The forming process controls much of the internal structure of the paper sheet, and thus has a decisive impact on the product properties. Understanding forming is a necessity in order to achieve high production efficiency and to develop new products and product segments. At Innventia, forming is a topic spanning everything from fundamental research on fibre suspension flows, over the development of technology platforms, all the way to contract work.

The wide scope is made possible by the unique range of facilities available at Innventia, from the FEX pilot system at the large scale end, down to all the equipment necessary to setup controlled small scale laboratory experiments.

Fundamental insights are frequently turned into ideas for process modifications and novel concepts, which may conveniently be tested and further developed using our resources. Good examples are an extended support blade invented to prevent formation defects at high-speed twin-wire forming and the Aq-vane concept for stratified forming. Forming related R&D activities are also undertaken on commission from client companies.

Headbox at the pilot paper machine