Forming Fabric Caliper

The caliper or thickness of a forming fabric is an important parameter for the fabric's performance. But what does the caliper of a running forming fabric tell you?

Of course the caliper is an indicator for fabric wear ► the thinnest spot determines the life of the whole fabric. This thinnest spot is usually close to the fabric edges and caused by dewatering elements.

If the fabric becomes thinner at a certain spot, the dewatering can be different ► an uneven sheet profile.
Wear streaks make the fabric lose its stability and tension ► causing an uneven sheet profile.

Please be aware that most fabrics are designed to wear on the machine side, as shown underneath. Often a 0.05 mm caliper reduction on the machine side of the fabric is acceptable, where the same value on the paper side could cause a big problem. Only a visual inspection on a standing machine gives all the information.

Wear potential on the machine side of a forming fabric

Feltest Products for measuring Fabric Caliper

Feltest offers the following products to measure the caliper / thickness in Paper Machine wires and forming fabrics:

Feltest Caliper Profiler

The history of the Feltest Caliper Gauge goes back to 1992. Ever since then it has been the only accurate instrument to measure fabric edge profiles on the running machine!

Feltest Fabric Profiler

On the standing Paper Machine, or in the QC of any forming fabric producer, the Feltest Fabric Profiler makes a full width caliper profiles. At the same time also the tension profile is also recorded, giving you an excellent picture of the fabrics condition.

Working close to running paper machines is potentially dangerous and requires alertness, concentration and common sense. The products of Feltest Equipment BV are designed and constructed to be as safe as possible for their intended use. Nevertheless it is the user's responsibility to actually use the products in a safe way. Feltest Equipment bv cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for suffered injuries or damages that occurred while using their products.