FORMING FABRIC
Precision-engineered fabric for efficient paper sheet formation
- Specialized woven synthetic mesh
- Installed in the forming section (wet end)
- Supports the pulp slurry
- Enables rapid water drainage
- Forms the initial paper sheet
- Controls sheet quality and uniformity
FORMING FABRIC
Precision-engineered fabric for efficient paper sheet formation
- Specialized woven synthetic mesh
- Installed in the forming section (wet end)
- Supports the pulp slurry
- Enables rapid water drainage
- Forms the initial paper sheet
- Controls sheet quality and uniformity
A forming fabric is a specialized woven synthetic mesh installed in the forming section (wet end) of a paper machine.
It supports the pulp slurry from the headbox, drains water rapidly, and forms the initial paper sheet by holding fibers in place while allowing water and fines to pass through.
It is often called the “heart of the wet end” because its performance directly impacts sheet formation, uniformity, strength, and surface quality.
Construction Features
Base Material
Polyester (PET) monofilaments are most common; sometimes polyamide or PPS for special conditions.
Weave Structure
Single, double, and triple-layer (SSB) designs for sheet support, drainage, and wear
Caliper (Thickness)
Optimized for drainage and sheet support
Mesh Count
Number of machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (CD) yarns per unit length.
Yarn Profile
Round, flat, or shaped monofilaments to influence drainage and wear.
Seam Type
Endless woven or seamed (pin seam, spiral seam) for easier installation.
Surface Finish
Heat set and calendered for stability and smoothness.
Key Selection Factors
When selecting a forming fabric:- Paper Grade – Tissue, printing/writing, packaging board, specialty grades.
- Machine Speed – Higher speeds require more stable, balanced fabrics.
- Drainage Requirements – Balance between fast water removal and fiber/filler retention.
- Sheet Formation Quality – Uniform fiber distribution for smooth surface and strength.
- Wear Resistance – Especially for abrasive furnishes or long runs.
- Chemical Resistance – For aggressive wet‑end chemistry.
- Seam Type – Endless for smoothness, seamed for quick change‑outs.
- Supplier Technical Support – For trials, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Key Selection Factors
When selecting a forming fabric:- Paper Grade – Tissue, printing/writing, packaging board, specialty grades.
- Machine Speed – Higher speeds require more stable, balanced fabrics.
- Drainage Requirements – Balance between fast water removal and fiber/filler retention.
- Sheet Formation Quality – Uniform fiber distribution for smooth surface and strength.
- Wear Resistance – Especially for abrasive furnishes or long runs.
- Chemical Resistance – For aggressive wet‑end chemistry.
- Seam Type – Endless for smoothness, seamed for quick change‑outs.
- Supplier Technical Support – For trials, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Common Types
Single Layer
Simple, economical, good drainage, shorter life
Double Layer
Better sheet support, improved stability, longer life.
Triple Layer / SSB
Premium sheet quality, high stability, long wear life.
Hybrid Fabrics
Monofilament & multifilament blend for specific grades.
Specialty Forming Fabrics
Designed for tissue, board & specialty papers.
Maintenance & Care
To maximize PMC life and performance:- Regular Cleaning – Use showers (high‑pressure, low‑pressure, oscillating) to prevent filling and contamination.
- Conditioning – Maintain correct tension and alignment to avoid wrinkles and edge wear.
- Inspection – Monitor for wear patterns, seam integrity, and permeability changes.
- Rotation & Change‑Out – Follow planned replacement schedules to avoid sheet defects or breaks.
- Proper Storage – Store in clean, dry, temperature‑controlled areas; avoid folding.
- Record Keeping – Track run times, cleaning cycles, and performance data.
Maintenance & Care
To maximize PMC life and performance:- Regular Cleaning – Use showers (high‑pressure, low‑pressure, oscillating) to prevent filling and contamination.
- Conditioning – Maintain correct tension and alignment to avoid wrinkles and edge wear.
- Inspection – Monitor for wear patterns, seam integrity, and permeability changes.
- Rotation & Change‑Out – Follow planned replacement schedules to avoid sheet defects or breaks.
- Proper Storage – Store in clean, dry, temperature‑controlled areas; avoid folding.
- Record Keeping – Track run times, cleaning cycles, and performance data.
Key Parameters to Order
Parameter | Why It Matters | Typical Range / Note |
Machine Position | Determines fabric design | Fourdrinier, twin‑wire, gap former |
Machine Width | Must match machine | mm or m |
Machine Speed | Affects stability & drainage | m/min |
Paper Grade | Influences weave & yarn type | Tissue, board, printing |
Material | Chemical/heat resistance | Polyester, PPS, polyamide |
Weave/Structure | Controls drainage & support | Single, double, triple layer |
Mesh Count | Balances drainage & retention | e.g., 70×50 to 120×90 (MD×CD) |
Caliper (Thickness) | Affects dewatering & sheet support | mm |
Air Permeability | Drainage control | Measured in CFM or m³/m²/h |
Seam Type | Installation & performance | Endless, pin seam, spiral |
Special Treatments | Performance enhancement | Anti‑static, abrasion‑resistant |