A calendering machine changes fabric surface and handle by passing fabric through one or more pressure nips. Heat, pressure, roll material, moisture, and relative roll speed determine whether the result is smoother, flatter, glossier, denser, softer, or patterned. A 2-roller calender is a direct choice for simple smoothing or luster. A 3-roller calender gives more process flexibility and can support friction or multi-nip effects. An embossing machine is chosen when a visible surface pattern is the goal.