Bringing virtual reality to forming fabric design

Forming fabrics can be tailored to a PM by two computer simulators which are based on process variables. They provide mills with a tool which : 1) predicts the structure of the sheet through virtual forming. Virtual process conditions can be adjusted and evaluated, e.g. retention, density, gsm, formation, roughness, porosity, thickness. 2) Quantifies the effect of the forming fabric on virtual paper properties. The critical drainage factor can be calculated, as can the wear resistance of the fabric and the critical failure point. This enhances accuracy in calculating the wear potential of a fabric enabling a mill to optimise its life cycle.