Headbox

PAPER MACHINE EQUIPMENT

FlexiFlow Headbox

The FlexiFlow series headbox is the perfect solution for paper mills that require an headbox with great flexibility for a wide production range. The FlexiFlow is a modern design headbox with rectified rolls, equipped with a conical collector and multi-stage distribution collector, making it the ideal choice for producing paper of any grammage at speeds up to 600 m/min.

This headbox is specifically designed to offer maximum flexibility, allowing quick and easy changes in paper type and production parameters.

Specifications

The headbox is made entirely of stainless steel. All internal surfaces in contact with the pulp are polished to a mirror finish with RA=0.2. The headbox is designed to create and optimize micro-turbulences that ensure perfect pulp distribution, preventing flocculation on the wire and ensuring a uniform cross-profile.

All working parameters of the headbox are controlled via PLC. The CD profile can be corrected using manual or motorized micrometric actuators, remotely controlled through the interface between QCS and DCS, for automatic and self-regulating profile adjustment. Water pressure and level are independently controlled, both in overpressure and internal vacuum conditions, and can be adjusted and optimized remotely to improve paper formation.

A recycling system for overflow is provided in applications requiring a wide range of operating conditions. The machine is fully integrable with remote management systems, allowing transmission of operating parameters to local management systems. Remote panels can be placed at various points on the machine and control cabin, allowing constant monitoring of the machine’s operational parameters.

Hydraulic Headbox

The hydraulic headbox is primarily used for applications on medium- and high-speed flatbed machines. Its operating range in terms of consistency and speed is narrower compared to a pressurized headbox, but it offers superior sheet formation quality.

A conical manifold evenly distributes the stock into a 3-stage diffuser, which is the most technologically advanced component of the system. It generates micro-turbulence in the stock, promoting fiber mixing and preventing flocculation. Depending on the type and quality of paper being produced, either a 3-stage plastic diffuser or a bank of stainless steel tubes with a square-section third stage can be used.
After the diffuser, the stock is accelerated in a converging section until it exits the headbox. The special geometry of the lower lip, combined with the fine adjustment capability of the upper lip, ensures optimal sheet formation.

To further enhance fiber mixing, the headbox can be equipped with vanes installed within the converging section. Pulsations generated by pumps and screens are dampened by a stabilizer installed adjacent to the headbox.
All stock-contact surfaces are mirror-polished with a surface finish of Ra 0.2 µm.

Made in collaboration with DMS Industry

Download the product sheet

Headbox comparison

	Feature	Hydraulic Headbox	Roll Headbox
1	Operating principle	High-velocity flow without internal mechanical elements	Flow controlled by the rotation of rectifier rolls
2	Mixing and dispersion	It depends on inlet turbulence and internal headbox geometry	Adjustable through rectifier rolls
3	Sensitivity to flow variations	High – flow is sensitive to instabilities	Lower – rolls stabilize turbulence across different flow rates
4	Typical applications	High-speed machines with low production variability	Machines up to 600 m/min with a wide basis weight range