English
English
Polyester forming mesh, also called paper machine forming fabric or forming wire, operates in the wet end of a paper machine where diluted pulp first becomes a continuous sheet. This is one of the most sensitive stages in papermaking: the fabric must support fibers, drain a large volume of water, retain fines and fillers, avoid excessive wire marking, track accurately at machine speed and remain stable under continuous tension. Feierte manufactures forming fabrics from 100% polyester monofilaments and offers single-layer, double-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer constructions together with multiple shed patterns, including 4-, 5-, 7-, 8-, 16- and 24-shed designs.
For paper mills, a forming fabric is not selected primarily by micron rating. The relevant language includes fiber support, drainage index, air permeability, mesh count, yarn diameter, layer structure, surface smoothness, seam configuration, machine speed and the paper grade being produced. A fabric that drains too aggressively may disturb sheet formation and increase fines loss. A fabric that drains too slowly can shift more water removal into the press and dryer sections, increasing energy consumption. Feierte’s product page therefore emphasizes balanced drainage, uniform fiber distribution and dimensional stability.
When pulp slurry lands on the forming section, fibers begin to orient and interlock while water passes through the fabric. The supporting surface determines how evenly fibers distribute and how many fines or fillers are retained. Uneven support can create thin spots, basis-weight variation or two-sidedness. A rough surface or inappropriate yarn pattern can leave wire marks that remain visible after pressing and drying.
Feierte’s current forming mesh page links the fabric directly to sheet formation quality and highlights improved fiber distribution, controlled drainage and a smooth paper surface. These characteristics are particularly important for printing, writing and tissue grades where visual uniformity and printability matter.
| Forming Fabric Structure | General Character | Typical Selection Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Single-layer | Simple construction, high drainage and economical design | Lower-speed machines, certain coarse or less marking-sensitive grades |
| Double-layer | Improved support and stability compared with basic single-layer designs | General paper grades requiring a better balance of retention and drainage |
| 2.5-layer | Additional support yarns improve surface and wear characteristics | Packaging and medium/high-speed applications needing stronger stability |
| 3-layer | Separate paper-side and machine-side functions can be optimized | High-speed machines and demanding tissue, printing or specialty grades |
Feierte lists 4-, 5-, 7-, 8-, 16- and 24-shed options. The shed count describes the repeating interlacing pattern of machine-direction and cross-direction yarns. Higher-complexity designs can create a smoother paper side while preserving a durable machine side, but the best pattern depends on machine geometry and paper grade. A 24-shed specialty fabric should not be assumed superior to an 8-shed fabric in every application; it may solve a specific formation or marking problem at a higher cost.
When replacing an existing forming fabric, paper mills should provide the current layer and shed design if known. If the current fabric performs well, Feierte can match the structure and dimensions. If the mill wants to solve drainage, marking, retention or lifetime problems, machine and stock data are needed so the construction can be changed deliberately.
Tissue grades require good formation at low basis weight together with a surface that supports softness and absorbency. Feierte identifies facial tissue, toilet paper, kitchen towel and napkin production as applications. Rapid water removal is useful, but too much fiber loss or wire marking can damage product quality. The forming fabric should support fine fibers and maintain a uniform sheet before the wet web transfers to downstream sections.
For tissue, buyers should provide machine speed, furnish type, basis-weight range and any current formation or pinhole problem. Surface characteristics and multi-layer structure may matter more than absolute drainage.
Packaging paper machines handle heavier basis weights and can use recycled furnish with a broad fiber-length distribution. Feierte positions 2.5-layer and 3-layer structures for demanding kraft, corrugated medium, linerboard and duplex board production. These fabrics provide stronger mechanical stability and can support higher stock loading while maintaining drainage.
Packaging mills should pay attention to contamination and wear because recycled furnish can contain stickies, fillers and abrasive contaminants. Shower systems and fabric-cleaning equipment must keep the openings clear. A durable machine-side construction helps extend life under continuous high loading.
Printing and writing grades need a smooth surface with minimal wire marking so ink holdout, opacity and appearance remain consistent. Feierte’s forming mesh page describes high retention of fine fibers and fillers and a smooth support surface. Specialty papers such as filter paper, decorative paper, electrical insulation paper and cigarette paper can require very different porosity and formation profiles, making custom weave selection particularly important.
For specialty grades, procurement should not copy a fabric used on a general writing-paper machine without reviewing the target paper properties. Feierte can use the grade, basis weight and machine conditions to recommend an appropriate layer and shed design.
| Operating Symptom | Possible Fabric Relationship | What to Evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| High white-water solids | Fabric too open or poor fiber support | Layer structure, mesh count, yarn diameter and furnish retention |
| Slow drainage | Fabric too dense, blinded or unsuitable structure | Permeability, shower cleaning, stock freeness and fabric age |
| Wire marks on sheet | Paper-side surface too coarse or seam/joint influence | Surface yarn design, tension, seam and pressure conditions |
| Frequent web breaks | Formation instability, contamination or tracking issues | Drainage uniformity, fabric alignment, sheet support and machine condition |
| Short fabric life | Abrasion, excessive tension, chemical attack or damaged rolls | Machine-side yarns, roll surfaces, cleaning pressure and chemistry |
Feierte states that forming mesh can be supplied with endless weaving, pin seams, spiral ring seams and steel clip joints depending on machine design. High-speed paper machines may prefer constructions that minimize seam marking and vibration. Installation must also preserve the belt’s squareness; even a precisely woven fabric can track poorly if tension is applied unevenly.
Before startup, rolls and showers should be inspected. Deposits on a roll can create local tension and wear. The fabric should be brought to operating tension gradually, then tracking and drainage should be checked across the full width.
Feierte uses polyester monofilaments because they provide tensile strength, low elongation and resistance to many acidic and weak alkaline papermaking conditions. Heat setting stabilizes the fabric geometry after weaving. However, strong alkali, unusual cleaners or elevated temperatures should still be reviewed. Polyester is durable, but it is not chemically inert in every condition.
Shower cleanliness strongly affects service life. Plugged nozzles allow fibers and fillers to blind portions of the fabric, while excessive high-pressure cleaning can erode yarns. Mills should track fabric permeability and visual contamination over time rather than waiting for severe drainage loss.
Provide machine manufacturer/model, fabric width and length, machine speed, roll diameters, current seam, paper grade, furnish, basis-weight range and any known shed/layer specification. Also state the problem to be solved: formation, retention, drainage, marking, tracking or lifetime. An existing fabric sample or technical sheet can help Feierte reproduce or improve the construction.
Use the Feierte Contact Us page to submit the machine and process information. Feierte can recommend layer structure, shed type, permeability and seam and can produce a custom fabric for new or existing paper machines. Repeat orders should reference the approved construction code because small changes in yarn and weave can affect sheet quality.
Provide paper machine model, fabric width and length, machine speed, paper grade, basis weight, furnish and the current layer/shed design if known. Also describe any drainage, marking, retention or tracking issue.
Feierte's current product page lists single-layer, double-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer polyester forming fabrics, allowing the paper side and machine side to be balanced for different production requirements.
The page lists 4-, 5-, 7-, 8-, 16- and 24-shed patterns. The correct choice depends on paper grade, machine speed, desired surface quality and drainage/retention balance.
Yes. Feierte states that its forming fabrics can be customized to the exact dimensions and operating requirements of domestic or imported equipment.
