Paper industry supplier Voith has brought PM 19 into operation at Wuzhou Specialty Paper under a contract announced in 2025.

According to a Voith company statement, the machine is the first reported installation worldwide using Voith’s DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with a centre belt.

The press arrangement has moved from the development stage into commercial use, and the parties report stable output and steady web run.

A central change is the introduction of closed, full-width threading from the press section into the drying section.

This removes the open draw around the centre roll, which is an area associated with weaknesses in conventional press layouts.

Open draw threading at the centre roll has long been linked to runnability problems on high-speed machines.

Typical issues include challenging and time-consuming threading, a higher probability of web breaks, nip paper jamming, earlier doctor blade wear and damage to the centre roll surface.

In severe cases, these effects can contribute to major equipment faults.

For PM 19, Voith supplied a system package tailored to Wuzhou Specialty Paper’s requirements.

The delivery included one SpeedSizer, two OnQuality quality control systems, the machine control system, ProRelease Plus stabiliser, key approach flow components, start-up clothing and fabrics, plus on-site start-up support covering approach flow through to reel.

Voith said this supported the move from commissioning to stable operation.

Wuzhou Specialty Paper Group deputy general manager Zhang Yanchen said: “Over the years, Wuzhou Specialty Paper and Voith Paper have maintained a strong, mutually supportive partnership.

"For PM 19, Voith once again delivered reliable, stable equipment along with professional and dedicated services, further enhancing the operational stability and production efficiency of the machine."