Cylinder dryers can be equipped with individual drive to each cylinder. Individual drive system, each cylinder is coupled with a geared A.C. motor. Individually driven cylinders are synchronized with PLC. Especially suited for non woven and delicate fabrics where tension regulation is very critical as the fabric dries. Fabric residual moisture controller can be provided at the exit of the drying range. The feedback from the controller either controls the speed of the machine or steam flow (depending on the process requirement).