How Does Recycled Fiber Affect Fabric Life?

FAQ

Recycled fiber reduces fabric life by 30-50% compared to virgin fiber at the same machine speed.

Why:

• Higher ash content: 10-25% vs. 2-5% for virgin — ash is highly abrasive
• Contaminants: Stickies, plastics, and other debris accelerate wear
• Shorter fibers: Provide less mat cohesion, increasing fabric stress

Mitigation Strategies:

• PA (polyamide) yarns strategically placed in wear zones
• Higher shower pressure: 25-40 bar (vs. 15-25 for virgin fiber)
• SSB (Sheet Support Binder) construction for better wear distribution
• More frequent inspection and cleaning schedules

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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

• 📖 View our Product Knowledge for more information
• 📋 Browse Forming Fabric related articles
• 📞 Contact PAPTEX Engineers for personalized recommendations for your paper machine

Last updated: July 2026