Paberitöötluse

Paberitöötluse, often translated as paper processing or paper manufacturing, refers to the industrial processes involved in transforming raw materials into paper products. The primary raw material is usually wood pulp, derived from trees, but recycled paper and other plant fibers can also be used. The process begins with the preparation of the pulp, which involves breaking down the fibrous material and cleaning it. This is typically achieved through mechanical or chemical pulping methods.

Once the pulp is prepared, it is mixed with water and other additives, such as sizing agents, fillers, and dyes, to achieve the desired paper properties. This mixture, known as a slurry, is then fed onto a large screen or mesh, known as a Fourdrinier wire, in a paper machine. As the slurry moves along the wire, water drains away, and the fibers begin to interlock, forming a wet sheet of paper.

The wet paper then passes through a series of rollers that press out more water and consolidate the sheet. This is followed by a drying section, where heated cylinders evaporate the remaining moisture. Finally, the paper is calendered, a process of passing it through smooth rollers to improve its surface finish and thickness uniformity. The finished paper is then wound into large rolls or cut into sheets for various applications, ranging from printing and writing to packaging and tissue products.