Forming Fabrics

What Causes Wire Marks on Paper?

Back to Knowledge CenterIntermediate
July 15, 20263 min read
Paper machine forming fabric structures and weave comparison

FAQ

Wire marks on the paper surface — causes ranked by likelihood:

  1. Binder knuckle protrusion — Most common with standard triple-layer fabrics. The binder yarns connecting top and bottom layers protrude into the paper side. Solution: upgrade to SSB (Sheet Support Binder) design.

  2. Fabric tension too low — Increase tension within the 4-8 kN/m range.

  3. Mesh too coarse for the basis weight being produced.

  4. Excessive vacuum — Reduce vacuum levels to the minimum required for adequate drainage.

  5. Stock freeness too high — Adjust refining to reduce freeness.

Diagnostic tip: Map the mark pattern. Regular spacing matching weave pattern = fabric-related issue.


Technical Background

This answer is based on PAPTEX's expertise in Forming Fabric. PAPTEX provides engineered fabric solutions to 200+ paper mills worldwide.

Related Resources

Last updated: July 2026

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.

ChatCallQuote