Metso Paper, Inc. launches a new automatic doctor blade change system

Published Apr 26, 2001 16.06.00 +2 GMT

Metso Paper, Inc. will launch a new automatic doctor blade change system, developed together with Pinaltek Oy. The system, which will be marketed with the trade name BladeFeed, allows the automatic change of center roll double doctor blades without shutting down the press section. The system was introduced to the Finnish pulp and paper industry representatives during the opening ceremony of Pinaltek Oy's new production facility in Varkaus, Finland, on April 26, 2001.

The automatic blade change system speeds up the blade change process significantly and improves worker safety. The blade is fed from the paper machine front side coil onto a back side coil by the push of a button. It will no longer be necessary to stop the press section for a blade change, which will minimize production losses. Environmental factors have also been taken into account in the development of the system: Carbon fiber blades retired from the press section can be later reused in the dryer section.

The first BladeFeed system was started up successfully at UPM-Kymmene Jämsänkoski PM5 in Finland in March 2001.

The Finnish Pinaltek Oy is specialized in equipment and services required in paper machine roll doctoring. The core of the doctor blade service is the logistic service concept, which allows the number and types of doctor blades to be minimized at the mills.

Metso Paper acquired the majority ownership of Pinaltek Oy in August 1997, after which the doctor blade service concept has been taken into use in Metso Paper's worldwide service network. The new production facility of 2730 m2, which was officially opened on April 26, 2001, enables a significant increase in manufacturing capacity.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of machinery and systems for the process industry. Metso's core businesses are divided between Metso Paper (fiber and paper technology), Metso Minerals (rock and mineral processing) and Metso Automation (automation and control technology). In 2000, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 3.9 billion, and the personnel totaled approximately 22,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

More information: Ville Nikkanen, Customer Service Engineer, Metso Paper Service Puh. +358 40 519 8749 ville.nikkanen@metso.com