The initial portion of the forming section (or wet end) of a papermaking machine that deposits the water-suspended solution of pulp fibers, or the papermaking furnish, to the forming wire. The functions of the headbox are to swirl and agitate the pulp mixture to keep premature clots (or flocs) from forming, and to regulate the speed, thickness, and consistency at which the furnish is delivered onto the wire. The furnish exits the headbox through an adjustable slice, with which variations in paper weight can be made.
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