The Fourdrinier Process

• Wood pulp is first diluted to 99% water and 1% fibre to form a slurry. 
• The slurry is pumped through a slice onto a belt which vibrates to drain off some of the water, allowing the fibres to interweave. 

• A series of presses or rollers are used to wring out the excess water from the pulp as it is stretched out into a rough paper. 
• The thickness of the paper/board is determined at this stage. 
• The gap between the rollers is adjusted to allow for different thicknesses. 

• The paper/card is dried through a series of steam heated rollers by removing any left over moisture. 
• After this, sizing agents, starches and resins can be added to enhance the paper's properties. 

• The paper is finally fed through another set of rollers which gives the paper a uniform thickness.
• The pressure applied to the paper determines it's finish. 

The paper is then wound onto a web after calendaring tobe stored.