTYS or net-belt WPF-WDYS) and, one station back, fabric polishing (WPF-TG); after it comes final relaxation steaming. At the same station, two other decatizing methods are on offer: batch decatizing (WPF-JXZN-MAX) — loaded and unloaded by batch, with repeat re-steaming available to deepen the set — and continuous-pressure decatizing (WPF-LXZN-P) — pressure that deepens the set further, running fabric through without stopping. It can also run as pre- or post-treatment around batch decatizing to remove excess lustre and deliver a softer, fuller hand, or line-integrate with QL pre-shrinking machines into a continuous line.
What it changes in the fabric, top or yarn: handle, dimensional stability, lustre, cleanliness
The WPF-LXZN leaves fabric with a smooth, full, well-rounded handle: fabric runs continuously through the steam-rise chamber, and the heating banks and cooling-suction system that follow lock that plastic state in. Typical fabrics are wool, wool blends, and heavier knits. Counter-pressure light-tension feed preserves elastic recovery; ultra-low-tension delivery control targets knitted fabrics. The heating bank inside the chamber prevents condensation marks, keeping colour and batch results even. The two-stage tension control keeps dimensions stable too; cleanliness isn't a dimension this station addresses.
Why this machine is necessary: what happens without it, or with another method
Skip decatizing, or decatize too lightly, and handle and dimensions turn unstable through cutting, sewing, and wear. Fringed scarves, shawls, and similar categories need continuous fabric flow that batch decatizing's load-and-unload handling cannot provide, making this the only workable process route for them. The conventional batch method gains setting depth by re-steaming each load, at the cost of a stop between batches; the WPF-LXZN runs fabric through the chamber without interruption, so throughput isn't held back by loading cycles. Poor condensation control is a common cause of left-centre-right shading and head-to-tail variation; this machine's heating bank inside the steam-rise chamber, paired with QL's Decatizing Uniformity Technology, calibrates decatizing depth across the full width and eliminates both at the source.
Setting the parameters: temperature, tension, speed, time
Operating speed runs continuously adjustable from 10 to 35 m/min. Steam is supplied through a proportional valve at a constant 4–5 bar, metered automatically. Tension runs in two independent stages: counter-pressure light tension on entry to minimise stretch, and ultra-low tension on delivery, aimed at knitted fabrics. Fabric temperature inside the steam chamber and dwell time there are set by trial on each fabric type; ask QL for the process data sheet. Where deeper setting is needed, a fabric humidifying unit is available as an option.
The questions customers ask most
- Where do shade variation across the width and end-to-end variation come from, and why is a continuous machine prone to them?
- Can silk, synthetic, and spandex-blend stretch fabrics run on a continuous decatizing machine?
- How long does the decatizing effect hold — will it relax again once made into a garment?
- Where should decatizing sit in the finishing sequence, and can that be changed?
- How does a continuous decatizing machine work?
- With fabric moving continuously and less steam contact time, does continuous decatizing under-steam the fabric compared with an old-style decatizing tank?
Which process routes it appears on
The WPF-LXZN appears on the worsted top-dyed, worsted piece-dyed, woollen stock-dyed, woollen piece-dyed, and wool/blend knitted fabric routes, at the same dry-finishing setting station as batch decatizing (WPF-JXZN-MAX) and continuous-pressure decatizing (WPF-LXZN-P). For fabric-specific parameters, contact QL: WhatsApp +1 380 900 2442, or +86 189 2110 8080.