PRESS FELT
Engineered textile belt for efficient dewatering and smooth sheet transfer- Specialized textile belt
- Installed in the press section
- Supports the wet paper web
- Carries the sheet through press nips
- Absorbs and removes water under pressure
- Improves sheet smoothness, stability, and runnability
PRESS FELT
Engineered textile belt for efficient dewatering and smooth sheet transfer- Specialized textile belt
- Installed in the press section
- Supports the wet paper web
- Carries the sheet through press nips
- Absorbs and removes water under pressure
- Improves sheet smoothness, stability, and runnability
A press felt (also called a press fabric) is a specialized textile belt used in the press section of a paper machine.
Its main role is to support and carry the wet paper web through the press nips, absorb and remove water under pressure, and help transfer the sheet smoothly to the next section.
Press felts are critical for dewatering efficiency, sheet smoothness, dimensional stability, and runnability.
Construction Features
Base Structure:
Woven base fabric with a needled nonwoven batt layer for stability and water absorption.
Materials
Synthetic fibers such as polyester, polyamide (nylon), PPS, or blends for wear and chemical resistance.
Batt-on-Base (BOB)
or Batt-on-Mesh (BOM) designs for tailored performance.
Permeability Control
Engineered pore size to balance water removal and sheet support.
Surface Finish
Calendered or heat set for smoothness and uniformity.
Seam Type
Endless or seamed (pin seam, spiral seam) for installation flexibility.
Special Treatments
Hydrophilic finishes, anti static yarns, or abrasion resistant coatings.
Key Selection Factors
When choosing a press felt:- Machine Position – First press, second press, or shoe press.
- Paper Grade – Tissue, printing/writing, packaging board, specialty papers.
- Machine Speed & Load – Higher speeds and loads require more stable, wear‑resistant designs.
- Water Handling Capacity – Match felt void volume and permeability to dewatering needs.
- Surface Properties – Smoothness for fine papers, more open for bulk grades.
- Seam Type – Endless for smoothness, seamed for quick installation.
- Chemical & Heat Resistance – For aggressive wet‑end chemistry or high‑temperature presses.
- Supplier Technical Support – For trials, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Key Selection Factors
When choosing a press felt:- Machine Position – First press, second press, or shoe press.
- Paper Grade – Tissue, printing/writing, packaging board, specialty papers.
- Machine Speed & Load – Higher speeds and loads require more stable, wear‑resistant designs.
- Water Handling Capacity – Match felt void volume and permeability to dewatering needs.
- Surface Properties – Smoothness for fine papers, more open for bulk grades.
- Seam Type – Endless for smoothness, seamed for quick installation.
- Chemical & Heat Resistance – For aggressive wet‑end chemistry or high‑temperature presses.
- Supplier Technical Support – For trials, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Common Types
Single Layer Press Felts
Simple, economical, for moderate speeds and grades
Multi Layer Felts
Higher stability, better water handling, longer life.
Laminated Felts
Combine multiple base fabrics for strength and drainage control.
Batt on Base (BOB)
Needled batt on woven base for balanced performance.
Batt on Mesh (BOM)
Needled batt on mesh base for high stability and openness.
Shoe Press Felts
Designed for extended nip presses, high water removal, and sheet bulk retention.
Specialty Felts
For tissue, board, or specialty grades with unique surface or drainage needs.
Maintenance & Care
To maximize felt life and performance:- Regular Cleaning – Use high‑ and low‑pressure showers, chemical washes, or oscillating showers to prevent filling.
- Conditioning – Maintain correct tension and alignment to avoid wrinkles and edge wear.
- Inspection – Monitor for wear patterns, seam integrity, and permeability changes.
- Scheduled Change‑Outs – Replace before performance drops to avoid sheet defects.
- Avoid Over‑Vacuuming – Excessive vacuum can damage batt fibers.
- 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 felt life and performance:- Regular Cleaning – Use high‑ and low‑pressure showers, chemical washes, or oscillating showers to prevent filling.
- Conditioning – Maintain correct tension and alignment to avoid wrinkles and edge wear.
- Inspection – Monitor for wear patterns, seam integrity, and permeability changes.
- Scheduled Change‑Outs – Replace before performance drops to avoid sheet defects.
- Avoid Over‑Vacuuming – Excessive vacuum can damage batt fibers.
- 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 felt design | 1st press, 2nd press, shoe press |
Machine Width | Must match machine | mm or m |
Machine Speed | Affects stability & drainage | m/min |
Paper Grade | Influences batt density & surface | Tissue, board, printing |
Base Fabric Type | Stability & wear resistance | Single, double, triple layer |
Batt Fiber Type | Water absorption & durability | Polyester, polyamide, blends |
Caliper (Thickness) | Affects dewatering & sheet support | mm |
Permeability | Balances drainage & sheet contact | Measured in CFM or m³/m²/h |
Void Volume | Water handling capacity | cm³/m² |
Seam Type | Installation & performance | Endless, pin seam, spiral |
Special Treatments | Performance enhancement | Anti‑static, abrasion‑resistant |