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Improve efficiency and sustainability in tissue and paper machines

Smart automation for tissue and paper manufacturing

Tissue and paper machines need to deliver consistent performance under demanding conditions, while manufacturers and OEMs work to improve efficiency, lower energy consumption and achieve their sustainability targets.
At SMC Corporation, we understand these challenges and support the industry with advanced automation solutions designed to optimise machine performance and reduce operational costs. Through digitalisation and smart flexibility, SMC enables real-time monitoring, improved machine efficiency and enhanced long-term reliability, helping OEMs and manufacturers develop more competitive and sustainable tissue and paper machines.

Automation technologies for high-performance tissue and paper machines

Enabling smarter machines through digitalisation and flexible automation

To support modern machine requirements, automation must provide more than basic control. Advanced technologies now enable digital communication, improved system visibility and simplified integration.
SMC solutions support digitalised architectures through technologies such as fieldbus communication, IO-Link connectivity and intelligent air management. These capabilities enable real-time access to machine data, helping optimise performance, simplify commissioning and support efficient operation.

How to improve efficiency and performance in tissue and paper machines

Choosing the right automation partner plays a key role in achieving long-term machine performance. SMC supports OEMs worldwide with solutions designed to improve machine efficiency, optimise resource usage and ensure consistent operation.

By implementing SMC technologies, machine builders can benefit from:

  • Improved operational reliability
  • Optimised energy and air consumption
  • Enhanced process stability
  • Reduced maintenance interventions
  • Increased machine productivity.

This helps OEMs develop competitive tissue and paper machines that meet the evolving requirements 
of the global market.

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Manufacturing Process: Production & Converting Lines in Tissue & Paper

Tissue & paper manufacturing is built around two main lines, each with their own automation challenges and performance priorities: the Production Line and the Converting Line.

  • Production line

  • Converting line

Production line

The production line is the core of tissue manufacturing, where pulp is transformed into tissue paper through stages that ensure quality, efficiency and stable performance.

Wet area
Precise process control to ensure reliable operation in humid and corrosive environments.

Dry area
Accurate web tension control to maintain stable high-speed production and product quality.

Winder / Pope Reel
Controlled force and motion to ensure safe and reliable roll handling.

Converting line

The converting line transforms jumbo rolls into finished products, ensuring high standards of performance, product appearance and customer satisfaction while reducing downtime and improving throughput.

Unwinding
Stable web tension control for smooth material feeding and reliable continuous operation.

Embossing
Precise pressure and synchronisation to ensure consistent quality and product appearance.

Folding
High-speed accuracy and repeatability for correct sheet alignment and stable stacking.

Packaging
Flexible and reliable product handling to support fast format changes and reduce downtime.

SMC helps OEMs improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption

Digitalising tissue production lines to improve machine efficiency

Reducing energy consumption in tissue roll cleaning applications

Ensuring safe and reliable stopping in tissue embossing machines

Key automation technologies for tissue and paper production and converting machines

SMC supports OEMs and machine builders with automation solutions covering both key stages of tissue & paper manufacturing: the Production Line and the Converting Line. From wet-end reliability to high-speed converting and packaging, our portfolio is designed to reduce downtime, improve OEE and support energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

See a full overview of SMC solutions for Tissue & Paper manufacturing

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Five core technology families for Tissue & Paper OEMs

To ensure performance across the entire machine, SMC solutions are built around five main product families:

Airline equipment

Fluid control equipment

Directional control valves

Static control

Temperature control

How to improve efficiency and reduce costs in tissue and paper machines

How can I improve the efficiency of tissue and paper machines?

Machine efficiency can be improved by optimising automation systems, stabilising pressure and motion control, and enabling real-time performance monitoring. This helps reduce downtime, improve process stability and increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

How can compressed air consumption be reduced in tissue and paper production?

Air consumption can be reduced by eliminating continuous blowing, optimising pressure levels, and using energy-efficient valves and air management solutions. This lowers energy costs while maintaining reliable machine performance. 

How can downtime be reduced in tissue manufacturing lines?

Downtime can be minimised by using reliable automation components with a long service life, implementing condition monitoring and ensuring stable repeatable machine operation. Early detection of performance issues helps prevent unexpected failures. 

How can energy efficiency be improved in pulp processing?

Energy efficiency can be improved by optimising compressed air systems, using efficient cooling solutions and improving overall process control. These measures help reduce operational costs and support sustainability targets. 

How can machine reliability be improved in tissue-converting applications?

Machine reliability can be improved by using robust automation components designed for high-cycle operation, ensuring stable control and reducing mechanical stress. This helps maintain consistent performance and reduces maintenance requirements. 

Talk to our automation experts

Get expert support to improve efficiency, reduce costs and optimise your tissue and paper machines.

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