Shrink-resist lustre line: descaling and resin coverage before dyeing
Ecru tops take this line before dyeing: chlorination descaling → resin coverage → multi-stage chemical finishing → through-flow drying, in one pass — the result is machine-washable Superwash top.
Shrink-resist lustre finishing line WPF-MTFSSG — full process route map
On a phone the full map is small by nature — pinch to zoom in, or read the same decisions written out below.
Where the route branches
The decision points on the map above, written out — each branch and where it leads.
Shrink-resist chemical system / Choose one of two
- Mainstream · chlorination system → Chlorination unit / Controlled active chlorine etches the scale edges / → reduces DFE, the root cause of felting
- Optional extra · Basolan system · one line, two uses → Basolan treatment station (optional extra) / Basolan system scale removal / This path bypasses the chlorination unit
Is the Basolan process different from chlorine-Hercosett, and what's the point of adding a Basolan station?
Yes — Basolan and Chlorine-Hercosett are two separate, parallel shrink-resist chemistries, not two steps of the same process. Adding a Basolan station lets one line run either system, chlorination or Basolan, selected per order, rather than needing a dedicated line for each. In most markets today, chlorination remains the dominant route, with fewer mills running the Basolan chemistry. QL's WPF-MTFSSG line can be fitted with an optional Basolan station — contact us to discuss whether it fits your process.
How do I choose the right model for wool tops shrink-proofing (chlorination/Basolan) equipment?
Sizing a shrinkproofing line comes down to four things: working width (commonly 1,000 or 1,200 mm) and feed count (36–48 tops, set by throughput needs); the chemistry — chlorination only, or adding a Basolan station for dual-chemistry flexibility; the delivery format — ball-winding or coiling, depending on downstream handling; and whether a vacuum cold-conditioning box is needed after drying to bring moisture back into the range spinning requires. Send us these four parameters and QL will help size the right WPF-MTFSSG configuration for you.
Destination after treatment
- Shipped directly → Ships as machine-washable white tops / (Superwash grade · plus a soft-lustre handle)
- Dyed afterwards → → On to top-dyed recombing
After shrink-resist treatment, do the tops ship directly, or go on to dyeing?
Both paths exist, but the standard route is on to dyeing. Shrinkproofing treats undyed white tops, and the treated tops can ship directly as machine-washable white tops. More commonly, though, they go on to dyeing afterward, since treated tops take up dye more evenly and sparingly, and the shrink-resist step is naturally placed before dyeing in the chain. Get in touch with your order details and QL will confirm the right sequence for your WPF-MTFSSG line.
QL machines on this route
All of these are QL-built new machines. Click one to open its machine page.
Not sure which line is yours?
Tell us what you run and what you make — we will match the stations and the machines.