How to prepare samples for Tapio Analysis Service

Samples needed for the Tapio Analysis service

Depending on the analysis needs (see details here), we need either:
• A small MD roll (~75 cm diameter, 15–25 cm wide)
• A set CD strips (≥20 full-width strips cut from a reel). We need this many strips or because it ensures a stable average profile for accurate CD analysis.

We can cut or prepare samples if you cannot. We accept all size rolls and have partners for winding and cutting if you cannot cut your sample to the sizes mentioned below. Sample cutting and preparation is a normal part of our analysis service.

Samples should come from steady state production runs unless otherwise agreed. Avoid transitional tails of reels.

MD Samples

If you are unable to prepare a small enough MD roll on a standard 3″ core, we can take care of cutting and rewinding for you. We can receive any size customer rolls.

  • The MD sample roll can be up to 75 cm in diameter
  • The MD sample roll can be up to 15 to 25 cm wide.
  • MD sample rolls are usually obtained at the winder or re-winder, from close to the ends of a reel or from a cross direction location that is known to be causing the problems.
  • The sample should be on a standard 3” standard core.
  • If you cannot prepare a small enough roll on a 3" core, we have partners available for cutting and winding
  • MD samples are typically shipped to us on pallets.
Large white paper sample roll mounted on a Tapio Analyzer, prepared for machine direction quality measurement.

CD Samples

The Tapio CD sample is a set of 20 full-width paper strips cut from the same parent reel.  

If you have a sample cutter which will produce 20 cm wide CD strips, those can be used directly.  The set of 20 CD strips can also be prepared by hand-cutting, just send us the hand-cut strips from your reel with enough excess so that we can trim them down to the correct size (20 cm x full width) for measurement. 

  • For the cross direction (CD) analysis, at least 20 full width strips from the same parent reel are needed to calculate a stable average CD profile.
  • CD samples can be hand cut across the reel.
  • Make sure that each strip is full reel width and has some excess (40 cm wide in the machine direction).
  • Always clearly mark the drive (DS) and tending side (TS) on the samples, as well as top and bottom (wire and top) side.
  • At Tapio laboratory, the strips are cut and taped into a “mini reel” on a standard 3” core for measurement, using a sample cutter specifically developed by Tapio for this purpose.
  • Avoid folds and creases in all CD samples.
  • CD samples are typically shipped to us in a carboard box or a tube.
A set of wide paper strips laid out lengthwise on a table, with a cutter device used to prepare them for testing purposes.

Where to send the samples

Please use a courier service to ship the samples to

Tapio Measurement Technologies Oy
Attn: Mr. Tuomas Tiainen
Kalkkipellontie 6
FI-02650 Espoo
FINLAND
Phone: +358 40 500 2279

 

To simplify the customs clearance, please note on the sample shipment that it has no resale value and that it can be destroyed following the analysis.

Production line data

Optional but helpful information

Note the sample grade and the nominal basis weight of the sample supplied for testing.  Describe the problems you have been experiencing with the machine lately and any specific area you would like to have us focus our analysis.

If possible:

• For MD analysis, please collect rotating frequencies or diameters of rolls, felts, pumps and wires in the machine. 
• For CD analysis, please provide CD actuator spacings
• To achieve an accurate total ash measurement, please specify either the nominal ash leveleither or the types of fillers and coating formula.