OptiPress Center

Proven center-roll based press section for lighter grades

OptiPress Center – center roll based press section - is a reliable, well-known concept that combines close to 40 years of pressing technology experience with modern shoe press technology. With this solution, a shoe press replaces a roll just before the first open draw. The resulting boost in dryness thus fully benefits web runnability in the open draw. If necessary to meet end quality requirements, a center-roll based press can be followed by a separate roll press. In the containerboard production from recycled fiber, machines dedicated to high speeds and light basis weights can be equipped with an OptiPress Center pressing process.

High dryness and good moisture profiles

Compact design and easy to apply also in rebuilds

A reliable concept with numerous references

Added capacity potential in rebuilds

Notable track record of center press deliveries

There are hundreds of outstanding Valmet OptiPress Center (formerly named as SymPress) press sections operating successfully around the world in paper and containerboard production machines – for new lines and rebuilds alike. Read more about some of these customer success stories here.

OptiPress Center center-roll based press section

Innovation in center press: Closed sheet transfer with OptiPress Center

Transfer belt technology allows the draw between the press and dryer sections to be closed in center roll-based concepts, too. Less draw is required, and dryness and end product qualities, such as strength and porosity, improve. Rather than a transfer belt, it is also possible to use a smooth, heated metal belt that goes around the center roll and guide stretcher roll, This metal belt technology further improves press section performance, as the increased temperature of the paper web enhances dewatering in the press nip.

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Read our customer success stories about OptiPress Center deliveries

Aiming for net-zero with every decision – VPK Group’s grade conversion in Alizay, France

Sep 23, 2024

After successful collaboration in converting their Strasbourg mill in 2013, VPK again trusted Valmet with their grade conversion project in Alizay. Their paper machine now produces recycled lightweight containerboard grades with less emissions.

Mondi Ružomberok PM 19 – A complete delivery from OCC to board

Jun 7, 2023

Want to know the secret behind Mondi Ružomberok PM19's successful paper production? Check out this fascinating reference story that takes you behind the scenes of their new containerboard machine.

Palm Aalen PM 5 – a sustainable investment for the next 50 years

Oct 19, 2022

PM 5 at the Papierfabrik Palm Aalen-Neukochen site in Germany is the world’s widest high-capacity containerboard line. It is an investment for the next 50 years and has been producing high-quality and sellable board since the start-up in July, 2021.

Pratt Industries: Light, strong and 100 % recycled

Jun 19, 2019

To respond to market trends and produce containerboard with both outstanding strength properties and corrugated board print surface characteristics, Pratt Industries recently invested in two Valmet OptiConcept M board machines.

High expectations met with Kruger's grade conversion rebuild

Aug 16, 2018

The interest in lightweight linerboard is on the rise in North America. In response, Kruger decided to let Valmet convert their newsprint machine to board machine.

Greif’s on-time and under-budget project

Nov 2, 2017

A new OptiPress press section, with Valmet clothing included, boosts productivity, improves quality of the corrugating medium and reduces energy consumption at Greif Riverville Mill in USA.

More efficiency and runnability with new OptiPress

Oct 12, 2016

When the press section of Mondi’s Štêtí's PM5 was rebuilt, the mill had sellable sack kraft paper in just three days. With increased dryness resulting in better web runnability and less steam consumption, the mill is happy with the OptiPress concept and co-operation with Valmet

Pilot trials as a reliable basis for successful decisions

Nov 24, 2014

“Carrying out pilot trials means you get a real piece of paper in your hand, giving you much more confidence that you’re making the right decisions”, says Manfred Tiefengruber, Paper Production Manager at Sappi’s Gratkorn mill.

Looking for press felts and fabrics?

Valmet press felts are always tailor-made to the specifications of each individual paper machine and position: paper grade, furnish, speed, dimensions. With proven world class technology of press felts, the web transfers smoothly to drying section with high dry content and superior quality values.

Planning a press section rebuild?

Rebuilding a paper or board machine can improve the competitiveness of your business and your processes. But where do you start? Download our e-book to learn how to develop a winning rebuild concept, how to minimize rebuild related risks, and how to ensure smooth ramp up to full production.

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Looking for press roll covers?

Roll covers in the press section have a strong impact on production line efficiency, capacity and product quality. Along with press section clothing, they are key components for dewatering through the wet pressing process. Especially in center roll-based presses with an open draw, roll covers also directly affect machine runnability.

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