Brushing removes loose fibre and aligns the pile after surface finishing, preparing fabric for pre-shrinking and decatizing. QL’s Vertical Brushing Machine WPF-SM is a brushing machine with an optional steam box. Add the steam box when the process calls for steam-assisted brushing.
Where this machine sits in the line, and what comes before and after
On worsted, woollen and wool-blend knit routes, WPF-SM sits in dry finishing after surface treatment such as shearing. Worsted and knit routes then proceed to pre-shrinking. Woollen qualities requiring a bright surface can use WPF-TG polishing after brushing and before pre-shrinking.
WPF-SSMDX is a separate wet brushing and setting machine in the woollen wet-finishing stage, after crabbing and before teasel raising. It performs a different task from WPF-SM in dry finishing.
What it changes in the fabric, top or yarn: handle, dimensional stability, lustre, cleanliness
WPF-SM deals with loose fibre and pile alignment. Raising develops the pile, shearing levels it, and brushing then removes loose fibre and arranges the surface. Each has its own role in the route.
This prepares the fabric surface for subsequent finishing. Where steam-assisted brushing is needed, QL can review the optional steam box and its connection to adjacent operations.
Why this machine is necessary: what happens without it, or with another method
Choose WPF-SM by defining the dry-brushing task: which surface needs cleaning, the required pile direction, and whether polishing or pre-shrinking comes next. Review brushing together with raising, shearing and decatizing rather than selecting equipment from its name alone.
QL offers the vertical brushing machine as the base configuration, with a steam box chosen to suit the process. Steam-before-brushing is therefore not a fixed arrangement on every WPF-SM.
Setting the parameters: temperature, tension, speed, time
First establish fibre composition, pile style, width, incoming fabric condition and the next operation. QL can then review brushing configuration and the steam-box option. Confirm speed, roller and steam settings for the selected configuration and fabric trials; WPF-SSMDX wet-brushing parameters do not apply to WPF-SM.
The questions customers ask most
- Does the vertical brushing machine always include a steam box? WPF-SM is a brushing machine; the steam box is optional.
- Is brushing the same as raising? Raising develops the pile, while brushing removes loose fibre and aligns the surface.
- Can wet and dry brushing both appear in a route? The woollen routes include WPF-SSMDX in wet finishing and WPF-SM in dry finishing for their different tasks.
Which process routes it appears on
Follow the stations in the worsted top-dyed, worsted piece-dyed, woollen stock-dyed, woollen piece-dyed and wool-blend knit routes. Compare wet brushing and setting and fabric polishing.