Sappi‘s ambitious € 60m transformation of Alfeld Mill’s PM 2 was concluded on schedule with the quality exceeding expectations. This major project created probably the largest, most innovative and versatile papermaking machine. The state of the art inline machine is producing one-sided coated speciality papers. It involved the use of Europe’s largest crane to drop in place a 135-ton MG cylinder 6.5 meters in diameter. In addition to the new MG cylinder, rebuilding PM 2 also included installation of a new head box with dilution system and pre-dryer section as a single tier arrangement.
The new papermaking machine delivers a very smooth top-side surface, greater dimension stability and lower penetration of pigments. This improves the overall quality of the grades manufactured on PM 2, enhancing their converting capabilities. The fast and innovative MG machine for one-side-coated paper in the world, it will produce 135,000 tonnes per annum at 1,200m per minute or 72km per hour.
