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Cylinder Machine:
- Uses a series of rotating mesh-covered cylinders (called molds) that dip into vats of pulp.
- The pulp is picked up on the outer surface of each cylinder and transferred to a felt belt.
- Multiple cylinders can be used to build up layers, ideal for multi-ply board.
- Uses a single continuous moving wire mesh (called a wire or forming table).
- Pulp is poured onto the wire, water drains through gravity and suction, and the sheet forms as it travels along the wire.
- Typically forms a single uniform sheet (though modern Fourdriniers can be adapted for multi-ply).
Cylinder Machine:
- Best for multi-ply, thick paperboard.
- Allows layering of different pulp types (e.g., virgin on outer layers, recycled in the core).
- Results in less uniform sheet but good bulk and stiffness.
- Often used for packaging board, chipboard, greyboard, etc.
- Produces more uniform, smoother, and thinner sheets.
- Ideal for printing papers, fine paper, linerboard, etc.
- Higher quality surface finish and better control over fiber orientation.
Cylinder Machine:
- Slower speed (typically less than 200–300 m/min).
- Lower production capacity.
- Simpler and more suitable for small to medium-scale operations.
- Much faster (can exceed 1,000 m/min).
- Higher production output.
- Suited for large-scale, high-efficiency production.
Cylinder Machine:
- Drainage is by suction inside the cylinder mold.
- Slower drainage, more fiber loss.
- Allows better control over layer composition.
- Uses gravity, table rolls, and vacuum boxes for drainage.
- Better fiber retention and sheet consistency.
Cylinder Machine:
- Mostly used for recycled board and lower-grade products.
- Simple design, lower capital cost.
- More technologically advanced and versatile.
- Used for a wide range of grades including coated board, printing paper, tissue, and more.
