If put simply, handmade paper is paper made by hand. Unlike machine-made, handmade papers are prepared with used fibers of cotton rags, abaca, hemp, etc. Known for their greater tensile, tearing, bursting, and folding strength, handmade papers are increasingly gaining popularity today. These are not just excellent for writing, but printing too. Plus, their environmental benefits are also driving manufacturers to produce and consumers to use handmade papers over machine-made papers. Due to this reason why we, as a leading paper Hollander beater manufacturer, are getting increased demands for handmade paper pulp producing equipment.
Properties Of Handmade Paper
- Besides being made of tree-free fibers like cotton rags, hemp, abaca, etc., handmade papers are also made from recycled fibers from office papers and newspapers.
- The base pulp determines the quality of the handmade paper. For instance, if the paper is made using low-quality newsprint, the consequent handmade paper will be of poor quality. On the other hand, if the pulp is fresh and of high quality, the resulting paper will possess superior quality.
- A majority of handmade papers are free from acid and have a neutral pH. This depends on the raw materials used in the production process.
Benefits Of Handmade Paper
- Handmade paper is made of non-wood materials, contrary to machine-made papers. They therefore prevent deforestation or cutting of trees.
- The process of producing these papers is free from acid and chemicals, hence preventing the environment.
- These are made using renewable solar energy.
- They have a higher tensile, tearing, bursting, and folding strength than machine-made papers.
- The appearance and quality of these papers are premium and very enticing.
Handmade Paper Making Process
The process of making handmade paper consists of five steps, as follows:
- First, the useful fiber is separated from the raw material, such as cotton rag, hemp, etc.
- Then the fiber is beaten to form the pulp.
- The base pulp is then added with pigments, seeds, and petals. This is done to enhance and adjust the color, as well as the chemical, mechanical, biological, and other characteristics of the paper.
- This pulp is then added to the papermaking vat or frame. This is special mixing equipment, on which the mixture of paper pulp and water is filtered. This screening or filtering is done using a brass or steel mesh, stretched in a paper mold. The open area of the frame determines the size of the paper.
- This mold is then immersed in the furnish, where it is shaken, pulled, and drained, to get a uniform layer on the screen. This removes the excess water.
- The wet paper sheets are then pressed in a hydraulic press.
- And then they are dried, either by vacuum or air drying. Some manufacturers also use a rapid sheet dryer to dry these sheets.
- After the drying process, the paper is cut to the desired shape.
Conclusion
UECIN stands as a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of paper, pulp, and paperboard testing machines. Visit the website to explore our wide range of equipment, and get in touch to know more.
