ABSTRACT
Computers are used in almost every manufacturing stage of paper machine clothing and papermaking. Computers have been widely used in design, development, modification and analysis of various products and processes. A typical computer aided design system consists of computer, monitor, scanner, plotter, printer and digitizer. Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is an integrated computerized production system that is used to improve operations and product quality in a manufacturing environment. In general, CIM consists of three building blocks: process technology, control technology and knowledge technology. Control technology uses computers, microprocessors and programmable controllers for self-regulatory manufacturing process control. High resolution computers are ideal tools for microscopic view of materials. Computer testing of products such as fabrics and paper products can be done by first modeling the product and then subjecting it to the test conditions. The drainage characteristics of a forming fabric on the paper machine can be obtained using a fluid flow simulation program.
