Paper Machine Clothing
Engineered fabrics for efficient paper production
- Engineered fabrics and belts used in paper machines
- Applied in forming, pressing, and drying
- Transport, dewater, and support the paper web
- Impact quality, efficiency, energy use, and runnability
Paper Machine Clothing
Engineered fabrics for efficient paper production
- Engineered fabrics and belts used in paper machines
- Applied in forming, pressing, and drying
- Transport, dewater, and support the paper web
- Impact quality, efficiency, energy use, and runnability
Paper Machine Clothing refers to the engineered textile belts and fabrics used in different sections of a paper machine — forming, pressing, and drying — to transport, dewater, and support the paper web during production.
They are critical consumables that directly affect sheet quality, machine efficiency, energy use, and runnability.
Construction Features
Material
Polyester (PET) monofilaments are most common; sometimes polyamide or PPS for special conditions.
Weave Structure
Single, double, or triple layer; spiral link; or laminated designs for tailored drainage and support.
Surface Treatment
Heat set, resin treated, or calendered for stability and smoothness.
Permeability Control
Engineered pore size for optimal water removal and sheet support.
Seam Type
Endless woven or seamed (pin seam, spiral seam) for installation flexibility
Special Additives
Anti static yarns, abrasion resistant coatings, or hydrophobic treatments.
Key Selection Factors
When choosing PMC, consider:
- Machine Position – Forming, press, or dryer section.
- Paper Grade – Printing paper, packaging board, tissue, specialty grades.
- Machine Speed & Width – Higher speeds require more stable, balanced fabrics.
- Drainage & Retention Needs – Balance between water removal and fiber/filler retention.
- Wear Resistance – Especially in abrasive or high load positions.
- Chemical & Heat Resistance – For high temperature dryers or aggressive wet end chemistry.
- Seam Type – Endless for smoothness, seamed for quick installation.
- Supplier Technical Support – For trials, troubleshooting, and optimization
Key Selection Factors
When choosing PMC, consider:- Machine Position – Forming, press, or dryer section.
- Paper Grade – Printing paper, packaging board, tissue, specialty grades.
- Machine Speed & Width – Higher speeds require more stable, balanced fabrics.
- Drainage & Retention Needs – Balance between water removal and fiber/filler retention.
- Wear Resistance – Especially in abrasive or high load positions.
- Chemical & Heat Resistance – For high temperature dryers or aggressive wet end chemistry.
- Seam Type – Endless for smoothness, seamed for quick installation.
- Supplier Technical Support – For trials, troubleshooting, and optimization
Common Types
Forming Fabrics
Location: Forming section (wet end) Function: Drain water from pulp slurry, support fiber formation. Types: Single layer, double layer, triple layer, SSB (sheet support binder).
Press Felts
Location: Press section
Function: Mechanically dewater sheet by absorbing water under pressure.
Types: Single layer, multi layer, laminated, needled felts.
Dryer Fabrics (Dryer Screens)
Location: Dryer section Function: Carry sheet through steam heated cylinders, allow evaporation. Types: Woven open mesh, spiral link, flat yarn designs.
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 type | Forming / Press / Dryer |
Machine Width | Must match machine | mm or m |
Machine Speed | Affects stability & design | m/min |
Paper Grade | Influences weave & material | Tissue, board, printing |
Material | Chemical/heat resistance | Polyester, PPS, aramid |
Weave/Structure | Controls drainage & support | Single, double, triple layer |
Permeability | Balances drainage & retention | Measured in CFM or m³/m²/h |
Caliper (Thickness) | Affects dewatering & sheet support | mm |
Seam Type | Installation & performance | Endless, pin seam, spiral |
Special Treatments | Performance enhancement | Anti‑static, abrasion‑resistant |