Metsä Tissue achieves higher machine efficiency with TissueFlex V3 in Germany

HEIDENHEIM, Germany, Oct. 30, 2009 (Press Release) -

With Voith Paper's TissueFlex V3 on the Yankee Pick-up position of PM 2 at Metsä Tissue Stotzheim, Germany, the machine efficiency increased significantly. The felt lifetime is now 8 to 10 weeks compared to a previous life of 6 weeks. Even at the end of the felt lifetime the machine speed is still 1520 m/min, the maximum speed limit of PM 2. Due to higher speeds over 20 days longer, a net monthly production increase of approximately 7-8 % is being achieved. The energy balance is very good, because even at maximum speed, reserve energy is still available. "We are very satisfied with the performance of Tissueflex V3 and the support of the Voith Paper Fabrics & Roll Systems Tissue team is excellent", stated Production Manager Klaus Zilling.

PM 2 has a trim width of 2,70m and produces 15-17 g/m² white and colored napkins. Tissue produced on the machine is sold under the brand name Mola in the Germanic and nearby European market areas.

The success of TissueFlex V3 is based on Voith Paper's specialty for the challenges in the press section, the well-proven Vector technology. This comprises a tri-axial non-woven base fabric structure that provides elasticity in all three spatial directions for excellent compaction resistance and self-cleaning properties. It also has high active void volume for controlled dewatering and handling large amounts of water. Even pressure distribution leads to more uniform drying whilst the multi-axial structure provides low flow resistance and maintained permeability.