friction calender

A friction calender is a specialized machine used in industrial processes, particularly for textiles and plastics. It's a type of calender, which employs heavy rollers to smooth, compress, and impart a specific finish to materials.1

The friction calender is specifically designed for "friction glazing," a process that creates a smooth, lustrous surface. This is achieved by passing materials like textile fabrics or plastic sheeting through heated rollers under significant pressure. In textile finishing, this process can flatten the fabric, remove creases, and add a sheen. In the plastics industry, it's used to produce uniform films and sheeting. The technology has been in use since at least the early 19th century.231