Xerium Technologies, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of industrial textiles and rolls used primarily in the paper production process, today announced full commercial availability of SMART^(R) 4.0 Technology with advanced functionality for use in more positions and applications. SMART 4.0 represents the latest evolution of SMART Technology, further supporting customer ability to reduce operational costs and maximize the output of existing equipment, while enhancing product customization capabilities.

This latest SMART 4.0 platform now supports: 1) multi-nip positions for unprecedented simultaneous analysis, 2) expanded pressure ranges that enable installations from soft press nips to high intensity calendar stacks, 3) data export capability to mill DCS and PI computer control systems, and 4) availability with custom sensor spacing and location for enhanced nip diagnostics.

Roll covers, which are used to coat the large machine cylinders that transport raw paper along the lengthy belts while the paper is formed, pressed, and dried, are critical to the quality of paper as it is produced. Xerium began selling its first SmartRoll products in 2008 as the industry's first continuous pressure sensing paper machine press roll. Since then the company has received in excess of 140 SmartRoll orders and put more than 100 machines into operation around the world with 14 unique customer-proven applications. Xerium has more SmartRoll applications in development as the company continues to work with its paper manufacturing customers to maximize output and reduce operational costs.

"Especially in today's bruising marketplace, paper manufacturers are eager to apply new technologies that will give them breakthrough gains in performance and cost advantage," said Stephen R. Light, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. "This latest evolution further expands our platform of high-ROI SmartRoll products."

SOURCE: Xerium Technologies, Inc.