Printing & Writing grades demand very high standards of sheet quality, surface smoothness, and printability. Forming fabrics for these applications must deliver an optimal balance of fiber support, drainage capacity, dimensional stability, and wear resistance.

The sheet side requires an exceptionally fine, monoplane surface topography with high Fiber Support Index (FSI) values—to minimize wire marking, maximize fiber and filler retention, and ensure uniform sheet formation. Ultra-fine yarn diameters and tight weave patterns on the paper side are essential for achieving the smooth surface characteristics critical to print quality.

The machine side must provide robust abrasion resistance and dimensional stability to withstand high-speed operation and extend fabric service life. Multi-layer constructions—particularly SSB (Sheet Support Binder) triple-layer—has become the industry standard, as they allow independent optimization of sheet-side and wear-side properties.

Key performance attributes include controlled, steady-state dewatering; low void volume to minimize water carryback and improve couch solids; reduced caliper for enhanced vacuum efficiency; and excellent runnability with minimal sheet breaks. The fabric must also resist contamination and enable clean operation to maintain consistent paper quality over extended production runs.

Fabric Benefits

· Controlled drainage performance maintained throughout fabric life by virtue of open weave structure

· Exceptionally fine sheet-side surface topography

· Superior fiber support characteristics

· High retention of fibers and fillers

· Extended running life resulting from excellent dimensional stability

· Optimized life potential

· Reduced void volume

Forming Fabric Types

· SSB (Sheet Support Binder)

Applicable to Paper Machine Former Types:

· Fourdrinier

· Duo Former

· Twin Former

· Hybrid Former

· Gap Former

Forming Fabric Design Requirements & Influences for Printing & Writing Paper Makers:

Design Requirements

An optimal printing and writing forming fabric must deliver an exceptionally fine, low-marking sheet-side surface with high Fiber Support Index (FSI) and support point values. High yarn densities and ultra-fine yarn diameters on the paper side are essential to maximize mechanical retention, minimize wire marking, and ensure uniform formation. The machine side requires a robust, highly abrasion-resistant construction—typically featuring 8-shed weaves—to ensure dimensional stability and extended service life. Thin caliper and low void volume are critical for reducing water carryback and improving couch solids. The fabric must also provide controlled, steady-state drainage with high open area to support efficient dewatering across a wide range of machine speeds.

Customer Benefits

For the papermaker, this translates into superior sheet quality: improved formation, smoother surfaces, better printability, and reduced print mottle. Enhanced fiber and filler retention minimizes raw material loss. High drainage capacity enables increased machine speeds and reduced energy consumption. A cleaner forming section with less fiber carryback reduces wet-end breaks and improves overall machine efficiency. Extended fabric life and stability lower total cost of ownership, delivering both productivity gains and operational savings.