Unlocking the Secrets of the Fourdrinier Machine: The Heart of Paper Production

Paper is an essential component of modern life, used for everything from books and packaging to currency and artwork. Yet, few people stop to consider the intricate processes and machinery behind its production. At the core of this manufacturing marvel lies the Fourdrinier machine, an ingenious invention that revolutionized the paper industry and remains a pivotal part of production today. This article dives into the history, design, and functionality of the Fourdrinier machine, exploring how its innovative mechanisms transformed handmade papermaking into a streamlined, large-scale industrial operation. Whether you’re curious about industrial engineering, fascinated by technological evolution, or simply intrigued by how everyday materials come to life, this in-depth exploration will uncover the secrets of the Fourdrinier machine and its profound impact on the world of paper.

What is a Paper Machine and How Does it Work?

A paper machine is an industrial system designed to produce paper on a continuous and large-scale basis. It operates by transforming a slurry of water and cellulose fibers, typically derived from wood or recycled paper, into a solid sheet of paper. The process begins at the headbox, where the fiber mixture is evenly distributed onto a moving wire mesh. Water is drained from the slurry using gravity and suction, forming a wet sheet of fibers. This sheet is then pressed and dried through a series of rollers and heated drying cylinders, reducing moisture content and improving the paper’s strength. Finally, the paper is wound onto large rolls for further processing or distribution. Paper machines revolutionized production by enabling consistent quality and efficient output, essential for modern industries relying on paper products.

Understanding the Paper Manufacturing Process

The paper manufacturing process involves key stages to transform raw materials, such as wood fibers, into usable paper products using advanced types of machines. The process begins with the pulping stage, where wood is broken down into fibers through mechanical, chemical, or semi-chemical methods. These fibers are then mixed with water to form a pulp mixture. Next, the pulp is cleaned, refined, and sent to the paper machine, where it is spread into a thin sheet on a moving wire. The sheet undergoes pressing to remove excess water and drying to achieve the desired strength and texture. Finally, the paper is wound into large rolls or cut to size for distribution. Each step is optimized for efficiency and quality, ensuring the end product meets industry standards.

The Role of Pulp in Paper Production

Pulp is the essential raw material in paper manufacturing and serves as the foundation for producing various types of paper and paperboard. Composed primarily of cellulose fibers, pulp can be derived from wood, recycled paper, or alternative fibers such as bamboo, hemp, or straw. Globally, wood remains the most significant source, with approximately 90% of the pulp for paper being produced from wood fibers.

There are primarily three types of pulping processes utilized in the industry—mechanical, chemical, and semi-chemical pulping. Mechanical pulping involves grinding wood to separate its fibers, resulting in high yields (close to 95%) but producing paper with lower durability. Chemical pulping, which includes kraft and sulfite processes, uses chemical treatments to break down lignin and other unwanted materials, yielding fibers of higher strength and quality. This approach typically achieves yields of about 40-50%. Semi-chemical pulping combines mechanical and chemical methods, producing intermediate results in terms of strength and fiber yield.

The pulp production process is optimized to minimize waste and environmental impact. Modern techniques allow up to 50% of water usage to be recycled within mills, and advancements in closed-loop systems have significantly reduced emissions. According to recent data, the global market for pulp and paper is expected to grow to $370 billion by 2028, driven by increased demand for sustainable packaging and the decline of single-use plastics. These trends highlight the critical role of sustainable pulp usage in shaping the future of the paper industry.

How a Paper Machine Transforms Pulp into Paper

The transformation of pulp into paper involves a series of highly sophisticated processes, primarily handled by modern paper machines. These machines are designed to ensure efficiency, precision, and sustainability. The process begins with the pulp slurry, which contains a mixture of water, fibers, and additives. This slurry is evenly distributed across a moving wire mesh, a step known as forming. Here, water is drained by gravity and suction, leaving behind a wet mat of fibers.

After forming, the wet mat progresses to the press section, where rollers compress it to remove excess water and increase fiber bonding, essential for creating paper. This process can reduce the water content to approximately 50%. Following this, the mat enters the drying section, where heated cylinders evaporate the remaining moisture, bringing water content down to 5-7%. Advanced paper machines today can operate at speeds exceeding 2,000 meters per minute, ensuring high throughput while maintaining quality.

To achieve specific paper properties, coatings or treatments may be applied in a subsequent process. These coatings enhance characteristics such as brightness, smoothness, and printability. Automated control systems, using sensors and real-time monitoring, ensure uniform quality and reduce waste. According to recent industry statistics, modern paper machines are capable of producing up to 1,800 tons of paper per day, providing the scalability needed to meet global demand.

Furthermore, ongoing innovations have integrated sustainable technologies into the process. Energy-efficient drying systems and water recovery units have significantly reduced environmental impacts while maintaining productivity. The integration of closed-loop systems and advanced filtration allows for as much as 90% of process water to be recycled, underlining the industry’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. This combination of engineering efficiency and sustainability ensures that the paper manufacturing process remains robust and adaptive to current and future challenges in pulp manufacturing.

Exploring the Fourdrinier Machine: A Key Player in Papermaking

The History of the Fourdrinier Machine

The Fourdrinier Machine was developed in the early 19th century by Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier, based on an earlier prototype by Nicolas-Louis Robert. First patented in 1799, Robert’s design introduced a continuous paper-making process, which the Fourdrinier brothers refined and funded to bring into practical use. Their advancements allowed for the efficient production of continuous rolls of paper, revolutionizing the industry. Initially constructed by engineer Bryan Donkin in 1803, the Fourdrinier Machine set the foundation for modern papermaking with its innovative approach to automation and scalability, establishing itself as a pivotal invention in industrial history.

Components and Functionality of the Fourdrinier Machine

The Fourdrinier Machine operates through a systematic sequence of processes, each managed by distinct components. The primary components include:

1. Headbox

The headbox is responsible for delivering a consistent and uniform flow of wet pulp onto the forming section. Modern headboxes employ sophisticated hydraulic systems and turbulence tubes to ensure an even dispersion of fibers, which directly impacts the paper’s uniformity and quality.

2. Wire Section (Forming Section)

The forming section consists of a continuously moving mesh belt, known as the “wire,” where the pulp slurry is deposited. Through gravitational and vacuum-assisted drainage, water is removed from the slurry, leaving a fibrous mat ready for dewatering. At this stage, factors like fiber orientation and distribution are controlled, which influence the strength and appearance of the paper.

3. Press Section

The partially dried mat enters the press section of the machine to produce a continuous sheet, where mechanical rollers exert significant pressure to extract additional water. Research indicates that modern machines achieve a moisture reduction efficiency of approximately 50-55% in this section alone, contributing notably to energy efficiency in drying processes.

4. Dryer Section

The paper then moves to the dryer section, typically featuring a series of heated cylinders. Here, the remaining moisture content is meticulously reduced to around 4% to 6%, which is optimal for most commercial paper products. Many machines now feature closed-loop systems to recover and reuse heat, making this stage increasingly energy-efficient.

5. Calendering Section

The final section, the calendering process, smooths the paper’s surface through heated rollers. This step enhances the paper’s gloss, thickness uniformity, and printability, crucial for high-quality paper machine clothing. Contemporary advancements include adjustable calendars that cater to a wide range of paper grades and finishes.

Production Data and Efficiency

Modern Fourdrinier Machines are highly efficient, and capable of producing paper at speeds exceeding 2,000 meters per minute. This remarkable throughput enables annual outputs ranging in millions of tons, depending on the machine’s configuration and paper grade requirements. Additionally, innovations in automation and sensor technology ensure precise monitoring of variables such as moisture content, fiber composition, and thickness, thereby maintaining consistent product quality. These advancements have further cemented the Fourdrinier Machine’s role as an indispensable tool in the contemporary paper manufacturing industry.

The Influence of Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier on the Paper Industry

Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier revolutionized the paper industry in the early 19th century by introducing the Fourdrinier machine, a groundbreaking invention that enabled continuous paper production. This machine significantly increased production speed and reduced costs compared to traditional manual methods. By mechanizing the process, it allowed the industry to meet the growing demand for paper, particularly during the Industrial Revolution.

The Fourdrinier machine operates by feeding a cellulose pulp suspension onto a moving wire mesh, where water is drained through the mesh, leaving a wet paper web that is then pressed and dried. This design set the foundation for modern papermaking processes, and its influence remains evident today. According to industry data, machines inspired by the Fourdrinier system can produce paper at speeds of up to 2,000 meters per minute, with widths exceeding 10 meters, tailoring production for a variety of applications including packaging, printing, and specialty papers.

The invention’s legacy is strongly tied to its adaptability. Modern adaptations of the Fourdrinier concept incorporate advanced automation systems, including AI-driven quality control, which ensures uniformity in sheet thickness and fiber alignment. Furthermore, innovations in sustainable practices, such as water recycling and the use of alternative fibers like bamboo and recycled paper, have reinforced the relevance of Fourdrinier-derived technologies in an era of environmental awareness. Data from recent industry reports indicate that 90% of global paper production now involves machines derived from or inspired by the Fourdrinier system, underscoring its profound and enduring impact on the sector.

What Other Machines Are Used in Paper Production?

The Cylinder Machine and its Uses

The cylinder machine is another widely used device in paper production, particularly suited for creating heavy grades of paperboard and multi-ply products. Unlike the Fourdrinier system, it uses rotating wire cylinders that pick up fibers from multiple vats, layering them to achieve the desired thickness. This design makes the cylinder machine ideal for producing robust materials such as cardboard and packaging boards, where strength and durability are essential. Its efficiency and versatility ensure its continued relevance in modern paper manufacturing.

Differences Between Fourdriniers and Cylinder Machines

1. Design and Construction of machines to produce a continuous paper product are crucial for efficiency.

The Fourdrinier machine utilizes a continuously moving wire mesh to form a single fiber mat, while the cylinder machine employs rotating wire cylinders to build up layers of fibers from multiple vats.

2. Product Characteristics

Fourdriniers are primarily used to produce paper with uniform thickness and fine quality, whereas cylinder machines are specialized for creating thicker, multi-ply products like cardboard and packaging boards.

3. Strength and Applications

Products from Fourdrinier machines are generally lighter and suitable for printing and writing papers. Cylinder machines, on the other hand, produce stronger and more durable materials intended for structural or packaging use.

Innovations in Machine to Produce Paper

With advancing technology, paper production machinery has witnessed significant innovation aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability, and product diversity. One major development is the integration of automation and IoT (Internet of Things) in manufacturing processes. Modern paper machines are equipped with sensors and data analytics tools that monitor variables such as moisture levels, temperature, and fiber alignment in real time. This ensures consistent product quality while minimizing waste.

Another breakthrough involves the adoption of alternative fiber sources and environmentally-friendly production methods. Many machines now process non-wood fibers such as agricultural residues (wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse) or recycled paper to create sustainable paper products. For instance, the utilization of agricultural waste in paper production has the potential to reduce energy use by up to 40% compared to traditional wood-based methods.

Energy efficiency has also been vastly improved with developments in drying technologies. High-efficiency dryers and advanced heat recovery systems have lowered energy consumption in paper drying processes, with some innovations achieving energy savings of 15-25%. Additionally, water recycling systems integrated into manufacturing facilities recover and reuse over 90% of water consumed during production, contributing to significant reductions in environmental impact.

With a focus on enhancing both quality and sustainability, these innovations are shaping the future of paper manufacturing by combining advanced engineering and environmentally conscious practices.

How Do Machine Manufacturers Impact the Paper Industry?

Leading Machine Manufacturers in the Paper Sector

When considering leading machine manufacturers in the paper sector, I observe that several companies stand out due to their contributions to innovation and efficiency. Companies such as Valmet, Voith, and Andritz are at the forefront, driving advancements in machinery for pulping, paper production, and recycling. Their technologies emphasize energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, providing the industry with the tools to meet growing demands while reducing environmental impact. These manufacturers play a pivotal role in modernizing production processes, enabling higher output quality and improved resource management.

Key Factors in Choosing a Paper Manufacturing Machine

When selecting a paper manufacturing machine, several critical factors should be evaluated:

1. Production Capacity – Choose a machine with the appropriate output volume to meet your operational needs and market demands.
2. Energy Efficiency – Prioritize machines designed to minimize energy consumption without compromising performance.
3. Compatibility of the paper machine clothing is essential for the efficiency of the production process. – Ensure the machine is compatible with the desired paper grade, raw materials, and production processes.
4. Reliability and Maintenance – Opt for machines with a proven track record of reliability and ease of maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.
5. Cost-Effectiveness – Evaluate the machine’s total cost of ownership, including purchase price, operational expenses, and long-term efficiency gains.
6. Environmental Impact – Select technology that supports sustainability goals by reducing waste, lowering emissions, and utilizing resources efficiently.

Focusing on these factors will help ensure that the machine meets both immediate and long-term production requirements effectively.

Future Trends in Papermaking Machines

The papermaking industry is witnessing significant advancements driven by innovation, sustainability goals, and digital transformation. Here are key trends shaping the future of papermaking machines:

1. Automation and Smart Technologies

The integration of Industry 4.0 principles, including advanced automation and IoT-enabled sensors, is enhancing the operational efficiency of papermaking machines. Real-time monitoring and data analytics allow manufacturers to optimize production in terms of speed, energy usage, and resource allocation. A study shows that IoT adoption in manufacturing is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.9% from 2023 to 2030, underscoring its importance in industries like papermaking.

2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Integration

With rising energy costs and increasing environmental regulations, manufacturers are focusing on energy-efficient machines. Technologies like heat recovery systems and renewable energy integration are gaining traction in the types of machines used to make paper. For instance, new papermaking systems are being equipped with solar and wind-powered components to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering both costs and carbon footprints.

3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Designs

Sustainability remains a major driving force in papermaking innovations. Machines are now designed to support circular economy models by minimizing waste and enabling the use of recycled materials. High-efficiency deinking and fiber recycling technologies are becoming standard features as demand for recycled paper increases globally, predicted to surpass 250 million metric tons by 2025.

4. Advancements in Materials and Modular Designs

The development of modular and flexible machines enables customization for different paper grades and production scales. Innovations in durable, lightweight materials for machine components help reduce wear while maintaining high performance, thereby extending operational lifespans and lowering maintenance costs.

5. Digital Twin Technology

Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical equipment, are being implemented to simulate and predict machine performance before production. This technology helps manufacturers identify potential issues, optimize processes in pulp manufacturing, and reduce downtime. The adoption of digital twin solutions in industrial applications has seen exponential growth, with market valuation expected to exceed $48 billion by 2026.

These trends not only address the immediate needs of papermaking facilities but also set the stage for long-term sustainability and profitability. By leveraging these innovations, manufacturers can stay competitive and align their production systems with evolving market and environmental demands.

What are the Different Types of Paper Produced?

Understanding Various Paper Grades

There are several types of paper grades, each designed for specific applications:

1. Printing and Writing Papers

These are versatile grades used for books, magazines, and office supplies such as copier paper. They are typically lightweight and smooth for easy printing.

2. Packaging Papers

This category includes kraft paper, corrugated board, and carton board, commonly used for boxes, bags, and other packaging materials due to their strength and durability.

3. Tissue Papers

Tissue paper is thin, soft, and absorbent, making it suitable for products like napkins, facial tissues, and toilet paper.

4. Specialty Papers

Specialty papers include those designed for specific purposes, such as thermal paper for receipts, filter paper, or decorative paper. These are tailored to meet unique functional needs.

Each grade is manufactured with particular properties to suit its intended use, ensuring efficiency and performance in its application.

The Process of Making Tissue Paper

Tissue paper production involves several key stages, each designed to create a soft, lightweight, and absorbent product. The process begins with raw material selection, typically using a mix of virgin cellulose fibers, such as wood pulp, and recycled paper fibers. Virgin fibers are preferred for their strength and softness, while recycled fibers contribute to sustainability.

1. Pulping and Fiber Treatment

The raw materials are converted into a pulp through mechanical or chemical processes. The fibers are then treated to achieve the desired characteristics, such as smoothness and porosity. Additives like softening agents and bonding enhancers may be incorporated to optimize the end product’s qualities in creating paper.

2. Forming the Tissue Sheet

The treated pulp is diluted with water to create a slurry, which is sprayed or spread across a moving wire screen in a tissue machine. Excess water is removed through a combination of vacuum suction and mechanical pressing, resulting in a thin, wet sheet of tissue.

3. Drying Process

The wet tissue sheet is dried using a large heated cylinder called a Yankee dryer. This device ensures uniform drying while maintaining the sheet’s softness. At this stage, advanced creping techniques are applied, where a blade scrapes the tissue from the dryer’s surface, creating the signature soft, textured feel.

4. Post-Processing and Converting

Once dried, the tissue paper is wound into large rolls, which are subsequently slit and cut into their final products, such as toilet paper rolls, facial tissues, or napkins. Additional treatments, like embossing, may be applied for aesthetics or improved functionality.

Key Statistics and Insights

• Tissue paper production reached a global market size of approximately $91.3 billion in 2022, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030.
• Tissue paper accounts for around 21% of total paper production, demonstrating its significant contribution to the paper industry.
• Modern manufacturing processes have improved water and energy efficiency, with state-of-the-art tissue machines consuming around 7-15 m³ of water per ton of tissue compared to traditional methods.

Sustainability remains a critical focus in tissue paper production, with many manufacturers adopting environmentally friendly practices such as using FSC-certified fibers, reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact. These advancements ensure high-quality tissue products while addressing growing concerns about resource conservation and carbon emissions.

Types of Paperboard and Their Applications

Paperboard is a versatile material with varying grades and characteristics suited to a range of industries and applications. Below are the primary types of paperboard and their corresponding uses:

1. Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) Paperboard

SBS is a premium grade of paperboard that is produced from bleached wood pulp. This type is widely used in applications requiring high print quality and excellent strength. Common uses include packaging for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and high-end food products. According to market analysis, SBS accounts for approximately 17% of total paperboard demand globally, driven by the increasing demand for luxurious and sustainable packaging solutions.

2. Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) Paperboard

CUK offers superior strength due to its unbleached nature and is typically coated to enhance durability and printing capabilities. It is predominantly used in beverage carriers, frozen food containers, and other packaging where rigidity and resistance to moisture are crucial. The growing global beverage market continues to boost the demand for CUK, as manufacturers seek robust yet environmentally conscious materials.

3. Containerboard

This type, encompassing linerboard and corrugated medium, is the foundation of corrugated boxes used for shipping and storage. The global containerboard market remains dominant, with more than 120 million tons produced annually, as e-commerce expansion has significantly increased demand for lightweight yet sturdy packaging solutions.

4. White Lined Chipboard (WLC)

Produced using a combination of recycled fibers and white lining, WLC is an economical and sustainable choice for secondary packaging. It is used for creating packaging for dry foods, toys, household items, and tissues. The shift towards recyclable materials has led to a 4.3% CAGR projected growth in the WLC market between 2023 and 2030.

5. Folding Boxboard (FBB)

FBB consists of multiple layers, typically combining mechanical pulp in the middle and chemical pulp layers on the surface. This combination provides excellent stiffness and printability. FBB is extensively used in packaging for consumer goods such as cereals, pharmaceuticals, and confectioneries. Regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific dominate FBB production, with consumption expected to exceed 35 million tons by 2030, owing to its lightweight and recyclable properties.

6. Uncoated Recycled Paperboard (URB)

URB is made entirely from recycled fibers and is commonly used in rigid boxes, slip sheets, and fiber cores. Its low cost and environmentally friendly profile make it a popular choice for industrial and retail packaging.

Paperboard, as a vital component of the packaging industry, continues to evolve with advancements in sustainability and manufacturing efficiency. With rising consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging, the paperboard market is expected to witness robust growth, driven by investments in recyclable and biodegradable materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a fourdrinier papermaking machine?

A: A fourdrinier paper-making machine is a type of paper-making machine designed to produce a continuous sheet of paper. A fourdrinier is key to the papermaking process since it was developed to convert pulp into paper. It consists of several sections, some of which include the headbox, press section, and calendar that are used for dewatering as well as forming the paper sheet.

Q: How does the headbox operate in the Fourdrinier machine?

A: The headbox is one of the most important parts of a fourdrinier paper-making machine because it provides the proper distribution of the pulp mixture onto the moving wire mesh so that the paper sheet is as uniform in thickness and density as possible. The headbox essentially controls the quantity and the quality of the pulp which is important in determining the value of the final product of the paper.

Q: Who invented the Fourdrinier and what year was it invented?

A: The fourdrinier machine was designed by Henry Fourdrinier and Sealy Fourdrinier with considerable input from Bryan Donkin and this took place in the early part of the nineteenth century. This machine was a major advancement to the construction of paper as it enabled a continuous, instead of a batch production system of a paper supply in place of the earlier mold machine system.

Q: What is the role of the press section in a Fourdrinier machine?

A: The press section of a Fourdrinier machine removes moisture from the wet paper after it has been formed on the wire. This section reduces the moisture content on the wet paper using rollers which helps strengthen the sheet and increases the paper’s strength.

Q: In what way does a Fourdrinier machine affect the recycling of paper?

A: The Fourdrinier machine assists in the recycling of paper as it enables pulp and paper mills to efficiently use oxidized paper. The machine contributes toward sustainable production in the industry as it processes recycled copper, which is needed to make new paper sheets.

Q: What sorts of paper can be made from a Fourdrinier machine?

A: The range of paper produced by a Fourdrinier machine is diverse – writing paper, newsprint, envelops, and even packaging paper can all be manufactured. The machine’s flexibility enables changes in the papermaking processes that shift on various grades and qualities of paper made depending on its purpose and ply requirements which is a great paper construction depth specification.

Q: In what manner do suppliers bear an impact on the productivity of a Fourdrinier machine?

A: Suppliers give out parts and related materials such as machine clothing and rollers which are used in the production process of the Fourdrinier machine. The reliability of these suppliers guarantees smooth machine operation hence less downtime and constant paper quality.

Q: Why do you believe that machine direction matters in the process of making paper?

A: This is the direction of fibers in the paper sheet relative to the direction of movement of the paper-making machine. It is determined during the production process. The characteristics of the paper’s strength, tear resistance, and flexibility are impacted by this, and as machine direction is an important selection criterion for paper, these are critical considerations.

Q: In what ways did the Fourdrinier machine change the paper industry?

A: Since the Fourdrinier machine was invented, the paper industry has been impacted by improved production efficiency and lower costs. Pulp and paper mills were able to produce larger quantities of paper within shorter timeframes. This advancement has changed the production of paper from being a luxury commodity to a more accessible product.

Reference Sources

1. Implementation of laser cutting into the industrial design of a paper-making machine (Stepanov, 2015)  

Key Takeaways:  

• In laser cutting, the longitudinal cutting of the paper web in the paper-making machine can be done at a satisfactory level of cut quality, material applicability, and cut speeds.
• The most favorable zone for the implementation of laser cutting technology is the edges of the paper web in the wet end of the paper making process.
• The tensile strength and strain break properties of the laser cut samples were similar to those of the non-laser cut samples, but the claim of having better edge strength properties was not convincingly validated.
• As with any cutting process, some material is lost through evaporation and solid residues which would be around double the cost of laser cutting.

Methodology:  

• A review of the literature covering the pros and cons as well as the difficulty of using laser technology to cut paper.
• Studies on standard cutting methods in the machining of the paper-making machine to determine where laser cutting could be used.
• Paper samples were subjected to laser cutting to determine the energy needed for cutting and the resultant strength characteristics.
• This was then compared with a cost evaluation of laser and water jet cutting systems.

2. Household paper-making machines (Lu, 2017)

Key Findings

• The household paper-making machine includes a formation part, a conveying part, a drying part, and a curling part arranged in sequence, with a model tape part in between the conveying and drying parts.
• The process combines the incorporation of model tape and the vacuum dehydration roller.  The paper web is conveyed into the Yankee dryer through a smoothly conveying press roller with the main squeezing process conducted at the shoe pressure position.
• This design results in higher bulk, more fiber savings, a simpler processing method, and good softness, bulk, and water absorption performance of the produced paper.

Methodology

• Explanation of the main components of a household paper-making machine, and its work processes.

3. Portable Paper-Bag Making Machine(Shashank et al., 2017)

Key Findings 

• The salient features of a low-cost, portable paper-bag-making machine include Its usage for making paper bags, and thus reducing the employment of plastic bags for a hygienic and safe society.
• The semi-automatic system uses locally available newspapers and can produce single-size paper bags with the aid of microcontrollers, IR sensors, a robotic arm, a 2-wheeled robot, and DC motors.

Methodology: 

• Design and implementation of a portable paper-bag-making machine prototype.