Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-01 Origin: Site
Paper is a fundamental product used in everyday life—from writing and printing to packaging and personal hygiene. Among the many types of paper products, facial tissues hold a special place due to their daily household use, hygiene function, and demand for softness and strength. Producing such tissue paper involves a complex machine known as a facial tissue machine, and at the heart of this machine lies a crucial component: the paper machine former.
A paper machine former is the part of a tissue or paper machine where the transformation from liquid pulp to solid paper begins. In this stage, a mixture of water and fibers—called paper pulp—is distributed evenly onto a moving wire or fabric. As the water drains, the fibers begin to interlock, forming a continuous sheet of paper.
This step is called sheet formation, and it is essential because it directly impacts the paper’s strength, texture, uniformity, and softness. In the context of a facial tissue machine, the former plays a major role in ensuring that the final tissue product meets quality standards for softness, absorbency, and smoothness.
Different paper grades and product types require different kinds of formers. For example, paperboard used in boxes is much thicker than tissue paper, and therefore needs a different formation method. Let's take a deeper look into the major types of paper machine formers and understand how each one works.
Overview:
The Fourdrinier former is one of the oldest and most traditional forming systems in the paper industry. It was invented in the early 19th century and has been widely used for various paper grades ever since.
How It Works:
In this system, a slurry of pulp is poured from a headbox onto a moving single wire mesh belt. As the belt moves forward, gravity and suction remove water from the slurry, and the fibers begin to form a paper web. The sheet then moves into the pressing and drying sections of the machine.
Applications:
Fourdrinier formers are best suited for low to medium-speed machines and are typically used in the production of printing paper, packaging paper, and newsprint.
Limitations for Facial Tissue:
While Fourdrinier formers can produce relatively uniform paper, they are not ideal for ultra-lightweight and soft products like facial tissues. The drainage system is slower, and the fiber distribution may not offer the soft texture required for tissue products.
Overview:
Also known as the top-wire or gap former, the twin-wire former is an advancement over the Fourdrinier system. It uses two wires to sandwich the pulp slurry, allowing water to drain from both sides simultaneously.
How It Works:
The pulp is injected between two converging wire belts. As the slurry travels forward, water is squeezed out from both sides under pressure. This dual drainage ensures better fiber orientation and higher production speeds.
Applications:
Twin-wire formers are used for producing high-strength paper products such as corrugated board, coated paper, and office paper.
Pros:
High-speed operation
Better fiber retention
Suitable for thicker grades
Limitations for Facial Tissue:
This type is too robust for delicate paper like facial tissues. The high pressure and fast drainage can disturb fiber orientation, resulting in a product that is too harsh or stiff for facial use.
Overview:
The Crescent Former is the most modern and widely used forming system for producing facial tissue, toilet tissue, and other sanitary paper products. It was developed specifically to meet the needs of lightweight, high-quality tissue paper.
How It Works:
The pulp is fed between a forming fabric and a moving Yankee dryer (a large heated drum). Unlike other systems, the Crescent Former allows for very high speeds, while ensuring excellent fiber distribution and softness.
Advantages for Facial Tissue:
Superior softness and uniformity
High production speeds (up to 2000 m/min)
Compact machine design
Better control over sheet weight and thickness
Why It’s Ideal for Facial Tissue Machines:
The Crescent Former's unique configuration ensures that minimal pressure is applied during formation, preserving the bulk and softness of the tissue. It's also highly efficient, allowing for continuous, high-volume production, which makes it the standard for tissue mills worldwide.
Overview:
The Gap Former is a high-speed forming system similar to the Twin-Wire former but with more refined engineering for better sheet consistency and formation control.
How It Works:
In this system, the pulp is injected at high speed between two wires that form a narrow “gap.” The system provides controlled turbulence, which helps in dispersing the fibers evenly.
Applications:
Gap formers are mainly used for high-grade printing and specialty papers where uniform texture and low basis weight are important.
Use in Tissue Production:
Although Gap Formers are not as commonly used as Crescent Formers in the tissue industry, some modern mills do adopt modified gap forming for ultra-thin or specialty tissue products.
When it comes to facial tissue machines, no other forming system compares to the Crescent Former. Here's why manufacturers around the globe prefer it:
The Crescent Former gently handles the fiber mat during formation. This reduces fiber entanglement and compression, leading to ultra-soft tissue sheets that are comfortable for facial use.
Even though there is minimal pressing, the system efficiently removes water with vacuum and air knives, preparing the sheet for quick drying on the Yankee dryer.
The Crescent system is easily integrated into fully automated facial tissue machines, including modules for embossing, folding, cutting, stacking, and packaging.
Since facial tissue typically has a low basis weight (between 12–20 gsm), the Crescent Former is perfectly suited for producing such thin, delicate materials without compromising strength.
Due to its compact and modern design, Crescent Former machines occupy less space while offering higher output, making them a cost-effective solution for large-scale tissue producers.
Choosing the right type of paper machine former is not just an engineering decision—it’s a critical factor in determining product quality, efficiency, and profitability. For companies involved in producing facial tissues, the Crescent Former clearly stands out as the most suitable option due to its softness, uniformity, and production speed.
At Fujian Xinyun Machinery Development Co.,Ltd, we specialize in designing and manufacturing high-performance facial tissue machines equipped with advanced Crescent Formers. Whether you’re starting a tissue paper business or upgrading your existing production line, our team can help you select the best configuration to meet your specific needs.
Contact us today or visit our website www.xytissuemachine.com to learn more about our facial tissue machine solutions. Let us help you build a smarter, more efficient tissue production operation that meets modern market demands.
