PFM Screen's Polyester Forming Fabrics are the dewatering mesh belts (forming wire) that run in the forming section of a paper machine. They are precision-woven from polyester (PET) monofilament combined with polyamide (nylon) monofilament and are supplied in single layer, 1.5 layer, double layer, 2.5 layer and triple layer (SSB) constructions to match Fourdrinier, gap former and high-speed paper machines. By adjusting yarn diameter, weave structure and mesh count, PFM Screen engineers fiber retention, drainage and air permeability to your exact paper grade and running speed.
Every fabric is made to order to your machine width, length, weave pattern, mesh count and air permeability (CFM), with factory-direct pricing and fast sampling. Standard warp service life, wear resistance and low net consumption are engineered into every construction.
In the paper forming stage, the fibre–water stock is discharged onto the forming fabric loop running at high speed. Paper fibres are retained and consolidated on the fabric surface while water drains through the mesh, assisted by forming boards, foils and vacuum boxes. By the time the wet sheet leaves the forming zone, its moisture content is typically 80% to 84%.
Materials & Wear-Resistant Construction Woven from polyester (PET) with nylon (PA6) monofilament for wear resistance. The triple-layer (SSB) fabric adds a wear-resistant weft thread in the middle layer and adjusts the weave structure for higher dimensional stability and longer running life. | Custom Dimensions & Permeability Any width and length, and custom mesh count and air permeability (CFM) engineered to your paper grade and machine speed. Heat-sealed edge treatment prevents warp fraying for a clean, stable fabric. |
01 Fiber Retention Retains and consolidates fibres on the surface for a cleaner, more even sheet formation | 02 Fast Drainage Open-mesh structure drains water quickly — 80%–84% moisture leaves the forming zone | 03 Wear Resistance Nylon weft and wear-resistant threads extend fabric life and cut net consumption | 04 Dimensional Stability Stable weave resists stretch, anti-ageing and anti-fatigue for a straight-running sheet |
By weaving type, polyester forming fabrics are divided into the 4-shed, 5-shed and 8-shed single-layer fabrics, the 8-shed double-layer fabric, the 16-shed 2.5-layer fabric and the 24-shed triple-layer (SSB) fabric. Each construction is matched to a paper grade and machine speed.
| Weave Type | Shed / Layer | Typical Paper Grade | Machine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Layer | 4-shed / 5-shed | Cultural, printing, glossy, packaging paper, ordinary newsprint | Standard Fourdrinier |
| Single / 1.5 Layer | 8-shed | Paper bag, kraft, cardboard, corrugated medium, general printing | Standard Fourdrinier |
| Double Layer | 8-shed | Dictionary, offset printing, newsprint, forming paper, tissue, board stock | Medium & high speed |
| 2.5 Layer | 16-shed | Offset book, copperplate base, newsprint, cigarette, tissue, white cardboard | Medium & high speed |
| Triple Layer (SSB) | 24-shed | High-quality printing, tissue, cigarette series paper | High speed |
 ● 4-shed / 5-shed: cultural, printing, glossy & packaging paper, newsprint ● 8-shed: paper bag, kraft, cardboard & corrugated paper ● For standard Fourdrinier paper machines |  ● 8-shed single / 1.5 layer construction ● High-volume packaging paper and general printing paper ● For ordinary Fourdrinier paper machines |
 ● 8-shed: dictionary, offset printing, newsprint, forming, tissue paper ● Board surface, lining, core & base stock ● For medium and high-speed paper machines |  ● 16-shed: offset book, copperplate base, newsprint, cigarette paper series ● White cardboard surface / lining / core / bottom pulp ● For medium and high-speed paper machines |
 Triple Layer (SSB) Forming Fabric ● Multi-shed (24-shed) construction with wear-resistant middle weft thread ● High-quality printing paper, tissue paper and cigarette series paper ● Engineered for high-speed paper machines | |
| Parameter | Options / Range |
|---|---|
| Weave type | 4-shed / 5-shed / 8-shed single layer; 8-shed double layer; 16-shed 2.5 layer; 24-shed triple layer (SSB) |
| Material | Polyester (PET) monofilament + polyamide (nylon) monofilament |
| Mesh count | Custom — threads/cm or threads/inch |
| Yarn diameter | Custom — mm |
| Air permeability | Custom — CFM or m³/m²/h, matched to paper grade & speed |
| Width & length | Made to your machine dimensions |
| Edge treatment | Heat-sealed / sealed edge, custom |
* Typical ranges shown. Actual specifications are confirmed per order based on your paper grade, machine type and running speed.
Printing & Writing Paper ● Cultural, printing, glossy & offset printing paper ● Dictionary, newsprint & forming paper ● Double, 2.5 layer & triple layer (SSB) fabrics | Packaging & Board ● Paper bag, kraft & corrugated paper ● Cardboard & carton board ● White cardboard surface / lining / core / bottom pulp |
Tissue & Cigarette Paper ● Tissue & toilet paper ● Cigarette paper series — forming & filter-tip paper ● Engineered for high-speed machines | Low & High Speed Machines ● Low / medium speed — economical low-end products ● High speed — premium quality paper products ● Fourdrinier, gap former & hybrid formers |
Q1: What is a forming fabric in a paper machine? A forming fabric (forming wire) is the endless dewatering mesh that runs in the forming section. It drains water from the fibre stock while retaining and consolidating paper fibres into a wet sheet. |
Q2: What is the difference between single, double and triple layer (SSB) forming fabrics? Single layer uses one weave layer for standard Fourdrinier machines. Double and 2.5 layer fabrics add a separate sheet side and wear side for better fiber support and longer life. Triple layer (SSB) fully separates the sheet-support top from the machine-side wear layer for the best formation, stability and drainage on high-speed machines. |
Q3: How do I choose the right forming fabric for my paper grade and machine speed? Send your paper grade (packaging, kraft, printing/writing, tissue or cigarette paper), machine type and speed, and fabric width and length. We recommend the weave, mesh count and air permeability that balance fiber retention, drainage and service life. |
Q4: Can you match my existing machine dimensions or a competitor's forming fabric specification? Yes. We manufacture to your exact width, length, weave, mesh count and air permeability, and can match or reverse-engineer an existing fabric sample for a drop-in replacement. |
Q5: What is your MOQ, lead time and packaging for forming fabrics? MOQ is flexible (typically one machine-size piece). Standard lead time is confirmed on order and urgent replacements can be expedited. Fabrics are rolled on a rigid core, wrapped in waterproof film and packed in reinforced export cartons or wooden cases. |
Q6: How do I get a forming fabric quote or sample? Email polyestermesh@pfmscreen.com or send a WhatsApp message to +86 153 6967 9157 with your paper grade, machine type, fabric width/length and target air permeability. We reply with a quotation and can provide a sample swatch. |
Get a Custom Forming Fabric Specification Within 24 Hours Share your paper grade, machine type, fabric width/length and target air permeability (CFM) — PFM Screen will recommend the right forming fabric and send a factory-direct quotation. WhatsApp: +86 153 6967 9157 Email: polyestermesh@pfmscreen.com |
