A notable milestone has been reached in high-speed paper machine design.

German technology leader Voith has successfully started up PM 19 at Wuzhou Specialty Paper, marking the first commercial operation worldwide of the DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt.

This is not just another machine commissioning.

👉 It represents a structural shift in how press sections handle web stability, threading, and reliability.

What Makes PM 19 Different?

At the core of this project is a long-standing issue in papermaking:

👉 Open-draw threading in the press section

Traditionally, after the press nip, the paper web travels unsupported over the center roll—creating a high-risk zone.

Common problems include:

• Difficult threading during start-up
• Frequent web breaks
• Paper jams in the nip area
• Premature doctor blade wear
• Surface damage to the center roll
• In extreme cases, machine downtime or failure

The Breakthrough: Full-Width Closed Web Threading

The DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt eliminates the open-draw entirely.

Instead, it enables:

👉 Closed, full-width web threading directly from press to drying section

What this changes operationally:

• No unsupported web span
• Continuous web control across the press section
• Reduced mechanical stress on sensitive components

Real Results from PM 19

Early operational data from PM 19 confirms that the technology is not just theoretical.

Key performance improvements:

• Faster and safer threading
• Significant reduction in web breaks
• Improved runnability at high speeds
• Lower wear on doctor blades
• Extended center roll lifetime
• Enhanced operator safety

👉 In practical terms: higher uptime + lower maintenance cost

Why This Matters for High-Speed Paper Machines

Modern paper machines are pushing toward:

• Higher speeds
• Wider widths
• More demanding grades

In this environment, even small instability points become critical.

The center roll open-draw zone has historically been one of those weak points.

👉 Removing it changes the reliability ceiling of the entire machine.

Integrated System Delivery: Beyond Just the Press

Voith did not deliver the press as a standalone upgrade.

Instead, PM 19 was implemented as a fully integrated system including:

• SpeedSizer
• OnQuality control systems
• Machine control system
• ProRelease Plus stabilizer
• Approach flow components
• Start-up clothing and fabrics
• On-site commissioning support

👉 This system-level approach ensured a smooth transition from installation to stable production

Partnership Factor: Why Execution Matters

The success of PM 19 also reflects the long-term collaboration between Voith and Wuzhou.

According to Wuzhou’s leadership, the project aligns with their operational philosophy:

👉 “Integrity and Craftsmanship”

In high-performance papermaking, technology alone is not enough.

Execution, integration, and service support determine whether innovation actually delivers value.

Industry Insight: From Development to Commercial Standard

The most important signal here is not the start-up itself.

👉 It is that this technology has moved from R&D to real production

That means:

• Proven stability
• Validated performance
• Commercial readiness

What This Means for the Industry

For Paper Mills:

• A new benchmark for press section design
• Opportunity to reduce downtime and break rates

For Equipment Suppliers:

• Increased pressure to solve structural machine limitations
• Shift toward integrated system delivery

For Converters and Downstream Users:

• More consistent paper quality
• Reduced supply interruptions

Final Thought

PM 19 is more than a machine start-up.

It demonstrates that long-standing mechanical constraints in papermaking can still be re-engineered.

By eliminating the open-draw zone, Voith has addressed one of the most persistent sources of instability in high-speed paper production.

👉 The result is not just incremental improvement
👉 It is a structural upgrade in machine reliability

Last Updated on 14/04/2026 by Jota Machinery