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Voith and Wuzhou Specialty Paper Successfully Start-up First DuoCentri NipcoFlex Press with Center Belt

paperasia
  • First commercial application of Voith’s DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt on PM19
  • Closed full-width web threading improves runnability, safety and component lifetime

Following the contract announced in 2025, Voith has successfully started up PM19 at Wuzhou Specialty Paper. The paper machine is the first worldwide to operate with Voith’s DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt. The solution has now moved from development to commercial operation and has already demonstrated stable production and reliable web runnability. 

The new press concept enables, for the first time, closed full‑width web threading from the press directly into the drying section. This eliminates the open‑draw at the center roll, a long‑standing weak point of conventional press designs. As a result, PM19 benefits from faster and safer threading, fewer web breaks and reduced mechanical stress on critical components.

Voith team in front of the new DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt (Photos: Voith Group)

One technology addressing long-standing operational challenges
Open‑draw threading in the center roll area has traditionally caused instability in high‑speed paper machines. Operators often face difficult and time‑consuming threading, increased risk of web breaks, nip paper jamming, premature doctor blade wear and damage to the center roll surface. In extreme cases, these effects can even lead to severe equipment failures.

The DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt fundamentally removes these risks by keeping the web fully supported. Operational experience at PM19 confirms clear improvements in threading reliability, overall runnability and occupational safety, while extending the lifetime of doctor blades and the center roll.

Integrated system approach ensures smooth start-up
For PM19, Voith delivered a complete system package tailored to the specific requirements of Wuzhou Specialty Paper. The scope included one SpeedSizer, two OnQuality quality control systems, the machine control system, ProRelease Plus stabilizer, key approach flow components, start‑up clothing and fabrics, as well as on‑site start‑up support from approach flow to reel. This integrated approach enabled a smooth transition from commissioning to stable production.

Over the years, Wuzhou Specialty Paper and Voith Paper have maintained a strong, mutually supportive partnership. For PM19, Voith once again delivered reliable, stable equipment along with professional and dedicated services, further enhancing the operational stability and production efficiency of the machine. This is perfectly aligned with Wuzhou Specialty Paper’s commitment to the principles of ‘Integrity and Craftsmanship’ as we dedicate ourselves to advancing the paper industry. We look forward to continued collaboration and future successes.

Zhang Yan-chen, Deputy General Manager at Wuzhou Specialty Paper Group

The successful start-up of PM19 marks an important milestone in the technical collaboration between Voith and Wuzhou Specialty Paper. It also confirms the practical benefits of the DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt as a future ready solution for high performance paper machines.

About Voith Group
Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 21,000 employees, sales of EUR4.8 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimise their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalisation solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.