Find the Root Cause of Paper and Board Quality Variations

Independent high resolution CD and MD diagnostics for paper and board producers. We identify the root causes behind profile variations and instability and deliver clear, actionable results within 48 hours of receiving your samples. Less downtime. Fewer complaints. Faster decisions.

Tapio Analysis is trusted by all major paper and board makers worldwide.

Results in 48 hours from receiving the samples. Every day without answers is a day of waste and uncertainty.

Independent service, we’re not tied to any machine suppliers or other vendor.

Expert report and online review with Tapio’s team of specialists.

Close-up of the Tapio Caliper sensor measuring the thickness of a paper sheet as it passes between two black sensor modules.

What is Tapio Analysis

Tapio Analysis is a measurement and analysis service for customer-provided MD rolls or sets of CD strips. Suitable for all paper, board and nonwoven grades. We will conduct the measurements with the Tapio Analyzer within two working days of receiving the samples.

Tapio Analysis combines high-resolution laboratory measurements with spectral and correlation analysis to connect quality variations directly to machine elements, actuators or process conditions.

Why choose Tapio?

When to use Tapio Analysis

Tapio Analysis is the right too when you need to:

Tapio Porosity Sensor measuring air permeability of paper according to standard methods.
Tapio Gloss Sensor measuring gloss on both sides of a paper sheet with a 75° angle.

Examples of cases we solve

Before/after rebuild or process change

Measure and quantify how paper or board quality properties changed following a process modification or machine rebuild.

CD profile and actuator effects

Obtain a high-resolution and full-width CD profile. Connect cross-directional profile variations to actuator spacings in the production line, including investigation of the very ends of the profile.

Caliper, basis weight or gloss variation

Locate the specific machine components causing measurable profile variations in your production. Unresolved profile variations lead to customer complaints and wasted production.

Winder vibrations originating from paper variations

Determine whether winder vibrations align with periodic variations in the MD, which can be shown to originate from specific rolls, using spectral analysis against known roll diameters and rotating speeds.

QCS accuracy verification

Compare Tapio lab measurements against your online QCS data to verify scanner accuracy using easy built-in comparison tools.

Calendering problems (barring and other)

Identify faulty calender rolls and determine whether roll barring originates from the wet end or coating stations.

What We Measure

We measure the provided samples with a Tapio Analyzer to produce a high-resolution dataset. We can measure with all available Tapio sensors. The standard high-resolution dataset includes: 

  • Basis weight
  • Caliper
  • Transmission / Optical density (optical formation)
  • Density
  • Bulk
  • Ash variations and relative ash profile
  • Dual-sided gloss

Porosity is available upon request. Additional physical properties such as tensile strength or elongation etc. can be measured through our partner network. 

Tapio Remission Sensor measuring brightness variations in paper with a 0.3 mm aperture.
Tapio Analysis software

Analysis and Reporting

Every Tapio Analysis project includes: 

  • Detailed written report: projects, statistics, spectra and expert observations
  • Raw measurement data available upon request for internal follow-up studies
  • Online review meeting where we’ll discuss findings directly with you
  • Custom analysis plots: we create additional comparisons when needed


The Tapio Analysis software used for data processing is open-source and available free of charge to all customers, enabling you to explore the data independently alongside our report.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How is Tapio Analysis different from lab measurement instruments like PaperLab or Autoline?
A: The Tapio sensors are based on the same paper quality standards, but they measure paper and board profiles non-destructively with a small 1 mm sampling step and small measurement spots, allowing high-resolution studies of the profiles, including the spectral analysis and correlations between different quality parameters.

Q: How is Tapio Analysis different from online QCS scanners in paper machines?
A: Online QCS scanners are limited by the operating conditions and high production speeds, requiring larger aperture sizes, reduced sampling rates and heavy averaging.  Tapio Analysis is done at slow speed in controlled laboratory conditions, enabling accurate and stable measurements with all sensors with millimeter sampling intervals. Each sensor measures the same physical point in paper using millimeter-level apertures and minimal filtering. Small-scale profile details that are not visible in online data can be clearly seen in Tapio Analysis.

Q: What quality parameters are measured in Tapio Analysis?
A: Standard Tapio measurements include basis weight, caliper, transmission, dual-sided gloss, ash variations, density and bulk. We have a porosity sensor available for suitable grades. Further physical paper properties can also be measured as profiles at our partners by cutting the samples for destructive measurement after Tapio measurements.

Q: What is the measurement resolution of Tapio Analysis?
A: The sample spacing is 1 mm in a standard CD measurement and 10 mm in a standard MD measurement. 

Q: Can Tapio Analysis link variation to specific machine elements?
A: Yes, when the customer provides the production line speed, roll diameters, rotating speeds or CD actuator spacings from the production line, the Tapio Analysis software can automatically connect periodic variations to these known spacings. 

Q: Do we need to use the Tapio Analysis software ourselves?
A: No. It is not necessary to use the Tapio Analysis software. The Tapio team can handle the full measurement and analysis process and deliver a complete report with conclusions. The Tapio Analysis software is open-source and available free of charge to all customers. Measurement data files from service projects can be provided upon request, allowing additional internal studies if needed. 

Q: Can other data be analyzed with Tapio Analysis?

A: Tapio Analysis loaders can be extended to take in any QCS or other high-resolution profile data to enable analysis from external data sources using the Tapio Analysis software.

Q: How much does it cost to analyze my project?
A: You can estimate your project cost using our price calculator. The calculator provides an instant estimate based on standard project parameters. Final pricing may vary depending on the exact project scope and shipping requirements. For larger projects or special requirements, please contact us for a tailored quote. You can reach us at info@tapiotechnologies.com, we will respond within one business day. No commitment required.


How does it work?

For the laboratory analysis, either a set of CD strips or an MD roll is needed for measurement. After measurement, the customer is provided with a detailed report on the findings, including profiles, statistics, spectra etc. as well as an online meeting with Tapio experts to discuss the findings. 

Diagram showing how Tapio MD and CD samples are cut from a paper roll—cross-directional strips on the left, machine-direction strip on the right.

For CD analysis, send us 20 CD strips cut from your parent reel.

For MD analysis, send us a small MD sample roll (70 cm diameter, 20 cm width on a standard 3″ core). If you cannot cut it to that size, we can handle the cutting from any sized rolls.