PLURIMA  Softness enhanced with water
Wet-sueding technology gives textile articles a novel, outstanding handle.
　　There is one decisive factor that always remains constant when market requirements change to meet the respective trends in fashions: the continual race for new effects, finishing sensations for novel characteristics, e.g. hand, wearability and surface properties of the treated, finished article.
　　This was the reason for the development of the wet-sueding process, which has enabled hitherto unknown results to be achieved by the high-grade finishing of textiles. In comparison with the traditional dry-sueding process, which leads to hand and surface effects through a partial raising of the nap, and produces a more or less dense accentuated orientation of the surface fibre, wet-sueding distinguishes itself by achieving new and different effects.
　　In particular, a soft surface without any noticeable orientation of the fibre, and under the impression of a discoloration, a velvet-like, aged and worn appearance. Such an effect is now required on a large-scale by the market to meet the current diverse trends in fashion.
　　One peculiar feature of wet-sueding is that the water used in the process serves as a form of fibre lubrication. In general, this increases the area raised on the surface of the fabric, reduces the quantity of removed fibrous material and gives a shorter fibre appearance. This is due to the development of shorter and denser surface fibres, without any major reduction in the tensile strength of the processed article.
　　The results achieved confirm the already described soft velvet-like hand and aged and worn likeness, without the creation of a fluffy appearance on the surface. Following the path of the fabric during the process, we can see that it is guided from the top into the impregnation tank where it is dipped completely in the water. On leaving this impregnation stage, the fabric is spread and guided into the horizontal sueding area, while its tension is controlled by means of a load cell.
The contact surface between the fabric and the patented sueding cylinders is boosted or decreased by two penetration rollers to permit different treatment intensities. The partial immersion of the sueding rollers in the lower troughs of water ensures:
　Effective washing action on the fabric.
　Keeps the surface of the synthetic diamond abrasive paper clean and removes any detached fibrous material.
　Dissipates the heat developed during the treatment and cools the rollers and fabric.