How Does a Facial Tissue Machine Work?

Facial tissues are a staple in our daily lives, offering convenience and hygiene. But have you ever wondered how these soft, thin sheets of paper are produced in such large quantities? The secret lies in the intricate machinery specifically designed for this purpose – the facial tissue machine. 

From Raw Material to Soft Sheet

The journey begins with the raw material, which is typically pulp made from wood fibers or recycled paper. This pulp is then processed to create large rolls of tissue paper, often referred to as jumbo rolls or parent rolls. These rolls are the starting point for the facial tissue machine.

From Raw Material to Soft Sheet

The journey begins with the raw material, which is typically pulp made from wood fibers or recycled paper. This pulp is then processed to create large rolls of tissue paper, often referred to as jumbo rolls or parent rolls. These rolls are the starting point for the facial tissue machine.

Unwinding and Feeding

The facial tissue machine starts by carefully unwinding these massive parent rolls. The machine is equipped with unwinding units that ensure a consistent and smooth feed of the paper into the subsequent stages of the process. Maintaining the correct tension during this phase is crucial to prevent tearing or wrinkling of the delicate paper.

Cutting and Slitting

Next, the wide roll of tissue paper needs to be cut into the desired width for individual tissue sheets. This is achieved through a slitting mechanism within the machine. Precise blades or rotary cutters carefully slice the paper into multiple narrower rolls, each corresponding to the width of the final facial tissue.

Interfolding

One of the most distinctive features of facial tissues is their interfolded structure, allowing users to pull one sheet at a time while the next one partially emerges. This clever design is accomplished by the interfolding unit of the machine.

Facial Tissue Machine

Here's a breakdown of how the interfolding process typically works:

The cut paper webs are fed into the interfolding section.

The machine uses a system of rollers and folding blades or fingers to create specific fold patterns. Common folds include V-fold, Z-fold, and M-fold.

These folds cause the individual sheets to overlap or interlock with each other in a precise manner. This ensures that when one tissue is pulled from the stack, the leading edge of the next tissue is also drawn out, ready for use.

Counting and Stacking:

Once the tissues are interfolded, the machine needs to count and stack them into the desired number of sheets per pack. This is usually done using counting mechanisms and stacking units. Sensors or mechanical counters accurately track the number of folded tissues, and then a stacking mechanism carefully arranges them into neat piles of a predetermined count (e.g., 100 tissues per stack).

Cutting and Sealing:

In many modern facial tissue machines, there is an integrated cutting and sealing unit. This section takes the stacks of interfolded tissues and cuts them into individual packs of the desired length. Simultaneously, it seals the open ends of the tissue stack using heat or adhesive, creating a finished, consumer-ready pack of facial tissues.

Conveying and Packaging:

Finally, the completed stacks of facial tissues are moved along a conveyor belt to the next stage of the production line, which typically involves the outer packaging process. This could involve wrapping the stacks in plastic film, inserting them into cardboard boxes, or other forms of packaging depending on the final product.

Automation and Efficiency:

Modern facial tissue machines are highly automated, operating at impressive speeds to produce thousands of tissue packs per hour. They incorporate sophisticated control systems to ensure accuracy, consistency, and minimal waste throughout the entire process. This automation minimizes the need for manual intervention and maximizes production efficiency.

The seemingly simple act of pulling a facial tissue involves a complex and precisely engineered process carried out by specialized machinery. From unwinding massive paper rolls to the intricate interfolding mechanism and automated stacking and sealing, every step is carefully orchestrated to deliver the soft and convenient tissues we rely on daily. Understanding how a facial tissue machine works provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of automated manufacturing and the technology behind everyday essentials.