Apparatus and method for heatsetting a knitted fabric in tubular form

摘要

PURPOSE: An apparatus and a method for heatdrying a knitted fabric in tubular form is provided. CONSTITUTION: The apparatus(1) for heatdrying a knitted fabric(48) in tubular form comprises flat expansion means(13) which extend the tubular fabric(48) in substantially flattened form, with two superimposed surfaces(148,148'), and cause the fabric to assume a preselected width, conveying means(18) which feed the flattened tubular fabric, heatdrying elements(20) which form at least one air flow, at a preselected temperature, and guiding rods(127,127') associated with the conveying elements and the heatdrying elements; the rods(127,127') being capable of supporting internally the flattened tubular fabric(48) along its side edges(47,47'), owing to the action of the heatdrying elements, while keeping the side edges extended, leaving the two superimposed surfaces free to be passed through by the air flow and keeping the width of the flattened tubular fabric unchanged.