PMC Selection Basics: 5 Key Questions Before Ordering

PMC Selection Basics

Choosing the right paper machine clothing doesn't have to be complicated. Answer these 5 key questions before placing your order, and you'll be on the right track.

Question 1: What Paper Grade Are You Producing?

Different paper grades demand different fabric characteristics:

Grade	Forming Fabric	Press Felt	Dryer Fabric
Tissue (14-40 gsm)	Fine mesh (70-95), high FSI (>170), SSB	Light grammage (1100-1400), fine surface	Anti-static spiral, 300-500 CFM
Fine Paper (40-120 gsm)	Medium mesh (50-70), FSI >150, SSB/3-layer	Medium grammage (1300-1600), smooth surface	Flat yarn, 400-650 CFM
Packaging (80-200 gsm)	Coarse mesh (35-55), high CFM (400-650)	Heavy grammage (1400-1700), high void	Flat yarn, 500-800 CFM
Kraft (80-300 gsm)	Wear-resistant, 450-700 CFM	Heavy-duty, anti-compaction	Flat yarn HR-PET, 450-700 CFM

Question 2: What Is Your Machine Speed?

Speed	Forming Recommendation	Dryer Recommendation
<300 m/min	Single or double layer	Spiral or flat yarn
300-600 m/min	Double layer	Flat yarn
>600 m/min	Triple layer or SSB	Flat yarn HR-PET

Question 3: What Is Your Furnish Composition?

Virgin fiber (0-20% recycled): Standard PET fabrics are sufficient
Mixed (20-60% recycled): Add PA yarns in wear zones for abrasion resistance
High recycled (>60%): Maximum PA reinforcement, consider SSB structure

Question 4: What Are Your Performance Goals?

Prioritize your goals to guide selection:

Longer life: Choose higher grammage, PA-reinforced, or SSB structure
Better drainage: Choose higher CFM within grade-appropriate range
Better formation: Choose higher FSI, finer mesh
Lower cost per ton: Consider TCO, not just purchase price

Question 5: What Are Your Machine Specifications?

Information needed for accurate quoting:

Machine manufacturer and model
Width (mm) and maximum speed (m/min)
Section configuration (forming/press/dryer)
Current fabric type and performance

Selection Checklist

Download our complete Fabric Selection Checklist for your next order.

Next Steps

📖 Learn about PMC Fundamentals Series
🏭 Explore our product lines
📞 Contact an engineer for a free machine assessment

Discuss Your Paper Machine Clothing Requirements

Share your paper grade, machine position, speed, width, current clothing and operating issue so we can review your requirements. Use the parameter form to prepare these details, or include them and the issue discussed in this article in your technical enquiry.

PMC Selection Basics: 5 Key Questions Before Ordering