The basics: What you need to know about press fabrics

The main functions of press fabrics, which are a main component of machine clothing, are to absorb water removed from the sheet, provide uniform pressure to paper in press nips, impart desired surface finish to the sheet, transport the web through the press section, and act as a power transmission belt to turn undriven rolls in the press section. Base fabrics provide stability to the Press fabric structure, control caliper and void volume, and help in distributing applied pressure. Batt fibers, which cover the base fabric, provide pressure uniformity, and helps in controlling sheet pick-up and release. These fabrics can be categorized under different groups: single- and double-layer; laminated; and nonwoven, depending on their structure. Safety, reduced installation time and improvements in the seam technology are some of the main factors that contributes to the increasing use of seamed press fabrics.