Definitional Stage
Processing stages involve the treatment of pulp to ensure it is ready for the paper machine headbox. Effective stock preparation includes refining and cleaning alongside the addition of functional chemicals to achieve the desired paper properties. It is the final opportunity for the mill to adjust the quality of the fibre slurry before the sheet is formed.
Refining and Cleaning
The fibres are passed through mechanical refiners to increase their bonding potential and flexibility. During stock preparation, centrifugal cleaners and screens remove any remaining contaminants and knots that would cause defects in the finished sheet.
Additive Integration
This stage is also where dyes and sizing agents alongside strength resins are precisely metered into the system. These chemicals are necessary for controlling the water resistance and color of the final product. Because the stock preparation system is continuous, the flow and consistency of the pulp must be monitored constantly to prevent fluctuations in the grammage of the paper.
This automated control ensures that the board has a uniform structure and consistent performance across the entire web. The quality of this preparation directly influences the efficiency of the paper machine and the final print quality achieved by the customer.