Abstract: A pressing and drying machine, of the type comprising an arcuate transverse trough and a hot fluid flow chamber disposed beneath the trough to evaporate the water, by boiling, from the wet fabric material characterized in that it increases the production rate drastically, i.e. the pressing speed, and comprises to this end a second chamber (5) with an air flow, which is forced perpendicularly upwardly through appropriate passages (8) opening into the trough (1), against the wet fabric materials (r), said forcing taking place while the fabric material (r) is being drawn along through the said trough (1) at the same time as the hot fluid of the first chamber is effecting the evaporating action thereof, the air supplied to the second chamber (5) being provided by air producing means driven by appropriate mechanisms or devices and may be hot air.