Pilot Paper Machine and Paper Making Services

Fourdrinier pilot paper machine at UWSP 
 

WIST is your partner in paper research, development and contract services

Our staff is experienced and ready to perform the work needed to advance your project. Count on WIST for:

  • raw material and/or chemical additive studies
  • equipment evaluation
  • grade development
  • production runs
We operate the pilot paper machine at UW-Stevens Point. This Fourdrinier machine has a 20-inch web, runs at speeds up to 200 feet per minute, and produces a sheet in basis weight from 25 to 400 gsm. Chemicals can be metered in at seven locations in the approach flow system; the pre-fan pump port is a co-mix port that can meter in two chemicals. The wet end includes a dandy roll, single-felted two-nip press and a smoothing press. The dry end features two independent dryer sections, a horizontal size press and calender stack. The stock preparation area features a hydropulper, two-stage cleaner system, slotted pressure screen and automated temperature control. In short, this machine is ready for your project needs. Revenue earned from contract runs on the machine supports student learning, equipment maintenance and upgrades, and WIST research and development.

You can read about the machine and view photos in this brochure (PDF).

Novel materials

Are you working with novel fibers, such as from agricultural residues, hemp, food processing byproducts or other nontraditional papermaking materials? WIST has experience with a wide range of unique materials. We can work with you to analyze fiber properties and to test paper attributes with handsheets up to a full pilot paper machine run. 

Legacy papers

WIST's pilot paper machine and paper testing laboratories are ready to help you recreate legacy papers for which you are exploring new uses. 

To inquire about
  • paper making
  • grade development
  • raw material/chemical additive studies
  • equipment evaluation
  • paper physical testing services
  • pulping and bleaching
  • recyclability and repulpability
  • coating and laminating
contact:

Pulping and Bleaching

WIST performs trials for wood and non-wood biomass, including food-processing byproducts and agricultural residual materials.

Benchtop equipment is sized 50-360 grams dry product weight; tank volume pulping and bleaching tests are completed in 5-liter, 10-liter and 100-liter vessels. WIST's quantum mixer allows bleaching experiments with chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and ozone.

​​