In the papermaking process, dewatering at the forming section directly impacts both the quality of the finished product and the stability of the equipment. For many manufacturers, selecting the right material for vacuum box covers—a critical component—has long been a challenge. Recently, polyethylene vacuum box covers have gained traction in the paper industry due to their consistent, well-rounded performance, offering a new material option for equipment operation and maintenance.

Traditional metal or ceramic covers are prone to corrosion and wear when exposed to pulp, moisture, and chemical additives over time. Such degradation can scratch forming fabrics, lead to scaling or slot clogging, and increase the frequency of downtime for maintenance. According to technical staff at Henan Jinhang, polyethylene vacuum box covers leverage the material’s inherent low-friction and self-lubricating properties. Under continuous friction, they minimize wear on forming fabrics and reduce the accumulation of fibers, ensuring a stable and efficient dewatering process.

This material is resistant to acids, alkalis, and impacts; it remains stable—resisting deformation or cracking—even in the humid, negative-pressure environments typical of papermaking, while maintaining a reliable seal. Furthermore, the material is lightweight, making it easier to handle, install, and remove, which simplifies routine cleaning and maintenance and helps shorten downtime. Through mature processing techniques, these polyethylene covers can be custom-slotted and trimmed according to specific equipment blueprints, ensuring compatibility with the vacuum box structures of various paper machine models.

Many companies that have adopted these covers report an extended service life for their forming fabrics, a reduction in unplanned equipment downtime, and optimized long-term maintenance costs. The adoption of this new material represents more than just a simple replacement; it is a targeted solution that aligns with industrial requirements for energy efficiency and stable production. The industry continues to refine material formulations and machining precision, further exploring the potential applications of high-performance engineering plastics in light-industrial equipment.

This article was compiled and edited by Henan Jinhang Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. (www.upeplastic.cn). Responsible editor: Jinhang. The company specializes in the R&D and production of polyethylene vacuum box covers. Reproduction is permitted, provided the source is cited.