Displaying items by tag: voith paper

On 26 June, during ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2018, Voith introduced its new smart service package, Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper. It offers paper manufacturers the opportunity to have their new machine modeled in virtual reality. This means that Voith customers can benefit from more transparency, efficiency and safety in paper production over the entire life cycle of the machine.

Thanks to the new virtual reality technology a company can experience its own paper machine as early as the planning phaseThanks to the new virtual reality technology a company can experience its own paper machine as early as the planning phase

  • New paper machine can be brought to life as early as the planning phase
  • Better learning outcomes thanks to customized, interactive training programs for new and existing machines.
  • Staff can acquire proficiency in a safe virtual environment

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can obtain a digital representation of their very own new machine within a matter of days. The system allows the machine to be brought to life before it is even built, either on a monitor or for an even more realistic experience using virtual reality goggles. In the planning phase this makes it much easier to configure the machine and develop infrastructure e.g. for stock preparation, buildings and access routes in the planning phase. Providing information to stakeholders is also a much simpler matter if the characteristics and functions of individual components and the entire machine can be represented realistically at any location in the world.

With Virtual Reality by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can become familiar with their paper machine in the planning phaseWith Virtual Reality by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can become familiar with their paper machine in the planning phase

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper effective use can be made of the time available prior to commissioning of the machine. Operators, maintenance crews and managers can acquire proficiency and familiarize themselves with the machine and those inner workings that are not directly accessible in real life. Virtual training programs allow personnel to acquire experience with the operation even though their paper machine is not yet running. Training in a virtual reality environment is about more than just visual perception; there is also a realistic noise backdrop and controls allow the user to move along the entire machine and execute certain hand actions. Much better learning outcomes can be achieved by addressing several sensory perceptions at once.

Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper also ensures more efficiency during operation itself. Staff can practice maintenance activities in advance in interactive training scenarios. The training not only includes all work processes, which are simulated step by step with the necessary tools, it also focuses on occupational safety. For example, the replacement of a press sleeve or screen basket can be simulated and practiced in a safe virtual environment before the task is due to be performed at the machine. The routine acquired in this way then leads to shorter downtimes in real-life maintenance, a lower error rate and a reduced risk of workplace accidents.

Maintenance operations can be tried out in advance in a safe environment by means of virtual training programsMaintenance operations can be tried out in advance in a safe environment by means of virtual training programs

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper the company is taking its next step on route to Papermaking 4.0. “Our aim is to combine the potential offered by digitalization with the physical manufacturing process and in this way optimize paper production,” explains Thomas Holzer, President Business Line Projects Voith Paper. In doing so, Voith is once again offering its customers a tailored, intelligent service solution based on customer requirements that will significantly increase machine availability and process reliability

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The new SmoothRun hydropneumatic damping bearing system for winders effectively reduces vibrations occurring during the winding process. Hydropneumatic damping allows for higher operating speeds and better winding results. Overall, capacity increases of up to 15 percent are possible. This compact upgrade solution is suitable for Voith and Jagenberg two-drum winders.

In conventional winders without special damping, vibrations can occur at higher production speeds for certain paper grades, and these vibrations can impair winding quality. To minimize the disruptive effect of vibrations during the winding process, the production speed and accelerations rates are reduced below the maximum capability of the winder. The solution: With SmoothRun hydropneumatic damping bearings from Voith the vibrations can be effectively reduced even at high speeds, allowing the equipment to operate at consistently high production speeds. At the same time, SmoothRun improves the winding results and reduces the overall mechanical stress on the machine.

SmoothRun helps achieve higher operating speeds and improved winding results.SmoothRun helps achieve higher operating speeds and improved winding results.

Eliminating bottlenecks through capacity upgrades
Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel (PKV) based in Lower Saxony, produces high-quality corrugating medium and testliner on its PM 5. Until now, the existing VariFlex M had to be run at a lower speed when producing paper grades sensitive to vibrations. The result is the winder could barely keep up with the production of the paper machine.

The purpose of the hydropneumatic damping bearings was to allow the winder to be operated at the maximum speed. “Following commissioning of the new bearing system we were able to reduce vibrations for all paper grades and increase speeds. We are currently optimizing the settings of the bearing system with intensive support from Voith,” explains Michael Wolff, Line Manager Equipment at PK Varel. “Following this optimization phase we assume that the speed of the winder can be increased. While further enhancements together with Voith are being made the winder can keep pace with the production of the PM 5,” says Wolff. Voith is helping the company achieve this goal by providing intensive support, e.g. by performing vibration measurements.

Wide range of winder upgrades
Voith offers a wide selection of upgrades enabling existing winders to be specifically adapted to today's requirements. For further information have a look at http://voith.com/winder-upgrades

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The NanoSelect calender roll covers are tailored precisely to the specific requirements of a paper machine and as a result increase machine efficiency and paper quality. The desired roll cover properties are determined in consultation between a specialist from the paper manufacturer and the Voith sales engineer. The NanoSelect calender roll covers are configured using the specially developed product selector software.

The Voith consultant uses the software to put together the best technology for the roll cover. The result is a mixture of standard and application-specific components.The Voith consultant uses the software to put together the best technology for the roll cover. The result is a mixture of standard and application-specific components.

Through the product selector and NanoSelect calender roll covers Voith is offering a new and unique way of satisfying individual customer requirements. Because the requirements that a roll cover needs to meet differ from paper machine to paper machine. This is why paper manufacturers often have to make compromises when selecting a cover. The new product selector software now allows paper makers to quickly and easily configure and procure the ideal roll cover for their specific application.

During a consultation with a sales specialist from Voith, the customer prioritizes their most important properties on the basis of parameters like wear or barring resistance. The consultant uses the software to put together the best technology for the roll cover. The result is a mixture of standard and application-specific components. This means that every cover is a one-off and is produced individually for the customer. Voith is grouping these customized roll covers under the new product name NanoSelect.

The NanoSelect calender roll covers are tailored precisely to the specific requirements of a paper machine and as a result increase machine efficiency and paper quality.The NanoSelect calender roll covers are tailored precisely to the specific requirements of a paper machine and as a result increase machine efficiency and paper quality.

As NanoSelect roll covers are ideally matched to the requirements of a specific application, they facilitate the production of paper in the desired quality.

Regardless of the paper manufacturers' individual requirements they can use the product selector and NanoSelect to configure their roll covers in an ideal way to obtain the desired properties. For example, if a paper producer has a barring problem in a SoftNip calender despite low loading, a new module in NanoSelect will help reduce this. Another example is the gloss module, which results in a higher gloss and can potentially allow for the adaptation of color formulations and the associated savings.

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Voith's innovative CleanLine traversing cleaning systems for fabrics provide additional benefits for customers compared to established cleaning methods.

With CleanLine, Voith has developed its systems to improve paper quality by thorough cleaning of the fabrics.  CleanLine systems are available for all sections of the paper machine either as new installations or as upgrades of existing Voith equipment to remove more contamination from the surface and structure of fabrics. The CleanLine systems work in combination with other Voith products to improve the productivity, runnability, safety and quality of the paper making process.

Voith has just introduced CleanLine Extract4D in the drying section for packaging and newsprint paper grades made from recycled fiber.Voith has just introduced CleanLine Extract4D in the drying section for packaging and newsprint paper grades made from recycled fiber.

Maintain Fabric Performance
Clean fabrics are essential for the removal of moisture from the paper web and for achieving the required properties of the finished paper. Voith CleanLine Systems are effective in maintaining the performance of the fabrics and are a cost effective solution to reduce the effects of contamination.

Leading Technology
CleanLine Excell – Forming: by cleaning in two directions with a close concentration of fine water jets the forming fabric is much cleaner. Uniform performance of the fabric is achieved because Excell can more easily remove different levels of contamination across the fabric width. The system uses only about 10 percent of the water volume compared to an oscillating high pressure shower and runs on key reference machines in Europe, America and Asia.

CleanLine Excell – Press: has a selection of different cleaning heads for additional cleaning of press fabrics and transfer belts to solve specific problems with contamination, cleaning chemicals or profiles.

CleanLine Extreme from Voith can automatically switch between on-line and off-line cleaning to keep the fabrics in good condition.

CleanLine Extract4D – Dryers: has just been introduced for packaging and newsprint paper grades made from recycled fiber. Up to four directions of water jets directly contact and remove more contamination from the fabric. This unique system has resulted in better runnabilitry on both packaging and newsprint machines due to cleaner fabric surfaces and higher permeability retention.

CleanLine Extreme – Coaters: is a new system for cleaning tensioning fabrics, running successfully on more than 20 top and bottom sections. Productivity is improved because the system can automatically switch between on-line and off-line cleaning to keep the fabrics in good condition. Highest quality of the coated paper is achieved by using an extended air-knife and option of a heated air blower to ensure that the fabric surface is dry when it contacts the coated paper.

Servolution
With Servolution, Voith is offering customized service packages to improve the performance of its customers and help them increase their productivity. The holistic approach, modular design and easy access to components in the CleanLine systems provides efficient servicing and management of spare parts from a single supplier. Voith provides a comprehensive support package to ensure the highest availability and performance of the cleaning equipment. 

The quality of raw material for making paper faces many challenges in the coming years. Voith’s process know-how, understanding of fabrics and wide experience of fabric cleaning systems makes CleanLine the complete solution for fabric cleaning.

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The installation of a new NipcoFlex shoe press was part of a comprehensive modernization of the Macedonian Paper Mills in Thessaloniki, Greece. With its help, the company was able to improve the quality and quantity of paper production. At the same time, the use of Voith technology reduced the plant's use of resources and therefore improved the company's competitiveness.

  • Better board quality and runability a key criterion
  • Voith's integrated overall concept impresses board manufacturer
  • Detailed advance planning and close collaboration allow smooth rebuild and production start

The installation of a NipcoFlex shoe press was the first step in a comprehensive rebuild of the BM 1 at Macedonian Paper Mills (MEL) in Thessaloniki. This measure allowed the internationally operating manufacturer of board and packaging papers to increase machine production by 15 percent. But this increase is only one of the goals of the upgrade, as Georgios Georgiadis, the manager of the board factory, explains: “With the new press section we were able to improve board quality characteristics, reduce breaks and therefore significantly increase machine availability.” MEL mainly produces paper for packing foodstuffs on its BM1. In this segment, good printability is a major criterion. The investment in the new press section is therefore an important first step towards meeting customer requirements in the long term.

The NipcoFlex technology used on the BM 1 reliably corrects deviations in the CD profile and ensures a uniform thickness across the entire 4.110 millimeter wide paper web. A large Yankee cylinder and a coating system with drying function improve the smoothness of the surface.

Voith NipcoFlex shoe press at Macedonian Paper Mills BM1Voith NipcoFlex shoe press at Macedonian Paper Mills BM1

One challenge associated with modernizing the plant was the tight time frame. The Voith service team had just three weeks to complete the project. Thanks to good preliminary planning and the smooth collaboration between all participants the BM 1 could be restarted on 23 July 2017. As the team from MEL was not familiar with the shoe press technology, comprehensive training including visits to similar systems was conducted in the run-up to the rebuild.

As well as improved paper quality and increased production, the new press section offers another advantage: The BM 1 now needs much less steam, which reduces the energy consumption of the machine. Despite this saving in resources, the NipcoFlex technology also enables a higher dry content in the paper web.

Several factors prompted MEL to work with Voith on this project. One of the key aspects was that Voith has more than 150 years of experience in building paper machines, is a technology leader in many areas and is renowned for the high reliability of its products. In addition, MEL has already worked with Voith on numerous projects, the results of which have been consistently positive for the board mill team. Ultimately, Voith also convinced the customer with an overall concept that was integrated technically and financially. That this was the right decision was not just confirmed by the smooth start to production.

“The atmosphere between the individual teams was excellent. The close collaboration with the colleagues from Voith Tolosa even resulted in some friendships,” says Georgiadis, adding: “I will certainly recommend collaboration with Voith to colleagues in the paper and board industry.”

The project is part of a comprehensive upgrade by the board mill. For example, MEL is investing in its own biomass power plant, which not only supplies power to the paper machine but is also used for steam generation.

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In Schwedt, Voith has converted the LEIPA Group’s PM 5 from a newsprint to a packaging paper machine. On 19 April 2018, the acceptance and handover of the machine of the Schwedt PM 5 project was signed early at LEIPA Georg Leinfelder GmbH, with effect on 13 April. As a result, the Voith team on site managed to bring the entire machine, consisting of a BlueLine OCC stock preparation line, DIP stock preparation line and XcelLine paper machine up to handover quality just 19 days after ‘stock on wire’.

Perfectly matched components and an extensive automation system including OnQ quality control system make the machine a new benchmark in the industry. LEIPA can produce approximately 450,000 metric tons of white top testliner (WTTL) on the machine and is therefore the market leader in this segment. After taking over the UPM mill in Schwedt, the new owner, the LEIPA Group, decided to extensively rebuild the existing PM 11. Under the management of Voith, the conversion of the newsprint paper machine to a machine for the production of white top testliner (WTTL) began in October 2017. LEIPA invested over 160 million euros in the plant. Now known as PM 5, the machine is a new point of reference for packaging paper. Just a few machines worldwide surpass its 9,200-millimeter wire width. It also takes the top spot with its production speed of 1,200 meters per minute. LEIPA plans to produce 1,180 to 1,400 metric tons of white top testliner per day with the best surface properties and basis weights of 100 to 140 grams per square meter. LEIPA wants to manufacture a total of 450,000 metric tons of paper every year and thus expand its market position further.

LEIPA PM 5 project team, from left to right: Martin Kaltenegger, Project Manager LEIPA PM 5, Christian Merz, Chief Commissioning Engineer Voith Paper, Falk Friedrich, Plant Manager LEIPA Schwedt NordLEIPA PM 5 project team, from left to right: Martin Kaltenegger, Project Manager LEIPA PM 5, Christian Merz, Chief Commissioning Engineer Voith Paper, Falk Friedrich, Plant Manager LEIPA Schwedt Nord

Optimized for high speeds
To ensure the PM 5 can meet the desired output and quality requirements, Voith modified almost every component of the existing machine. A new hybrid former with two headboxes DuoFormer D and TopFormer F replaced the previous former, for example. Voith also developed a comprehensive solution for the transition to the press section and for the press, with a DuoCentri NipcoFlex shoe press in the center. These two components were designed to meet the requirements in high speed machines and enable outstanding product quality. Robust SolarPress roll covers assist in achieving this. The covers do not require any water cooling and help LEIPA to conserve resources. The SpeedSizer AT is also optimized for the uniform and faultless application of starch at high speeds.

During the rebuild, Voith separated the existing dryer section into a pre-dryer and after-dryer section. In the process, the pre-dryer section received a completely new TopDuoRun dryer group, while existing components were used for the after-dryer section. Thanks to a new MasterReel reel and the rebuild of the two existing DuoRollers, reel diameters of up to 3.5 meters can now be produced on the PM 5. The existing machine hall ventilation system was also expanded and integrated into the new process and quality control system.

15,000 recorded signals ensure optimum paper quality
Some of the existing motors were also used after the conversion. However, the Voith team integrated more than 333 new motors of different sizes into the PM 5, the most powerful of which has a capacity of 1.5 megawatts. Most of the motors are integrated into the automation concept developed by Voith. The system records more than 15,000 signals, monitors all the production steps from stock preparation to the reel, reports even the slightest deviations and levels out any fluctuations within a fraction of a second where needed. 29 state-of-the-art computer processors take care of processing the information. “The continuous data stream forms an important basis for us to maintain a consistently high paper quality at all times”, says Falk Friedrich, Plant Manager of LEIPA Schwedt Nord.

Increased efficiency for paper treatment
While the rebuild was taking place, a new machine for the efficient treatment of up to 1,400 metrics tons of fiber from recovered paper per day was also built. With a length of 50 meters, a diameter of 4.5 meters and a total weight of about 200 metric tons, the IntensaDrum pulping drum is the largest Voith has supplied to date. Much of the existing deinking system (DIP) was retained. Voith only had to modify it to cope with the characteristics of packaging papers. Among other measures, the technology group installed energy-saving components for bleach and flotation, which, along with the new cleaning system, reduce fiber losses.

“The engineers from Voith view the system from the apron conveyor to the winder, including measuring, automation and ventilation technology as a whole, and therefore develop perfectly compatible solutions”, emphasized Martin Kaltenegger, Project Manager for LEIPA PM 5.

Voith clothing for optimum performance
In addition, the order volume included start-up and a number of training sessions in which the LEIPA team became familiar with the intricacies of the PM 5. Voith will remain closely involved in the processes of the PM 5 after start-up too. In the next few years, the single-source supplier will deliver the clothing and doctor blades for the machine and thus ensure the optimum performance of the PM 5. The optimization of the machine within the first eight weeks after start-up is also part of the project – with an option to extend it for longer. “The entire project, from the shutdown of the PM 11 to the installation of the new components and start-up of the new PM 5 has gone very well. With their professionalism and dedication, the two project teams have ensured the success of the project”, says Robert Osswald, Project Manager Voith Paper.

About the company
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-conserving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil and gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

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High dewatering efficiency and long service lives have made press fabrics from the Voith Infinity series best-sellers for packaging papers, board and graphic paper grades. The technology group has now extended its product range. Infinity FineLine offers an ideal solution for sensitive applications like tissue or specialty papers. The modular structure of the press fabrics allows easy adaption to any requirement.

  • Minimized seam loops at consistently good closability
  • Highly durable when combined with twisted yarn
  • Energy efficient through low grammage

With its new FineLine module, Voith is further expanding its successful range of Infinity fabrics. For the new products, a particularly fine loop structure was developed and the seam zone was further improved. FineLine is mainly used in the tissue and specialty paper segment. The new press felt is available as endless and seam product. Infinity FineLine debuts with remarkably minimized seam loops that reduce marking potential even in the finest papers. As with all Infinity products, the seam loops in FineLine also have an identical loop length, roundness and spacing. This makes the closure particularly simple and enables machine downtimes to be reduced by up to 25 percent.

For Infinity FineLine, an especially fine loop structure was developed and the seam zone was further improved. This is why these press fabrics are used above all in the tissue and specialty paper segment.For Infinity FineLine, an especially fine loop structure was developed and the seam zone was further improved. This is why these press fabrics are used above all in the tissue and specialty paper segment.

A combination of Infinity FineLine and twisted yarns has proven particularly advantageous in sensitive applications. The twisted yarns ensure better batt fiber anchorage. As a result, the paper producer benefits from consistent performance over the entire service life. At the same time, Infinity FineLine is specifically energy efficient through its low grammage.

Cohesive range for all requirements
Alongside FineLine, the Infinity series also includes the ToughLine range of fabrics which Voith designed specifically for extreme environments. These conditions occur, for example, when manufacturing board and packaging papers, where the felts are continuously exposed to heat or abrasive materials. The use of Infinity press fabrics for the production of graphic papers is also constantly increasing. “Our Infinity series offers the best press felts portfolio for all paper machine requirements”, says Anne Klaschka, Global Product Manager Press Fabrics at Voith. The modular structure of the fabrics means that they can be tailored optimally to customer requirements.

The Infinity series is part of the PressMax portfolio of the Voith AdvancedProducts range. It allows paper makers a combination of perfectly coordinated components to improve the performance of their paper machines.

About the company
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-conserving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil and gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

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A narrow time window, a size press operating at its maximum speed and the need for greater machine efficiency were the various challenges faced by the Voith team as it tackled the upgrade of the PM 6 at Smurfit Kappa. Thanks to excellent planning beforehand, the machine was restarted without problems one day ahead of schedule.

  • SpeedSizer AT extends the operating window for packaging paper production
  • Reconditioning of existing Nipco deflection compensation rolls
  • Smooth startup with new components

“The startup of the new SpeedSizer has shown how expertise and dedication bring about an excellent outcome. The project simply flew by,” says Jochem Meier, Manager Operations at Smurfit Kappa in Zülpich.

Smurfit Kappa wanted to achieve a higher production speed through its modernization of the PM 6 at the Zülpich mill. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of packaging in Europe. At its facility in Zülpich it produces premium quality testliner and recycled fluting in basis weights of 100 to 150 grams per square meter from 100 percent recovered paper.

Martin Lehrner Voith Paper Global Product Manager at the SpeedSizer AT on the PM 6 in ZülpichMartin Lehrner Voith Paper Global Product Manager at the SpeedSizer AT on the PM 6 in Zülpich

Because the machine was only supposed to be shut down for a week for the conversion, detailed advance planning was absolutely essential for the success of the project. The excellent longstanding relationship between Voith and the customer facilitated this planning. For example, Voith’s service team had previously carried out maintenance on the PM 6 on an ongoing basis. However, the narrow time frame was just one of the challenges.

A key aspect of the project was the puddle-type size press. Equipped with a deflection compensation roll, it allowed an optimum CD profile of the nip load (linear contact pressure) and for a long time had guaranteed the high quality of the paper. But for technical reasons, the size press limited the production speed of the PM 6 to 1,150 meters per minute. Even though the size press was one of, or perhaps even the fastest in the world, it prevented the machine from being ramped up to the 1,225 meters per minute desired by the customer.

This is why Voith recommended installing a customized SpeedSizer AT with the existing Nipco deflection compensating roll system. This application system enables excellent coating and size profiles even at high speeds. Its use increases the operating window of the PM 6 and offers Smurfit Kappa more production flexibility. The SpeedSizer ensures an increase in the solids content of up to 17 percent and reduces the moisture ingress into the paper web. This results in a higher dry content downstream of the SpeedSizer AT, which helps substantially reduce drying energy and achieves much improved paper web running properties.

Voith SpeedSizer AT PM 6 Smurfit Kappa ZülpichVoith SpeedSizer AT PM 6 Smurfit Kappa ZülpichVoith used a Nipco roll that was already being used in the old puddle-type size press as a deflection compensation roll. Following comprehensive reconditioning, they now also ensure optimum CD profiles and consequently high paper quality in the new machine as well. The re-use of the previous rolls reduced the costs of the upgrade.

The new SpeedSizer AT plays a major role in reducing the energy consumption of the PM 6. Immediately, a 15 percent reduction in steam consumption could be achieved. The specific energy figures are of course also improved as a result of the higher production rate. A good startup is extremely helpful, because the completely closed water circuit at SK Zülpich Papier has to be evaporated again after a week of shutdown.

The use of the new UniFilm T applicator roll cover, which is very wear-resistant, ensures good metering rod service life and more efficient production. In the PM 6 they run for more than 400 hours, well above the average for comparable machines.

About Voith Paper
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-conserving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

About Voith
Voith is a global technology group. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of €4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe

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Voith continues to expand its digital agenda and extends the range of its trading platform for recovered paper (RCP) merQbiz. For this purpose, merQbiz and the American logistics provider C. H. Robinson have agreed to an exclusive cooperation: The customers are now offered unmatched freight capacity, competitive real-time pricing and a powerful supply chain network to the platform.

The fact that we were able to win C. H. Robinson, one of the world's largest logistics groups, as a partner for our digital trading platform shows that we have hit a nerve in the market with merQbiz," says Dr. Hubert Lienhard, CEO of Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA.

voith logo 2013The B2B-trading-platform merQbiz was launched in 2017 by Voith. It connects buyers and sellers of recovered paper in a digital marketplace.  The platform gives buyers and sellers the ability to directly network with one another and access timely and reliable information about the supply and demand of recovered paper. In addition, users can securely conduct their sales and purchasing transactions on the trading platform. Similar to the well-known online marketplaces, merQbiz evaluates the merchants, the buyers and the quality of the goods. This ensures a high level of security for all goods, logistics and payment flows as well as a high degree of transparency and professional handling. In the medium term, the trading platform's offers will also be available to customers outside the United States.

As a result of the expansion of the product range to include integrated logistics solutions, merQbiz now also offers the automation and improvement of previously manually performed logistics processes on a user-friendly digital platform. Absolute transparency in the market now applies not only to the pricing of recovered paper, but also to the shipping costs – competitive pricing is carried out in real time and customers receive prompt transport offers that match with their trading order. C. H. Robinson's capacities allow for access to previously unmatched freight capacities. C.H. Robinson is publicly listed on the NASDAQ. The group serves more than 113,000 customers worldwide today with logistic solution. 2,600 thereof are in the paper, board and packaging industry. In the last business year C.H. Robinson generated sales of approx. 10 billion Euros. „The integrated logistics solution is a game-changer for the industry. The supply of recovered paper will become even more predictable for our customers in the paper industry“, said John Fox, CEO of merQbiz.

In addition to its existing research and development budget, Voith invests around 100 million euros annually in digital products and services.


About merQbiz
merQbiz is an online marketplace designed to improve the way buyers and sellers of recovered paper do business. The platform allows buyers and sellers to connect directly, take advantage of fully transparent pricing, and transact more efficiently. Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, CA, merQbiz was founded by Voith in 2017. For more information on merQbiz, please visit www.merqbiz.com.

About C.H. Robinson
As one of the world’s largest third-party logistics providers (3PL), C.H. Robinson provides a broad portfolio of logistics services, fresh produce sourcing and Managed Services for more than 113,000 customers and 107,000 contract carriers and suppliers to meet their supply chain goals through their integrated network of 280 offices and more than 14,000 employees.

About Voith Paper
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-conserving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

About Voith
Voith is a global technology group. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of €4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe

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An audit conducted with customer in the run-up to the project went a long way to ensuring that the rebuild on the BM 3 in Arnsberg was completed ahead of schedule. Not only did the close collaboration between the two companies deliver a three percent increase in productivity and an improvement in paper quality; the costs of the rebuild were also reduced due to the re-use of components.

  • Extensive audit performed ahead of project planning
  • Higher productivity and reduced use of resources
  • Rebuild completed sooner than planned

In an email of thanks to Voith's project team, Thomas Bock, Managing Director of the RDM Group, wrote: "I just wanted to let you know that the BM 3 in Arnsberg has been producing board since 6:50 pm. This means that we have more than achieved our goal." Voith had completed the extensive rebuild of the board machine a day ahead of schedule, allowing RDM to resume production earlier than planned.

Joachim Corthum Productionmanager RDM at the BM 3 in Arnsberg.Joachim Corthum Productionmanager RDM at the BM 3 in Arnsberg.

A crucial factor in the success of the project was the extensive audit conducted jointly by Voith and RDM beforehand with the involvement of numerous experts from various areas. Together, the parties defined the goals to be met by the rebuild and the measures necessary to achieve them. The reduction of manufacturing costs was a key objective for RDM, so the partners explored various options in order to jointly work out an ideal solution.

They determined that the best starting point for optimization was the intermediate ply of the three-ply cardboard produced on the machine. To stabilize the quality of the surface RDM had to use an expensive top layer. To prevent flutter, new components, for example, were designed to reduce the consistency in the headbox from up to 3 to 1.5 percent. As a result, RDM is now able to use a more cost effective top layer.

The participants did not always opt for the variant with the lowest investment cost. During the audit several options for the dewatering elements had been tested, whereas the decision was made in favor of the most forward-thinking variant. The chosen solution reduces fluctuations that are usual downstream of the headbox and therefore creates the basis for the high product quality. One cost-saving measure was to use as many parts from the BM 3 as possible for the rebuild. So during the audit the two companies determined which components were worth re-using.

A crucial factor in the success of the project was the extensive audit conducted jointly by Voith and RDM beforehand with the involvement of numerous experts from various areas.A crucial factor in the success of the project was the extensive audit conducted jointly by Voith and RDM beforehand with the involvement of numerous experts from various areas.

Extending the dewatering section with an improvement in dewatering capacity also proved to be an expedient measure. Only a short time after the restart the production speed increased by 3 percent. The intermediate ply is not the limiting section anymore as it is designed now for 1000 m/min.

Not only did the rebuild result in a reduction in production costs; Likewise, the fiber savings and higher dewatering capacity also improved paper quality. "It was the best execution of a project I have witnessed in Arnsberg in the past 37 years," RDM Product Manager Joachim Corthum also confirmed.

The fact that production could restart ahead of schedule thanks to the well-coordinated collaboration between all parties during the planning and rebuild phases has also prompted RDM to get Voith on board for other servicing projects.

About Voith Paper
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-conserving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

About Voith
Voith is a global technology group. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of €4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe

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