ABSTRACT

This chapter examines sheet formation, forming fabrics and the forming section of the paper machine. Formation of the sheet is the most critical phase of paper manufacturing. If the sheet is not formed properly in the forming section, there is hardly anything that can be done to correct it later on in the remaining sections of the paper machine. There are various forming section configurations of paper machines and although the principle of sheet formation is the same, the process of sheet formation depends on the machine configuration. The forming fabric is the vehicle which ties together the pieces of the delivery zone in the forming section of the paper machine. The high fiber support, coupled with the reduction in crossover points improves sheet smoothness and reduces wire mark. These two physical properties are major considerations for the papermaker. The design and manufacture of a forming fabric for a paper machine is a complex task.