The PM 7 production line is designed for 400,000 tons per year of newsprint in the basis weight range of 42 - 48.8 g/m² using 100% de-inked recycled paper. The PM will have a wire width of 11,400 mm and a trimmed width of 10,600 mm. The machine is designed for a maximum production speed of 2,200 m/min.

On the occasion of placing the order, Dr. Wolfgang Palm remarked: “One clearly felt that a special spirit existed, because the entire Voith team showed an impressive commitment to get this order.”

The aim of the new machine is to produce newsprint for the English market and thus to supply all major printing plants. In the foreground are coldset, heatset and flexoprinting print processes. With this requirement, Voith has developed an accordingly cost-conscious, custom-made total concept for seamlessly meshing process responsibility, from preparation of recycled paper all the way to finishing.

Along with Voith’s excellent references and steep starting curves for the last machines, what was decisive for placement of the order was especially the total technological concept that enables good newsprint to be produced for the different print processes. 

With a capacity of 1,500 oven-dry tons per day, Voith supplies the largest stock preparation line worldwide. Standing out in the process is pulping with only one drum.

The most important machine deliveries within the framework of complete stock preparation are the twin-drum pulping drum, the two-stage flotation system, screening and disperging machines and machines for de-watering and bleaching. In addition, there is the complete feeding of the drum pulper with automatic de-wiring and reject disposal. For treatment of the special British recycled paper, some inovative process steps were incorporated.

The Voith Advanced Wet End Process includes ComMix, HydroMix, VoithVac, EcoMizer cleaner, screening with MultiScreen, CompactPulper and Bagless disk filter.

The paper machine lay-out was developed according to Voith’s proven One Platform Concept. The DuoFormer TQv, a vertical former, together with a ModuleJet headbox, the most frequently used headbox in the entire paper industry with dilution water control, provide for excellent formation.  The DuoCentriNipcoFlex press and the fourth press ensure the highest dry content and best paper quality. In addition, the PM 7 includes the progressive TopDuoRun drying technology.

Non-contact tailpick-up from the last drying cylinder in connection with proven vacuum technology and the high-pressure water jet tail cutter provide for an optimal tail transfer process.

The base paper is smoothed with two EcoSoft Delta calenders. With the Sirius reel, for maximum roll diameters greater than 4,000 mm, a future-oriented development for winding technology will be used, that also includes the movable Senso Roll, that introduces a continuous center momentum from the beginning of the winding to the end., These two elements  bring about an excellent roll quality. This is also supported by an ultramodern “Roll Master” online winding tightness control system with its expanded diagnostic functions.

In accordance with the Process Line Package (PLP) idea, the auxiliary equipment, reject preparation and fiber recovery are together in the PM building, as part of the contract.

Two modern VariTop winders are also included in the order for Voith. The two VariTop winders with unwind-splice, automatic knife positioning and finished roll changing are designed so that they can produce large rolls with different core material.

In addition, Papierfabrik Palm decided on a comprehensive automation package with new key components from Voith. With it, the proven OnControl machine control and process control technology will be used for the entire process, including stock preparation, paper machine, waste water purification system and auxiliary equipment. Within the framework of the production line layout, Voith will also carry out the detail engineering for the above-mentioned areas. Especially to be emphasized is the integration of complete drive control into the process control system with the Voith DriveCommand (VDC). All OnQ CD controls and the OnQ quality measurement systems are included, with a measuring frame before the reel and moisture measurement directly after the press section by means of OnQ EnviroScan.

The entire machine clothing and the roll covers including SkyLine doctors blades are supplied by Voith.

In accordance with the PLP principle, Voith assumes the entire responsibility for the production process in terms of mechanics, process technology and control technology.  The placing of this order has shown once again that the idea is established in the market and ensures an optimal implementation of the project for the customer.

The schedule plans the start of civil work for the end of 2007, the start of assembly for the end of 2008, commissioning and start of production for the summer of 2009.

Today, the 135-year-old family-owned company Papierfabrik Palm GmbH & Co. KG,Germany, produces newsprint and corrugating paper on six paper machines at three locations.  With the PM 7, capacity increases to 1.8 million tons of paper. Corrugated cardboard continue to be produced in 16 plants. The Palm Group achieved sales of € 760 million in 2006 with 2,600 employees.

Voith Paper is a division of Voith and one of the leading partners to the paper industry. Through steady innovations Voith Paper optimizes the paper production process. More than a third of worldwide paper production is produced on Voith Paper machines.

Voith sets standards in the paper, energy, mobility and service markets. Founded on January 1, 1867, it has a current workforce of approx. 34,000, sales of EUR 3.7 billion and over 250 locations worldwide, and is one of the largest family-owned enterprises in Europe.

Voith is the official partner to the initiative "Germany - The Land of Ideas".