A part of a papermaking machine, consisting of a series of two-roll presses, through which the wet paper web passes after leaving the forming section. When the web reaches the press section, it is about 80:85% water. In each two-roll section, the web travels through the nip of the rolls, which squeezes out moisture, evens out the paper's formation, and presses the fibers together, improving their bonding and, ultimately, sheet strength. The press section and the degree of wet pressing affect the ultimate finish and bulk of the paper. Those papers that require high bulk and low finish need less wet pressing than those that require low bulk and high finish. After the press section, the paper—still about 60:70% water—is sent to the drying section. (See Fourdrinier papermaking machine.)
|