Polyester forming fabric mesh

Types of polyester forming fabric mesh

Machine manufacturers use the polyester forming fabric mesh to support paper pulp during the initial phase of the paper-making process. There are several types of this fabric depending on the weave, the use, and the equipment it is compatible with.

• Dryer Fabrics

  Drier sheets absorb moisture from the paper as it goes through the dry section of the paper-making machine. Combining aluminum, polyester, and other alloys in a specific mesh design creates a durable and corrosion-resistant fabric.

• Spiral Fabrics

  A continuous forming fabric that is manufactured to specific lengths with no seams. A plastic spiral and polyester yarn are twisted together to form a strong mesh with variable porosity varying that affects the drainage speed.

• PL Mesh

  An all-around fabric mesh, PL mesh is used for the production of paper, board, and tissue. To produce it, a strong filament polyester is pre-stretched, drawn, and heat-set. This creates a durable and long-lasting mesh fabric.

  The precise aperture size and the longitudinal and transverse strength ensure that the pulp forms evenly and the mesh stands up to the demands of the paper-making process.

• Single Wire

  The first wire in the making of paper. Usually, it is made with 100% polyester monofilament. For high-precision paper production, single wires are more common as they result in a lower fibre loss on the wire.

Specifications and Maintenance

There are some important specifications of the polyester forming mesh fabric, the maintenance of which is very important for the durability of the fabric.

• Width: The width of the forming fabric may differ according to the manufacturer. However, the general width of the fabric ranges from 1.5 - 5 m. The width of the fabric affects the size and capacity of the machine that uses it.
• Air permeability: The degree to which air can flow through the forming fabric is known as Air permeability. A fabric's dewatering ability is determined by air permeability, which is often measured in cubic meters per square meter every minute (m3/m2/min). Higher air permeability leads to faster water removal from the pulp and better production efficacy. The typical value is between 15 m3/m2/min and 25 m3/m2/min.
• Surface roughness: The ability of the mesh fabric to retain fine fibers and water, as well as the quality of the paper produced, are both influenced by the surface roughness of the forming fabric. It is generally measured in micrometers (µm) and is usually within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 μm.
• Tensile strength: The forming mesh fabric's ability to resist breaking or ripping when put under stress is referred to as its tensile strength. This may guarantee that the fabric will last for a long time and withstand regular use. It is generally 150 - 250 N/m.
• Temperature resistance: It is very crucial that the forming fabrics be compatible with the temperature range of the machines using them. Typically, polyester forming fabrics can withstand temperatures of 180 °C to 220 °C.

Proper maintenance of forming fabrics is essential in ensuring their durability and performance in the machinery they are used in. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Regular cleaning: Cleaning the fabric regularly helps remove any build-up of fibers, chemicals, and dirt that may clog the mesh and impact its performance. This is crucial in maintaining the forming fabric's structural integrity and preventing odor development.
• Use appropriate cleaning agents: When cleaning the fabric, use gentle cleaning agents that won't harm or degrade the material. Avoid bleach or any other harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric.
• Avoid subjecting the fabric to extreme conditions: Extreme temperatures, moisture, and chemical exposure can weaken the forming fabric. Avoid exposing the mesh to harsh environmental conditions that may damage it.
• Handle with care: When transporting or storing the forming fabric, handle it carefully to avoid tearing or damaging it. Use appropriate packaging materials to protect the mesh from any potential damage during transportation.

Uses of Polyester Forming Fabric Mesh

Polyester forming fabric mesh plays a crucial role in the paper-making process. It is primarily used on the paper machine's wire section. The paper slurry is poured onto the forming fabric, and the fabric tension helps retain the fibers, forming a wet sheet of paper. After serving its purpose, the forming fabric transfers the wet sheet to the pressing section.

Aside from its main application in the paper-making industry, polymer forming mesh fabric has found uses in various other industries as well.

• Textile Industry:

In the textile industry, polyester forming fabric mesh is commonly used as a filtering medium during the dyeing and printing processes. It aids in the separation of solid materials, such as agglomerates and dye precipitates, ensuring that pristine liquids are utilized in the operations. Moreover, this mesh fabric can be employed in fabric production, primarily as a textile structure that imparts distinctive textures and designs to the final products.

• Food Industry:

In the food industry, polyester forming fabric mesh can be used in food dewatering, drying, and filtering applications. It is often utilized to separate and retain food products such as fruit and vegetable pulps, juices, and other solid-liquid mixtures.

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries:

Forming fabrics made of polyester are utilized as filtration and separation media in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. They are essential components in bioengineering, cell cultivation, and fermentation processes. These fabrics perform crucial functions like cell retention, product recovery, and clarification filtration, thereby guaranteeing the purity and quality of pharmaceutical and biotechnological products.

• Textile Screen Printing:

Polyester mesh fabric is widely used in screen printing, particularly in the textile industry. It serves as the printing stencil support, enabling the transfer of ink onto various materials, including fabrics. The mesh allows for precise ink transference and control, resulting in high-quality printing outcomes.

In addition to textile screen printing, polyester mesh fabric is also utilized in other screen printing applications across different industries. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for achieving accurate and effective printing on various substrates.

How to Choose the Polyester Forming Fabric Mesh

While shopping for the industrial mesh fabric forming, there are some factors to consider to ensure they are choosing something suitable for the business and customers' needs.

• Process Needs:

  Understand the specific requirements to be fulfilled by the forming fabric. For instance, if it is required to support heavy stock, consider mesh with a greater durability and thickness. To achieve a specific product finish, examine the fabric's surface characteristics—choose the material and design that aligns with the desired end product.

• Machine Compatibility:

  Ensure that the chosen forming fabric is compatible with the existing paper machine. Measure the essential fabric dimensions, including width and length, to guarantee a proper fit. Consider the fabric's weave and material to ensure it works well with the paper machine's functioning mechanism.

  Check the compatibility of the forming fabric with the paper machine's separation technology. This helps to ensure efficient stock separation and prevent operational issues.

• Cost:

  The initial expenditure is the upfront cost of purchasing the forming fabric. Weigh the up-front cost against long-term performance and durability to find the optimal cost-effective option. Consider the maintenance expenses related to the forming fabric, such as cleaning, repair, and replacement costs.

  Think about the operational costs influenced by the forming fabric's efficiency, including energy consumption and papermaking material usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between forming fabrics and other fabrics?

A1: Forming fabrics are specialized industrial textiles designed for use in the paper-making process. Unlike other fabrics that may prioritize softness, drape, or aesthetic qualities, forming fabrics focus on durability, dimensional stability, and specific openness and air-permeability characteristics.

Q2: What kinds of paper does the polyester forming mesh fabric produce?

A2: The choice of forming fabric can influence the type of paper produced. For instance, open-forming fabrics that allow for maximum water removal are typically used for crafting newsprint, writing paper, and other papers that don't necessitate intricate fiber distribution. Meanwhile, medium and fine meshes with tighter weaves are employed to produce fine paper grades such as printing paper, tissue paper, and filter paper.

Q3: Can other materials be used instead of polyester in forming fabrics?

A3: While polyester's qualities make it a top option for forming fabric production, other materials might be utilized in certain situations. Nylon forming fabrics are sometimes employed in particular paper mills because of their higher strength than polyester. Nevertheless, the global market's predominant forming fabric materials remain polyester.