Paper Industry – Processes, Machinery and Drive Solutions

The paper industry transforms raw materials like wood pulp, recycled fibers, and cellulose into paper, cardboard, and packaging materials. It is one of the oldest and most essential industrial sectors, serving publishing, packaging, hygiene, and more. Paper production is a highly automated process that requires robust, precise, and energy-efficient machinery. In this article, you’ll learn how the paper industry works and how Rehfuss Drive Solutions supports it with durable and efficient gear motors.

What Is the Paper Industry?

The paper industry includes all industrial activities related to the production of:

• Graphic papers: Newsprint, office paper, magazines
• Packaging papers: Corrugated board, cartonboard, kraft paper
• Tissue papers: Toilet paper, napkins, kitchen towels
• Specialty papers: Filter paper, thermal paper, labels

Production starts with raw material preparation and continues through pulping, sheet forming, drying, coating, cutting, and packaging. Each of these steps involves multiple machines, motors, and control systems.

Main Processes in the Paper Industry

1. Pulping

Wood chips or recycled paper are turned into pulp by mechanical grinding or chemical cooking. Mixing tanks and agitators ensure uniform pulp consistency – powered by gear motors designed for high torque and continuous duty.

2. Sheet Formation

The pulp slurry is spread onto a moving wire mesh where water drains and a continuous paper web forms. Drive systems synchronize the wire and felt sections at high speeds, ensuring dimensional accuracy.

3. Pressing and Drying

Water is removed mechanically and then through heat. Heated rollers, steam drums, and ventilation fans require powerful, temperature-resistant drive systems.

4. Coating and Calendaring

Some paper grades receive coatings or are polished with calendars to improve smoothness or printability. Precise control of roller speed and pressure is critical – enabled by reliable gear units.

5. Winding and Cutting

The continuous paper web is wound into rolls or cut into sheets. Rehfuss drives support the tension control, speed regulation, and positioning required in this final stage.

Machinery in the Paper Industry

Paper Machines

Long and complex production lines composed of multiple stages (forming, pressing, drying, finishing) – often over 100 meters in length. Dozens of synchronized drive motors are required.

Rewinders and Slitters

These machines cut and roll the finished paper into customer-specific formats. Rehfuss drives enable precise acceleration and tension control.

Pumps and Mixers

Used for water and pulp transport. Gear motors ensure continuous and efficient flow with minimal downtime.

Conveyors and Stackers

Transport systems handle raw material intake, internal logistics, and packaging. These systems benefit from robust gearboxes with reliable performance under dusty and wet conditions.

Drive Requirements in the Paper Industry

✔️ High Efficiency

Energy costs are a major factor in paper production. Rehfuss gear motors are optimized for efficiency and can be operated with frequency inverters for dynamic control.

✔️ Resistance to Moisture and Heat

Drying zones, pulp tanks, and steam environments require sealed and thermally stable drive units.

✔️ Continuous Operation

Paper plants often run 24/7. Rehfuss offers durable drive systems with long maintenance intervals and high availability.

✔️ Precision and Synchronization

Uniform web speed, tension control, and roller synchronization are vital for product quality. Rehfuss drive technology supports exact positioning and coordination.

✔️ Compact Integration

Space-saving drive units fit into existing machine frames. Rehfuss gearboxes are modular and compatible with various installation types.

Why Rehfuss Drive Solutions Is the Ideal Partner

Proven Drive Systems for Paper Machines

Rehfuss develops and supplies gear motors tailored to the specific demands of the paper industry. Our products are used in forming sections, rewinders, conveyors, and more.

Custom Configurations for OEMs

Whether for a new machine or a retrofit – we provide application-specific drive systems with special shafts, flanges, and mounting positions.

Long Service Life and Easy Maintenance

Our gearboxes are engineered for long-term use under tough conditions – with low-noise operation and reduced downtime.

Corrosion and Moisture Protection

Optional coatings and stainless steel versions are available for wet environments or cleaning-intensive zones.

Engineering Support and Global Reach

Rehfuss offers CAD support, drive selection tools, and multilingual documentation – ensuring smooth integration and operation worldwide.

More information here