Since its founding in Switzerland in 1982, Santex has been at the forefront of technology for the finishing of knitted fabrics such as cotton, cotton blends and viscose. With a clear focus on maximizing performance while minimizing energy consumption, Santex ensures fabrics achieve low residual shrinkage, a soft hand feel and an elegant surface lustre. Many of the world’s most renowned fashion houses rely on Santex’s expertise to maintain the highest standards of quality in their collections.
Santex specializes in machines designed for open-width and tubular fabric finishing, offering a variety of energy-saving options that allow for sustainable production and reduced CO₂ emissions. One of the company’s flagship solutions, the SANTACOMPACT series (Compactor), exemplifies this approach. The machines feature a tensionless, distortion-free pinning system that feeds fabrics directly and crease-free into the compacting unit, while a condensate-free steam box compensates for different fabric widths and ensures corrosion resistance. Specially designed elastic felt belts across all compacting zones and heatable smoothing and shrinking rollers provide a softer, premium touch.
The SANTACOMPACT series is engineered for both efficiency and durability. Stainless steel chains reduce maintenance requirements, while their lighter weight and high durability contribute to lower energy consumption. The V-shaped steam box adapts to varying fabric widths, optimizing energy efficiency. Independent left and right chain drives offer precise weft control. Advanced automation, electronic load cells, and a user-friendly touchscreen panel allow for accurate fabric tension control and smooth operation, while optional modules—such as moistening devices, automatic weft straighteners, edge gumming and cutting systems, and inspection tables—can be added to meet specific production needs.
For even higher efficiency, the SANTACOMPACT RD Plus incorporates a third compacting unit with a large heating roller and specially designed steam box, allowing three felt belt compacting zones for faster production speeds. The machine provides excellent dimensional stability for structured fabrics without compromising the three-dimensional knitted structure, enabling high-speed compacting while preserving quality.
The SANTASHRINK PROGRESS (continuous relax tumbler dryer) model takes fabric preparation to the next level. With an extended design including single or double padders and a pin frame entry, it allows precise width stretching and wet compacting, preparing fabrics for drying and delivering reproducible, superior quality. Heating systems are versatile and can be powered by steam, natural gas or thermal oil depending on production requirements.
With its combination of innovative technology, energy efficiency, and uncompromising quality, Santex enables fashion and textile manufacturers to achieve both aesthetic perfection and sustainable production. From the gentle handling of delicate fabrics to precise dimensional control, Santex ensures every textile meets the highest industry standards.
Santex Rimar’s Success Story in Pakistan
Redefining ROI in the Textile Industry, Santex Rimar AG is transforming knitwear finishing ideas. Major customers in Pakistan have started to realize the great potential of saving time, energy, space and money using Santex machines. Santex dryer and compactor provide innovative solutions over existing finishing methods for knitwear fabrics.
Santex Dryer vs Stenter
One of the biggest knitwear producers in Lahore has started shifting from stenter drying to tumbler dryer finishing for their fabrics. Santex is proud to announce that most of the fabrics produced in the future by the esteemed customer will be processed on Santex dryers.
Key highlights of Santex relax tumbler dryer:
• Approx 40% less drying cost per kg of fabric vs stenter
• Approx 80% higher production per chamber of dryer as compared to stenter
• Approx 60 sqm lesser space required for dryer as compared to stenter to achieve similar production
• Better residual shrinkage in fabric after dryer as compared to stenter
• Better hand-feel and quality of fabric after dryer as compared to stenter
• Increased production on subsequent compactor by approx. 10-15% since the shrinkage of fabric is already better after passing through the dryer
Santex Compactor vs Competition
Santex sold its first new model compactor in Pakistan in 2021. By now Santex has sold 6 compactors through their agent AHS TEXTILE MACHINERY COMPANY, which include both 2-felt and 3-felt machines.
Their proud customers confirm the following for Santex’s 2-felt machines:
• At least 5m/min higher running speed for the same fabrics as compared to the competition to achieve similar shrinkage results.
• Approx 35-40% lesser steam consumption than the competition.
• 20-30% lesser space required because the machine is a compact design.
• Approx. double the life of felt belt than the competition.
• Easy operation and much lower maintenance required, which translates into much lower maintenance costs.
• Better hand feel of fabrics.
Although there are already hundreds of Santex machines running in Pakistan, just in the last 5 years, Santex has sold more than 26 machines in the Pakistan knitwear industry for drying and finishing fabrics.
The team invite you to visit the SANTEX RIMAR Stand at the forthcoming ITMA ASIA + CITME SINGAPORE (Hall-7, Booth B511b) for more discussions.
